Chapter 18: Sexually Transmitted Infections

Chlamydia

An organism causing a sexually transmitted disease. The symptoms in males are a thin, clear discharge and mild pain on urination; females are frequently asymptomatic.

Asymptomatic

Having no symptoms.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

An infection and inflammation of the pelvic organs, such as the fallopian tubes and the uterus.

HPV

Human papillomavirus, the virus that causes cervical cancer.

Genital Warts

A sexually transmitted infection causing warts on the genitals.

Genital Herpes

A sexually transmitted disease, the symptoms of which are small, painful bumps or blisters on the genitals.

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)

A sexually transmitted disease that destroys the body’s natural immunity to infection so that the person is susceptible to and may die from a disease such as certain pneumonias or cancers.

HIV

Human immune deficiency virus; the virus that causes AIDS.

AZT

A drug used to treat HIV-infected persons; also called ZDV.

Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

The use of antiretroviral drugs to prevent infection in people who are HIV-negative and are in a high-risk category.

Gonorrhea

A sexually transmitted infection that usually causes symptoms of a puslike discharge and painful, burning urination in males but is frequently asymptomatic in females.

Syphilis

A sexually transmitted infection that causes a chancre to appear in the primary stage.

Chancre

A painless, ulcerlike lesion with a hard, raised edge that is a symptom of syphilis.

Primary-Stage Syphilis

The first few weeks of a syphilis infection during which the chancre is present.

Secondary-Stage Syphilis

The second stage of syphilis, occurring several months after infection, during which the chancre has disappeared and a generalized body rash appears.

Latent Syphilis

The third stage of syphilis, which may last for years, during which symptoms disappear although the person is still infected.

Late Syphilis

The fourth and final stage of syphilis, during which the disease does damage to major organs of the body such as the heart or brain.

Congenital Syphilis

A syphilis infection in a newborn baby resulting from transmission from an infected mother.

Hepatitis B

A liver disease that can be transmitted sexually or by needle sharing.

Trichomoniasis

A form of vaginitis causing a frothy white or yellow discharge with an unpleasant odor.

Pubic Lice

Tiny lice that attach themselves to the base of pubic hairs and cause itching; also called crabs.

Vaginitis

An irritation or inflammation of the vagina, usually causing a discharge.

Candida

A form of vaginitis causing a thick, white discharge; also called moniliasis or yeast infection.

Prostatitis

An infection or inflammation of the prostate gland.