Chapter 8 – Sexually Transmitted Infections

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms, pathogens, treatments, and prevention strategies discussed in the lecture on sexually transmitted infections.

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)

An infection caused by pathogens passed primarily through sexual contact; may be asymptomatic yet still transmissible and harmful.

Bacterial STI

Sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria; typically curable with antibiotics (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis).

Viral STI

Sexually transmitted infection caused by a virus; not curable with antibiotics but preventable or manageable with vaccines, condoms, or antiviral drugs (e.g., herpes, HPV, HIV).

Chlamydia

Most prevalent bacterial STI in Canada; often asymptomatic; can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women and epididymitis in men; treatable with antibiotics.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes, usually from untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea, leading to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.

Gonorrhea

Bacterial STI characterized by pus-like genital discharge; highest rates among men who have sex with men and travelers; treatable with antibiotics.

Syphilis

Bacterial STI that progresses through primary, secondary, and tertiary stages; can damage organs and increase HIV risk; curable with penicillin.

Tuskegee Study

Unethical U.S. study (1932-1972) where Black men with syphilis were denied treatment to observe disease progression even after penicillin became available.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1)

Herpes virus strain usually causing oral cold sores but increasingly found in anogenital areas.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2)

Herpes virus strain primarily infecting the anogenital region; rarely found elsewhere.

Herpes (Genital Herpes)

Chronic viral STI caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2; produces painful blisters, recurs when immunity is lowered; no cure, but antivirals reduce outbreaks.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Extremely common viral STI transmitted by skin-to-skin contact; some strains cause warts, others lead to cancers (notably cervical cancer).

Gardasil 9

Vaccine that protects against nine high-risk HPV strains associated with genital warts and various cancers.

Pap Smear

Screening test that collects cervical cells to detect precancerous changes often caused by HPV.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Virus that attacks the immune system; transmitted by blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk; untreated infection can progress to AIDS.

Antiretroviral Therapy (ARV)

Combination drug treatment that suppresses HIV replication, preserves health, and reduces infectiousness to near zero when viral load is undetectable.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Advanced stage of HIV infection marked by severe immune suppression, opportunistic infections, cancers, and potential death.

Viral Hepatitis A

Liver infection spread by fecal-oral routes including oral–anal sex or contaminated food/water; usually acute and vaccine-preventable.

Viral Hepatitis B

Blood-borne liver infection prevalent among men who have sex with men and unscreened transfusions; chronic cases treated with antivirals; vaccine available.

Viral Hepatitis C

Blood-borne liver infection linked to injection drug use and poor medical hygiene; chronic infection treated with antivirals; no vaccine.

Trichomoniasis

Parasitic STI causing yellow discharge, itching, and pain on urination; common in parts of Africa; treatable with oral medication.

Pubic Lice (Crabs)

Tiny parasites that infest pubic hair, causing intense itching; transmitted via sexual contact or shared linens; treated with medicated shampoos.

Scabies

Infestation by microscopic mites burrowing in skin; extremely itchy; spread through close contact; treated with topical medications.

Moniliasis (Candidiasis, Thrush)

Overgrowth of Candida yeast in the vagina or mouth; not strictly an STI but can follow new sexual activity, antibiotic use, or diabetes; treated with antifungals.

STI Screening

Routine testing for infections when no symptoms are present, often before beginning sexual activity with a new partner.

STI Testing

Diagnostic testing performed because of suspected exposure or the presence of symptoms.

Safer Sex Practices

Behaviours that reduce STI risk, such as condom use, vaccination, communication, and limiting sexual partners.

Condoms

Barrier devices (external or internal) that reduce transmission of STIs and prevent pregnancy when used consistently and correctly.

Prophylaxis (HIV)

Medication taken before (PrEP) or after (PEP) exposure to prevent HIV infection.

Pelvic Age-Risk Group (20-24 Females)

Demographic with the highest reported incidence of many STIs in Canada, underscoring the need for targeted prevention.