Sexually Transmitted Infections Overview

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), their symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Infections acquired through intimate or sexual contact that can be bacterial, viral, protozoan, parasitic, or fungal.

Viral STIs

Infections caused by viruses, which are generally incurable.

Bacterial STIs

Infections caused by bacteria, which are typically treatable with antibiotics.

High-risk sexual behaviors

Actions that increase the likelihood of contracting STIs, such as unprotected intercourse and multiple sexual partners.

Chlamydia trachomatis

The bacterium responsible for chlamydia, the most commonly reported bacterial STI in the United States.

Syphilis stages

The disease has four stages: primary (chancre), secondary (rash and flu-like symptoms), latent (no symptoms), and tertiary (severe complications).

General symptoms of STIs

Can include abdominal pain, irregular menses, increased vaginal discharge, pain or burning during urination, and itching.

Trichomoniasis

A common nonviral STI caused by a protozoan parasite; may result in malodorous discharge.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

The most common viral infection in the U.S., can cause genital warts and is linked to cervical cancer.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

A result of ascending polymicrobial infection affecting the upper female reproductive tract, often from untreated STIs.

Prevention of STIs

Includes safer sex practices, education, and behavior modification strategies to reduce risk.

Acyclovir

An antiviral medication used to treat herpes simplex virus, blocking virus replication.

Doxycycline

An antibiotic used to treat various bacterial STIs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Bacterial Vaginosis

An imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, leading to symptoms like a fishy odor and abnormal discharge.

Condom efficacy

Consistent use significantly reduces the risk of STIs by about 80%.

Ceftriaxone

A cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat gonorrhea, effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria.

Risk factors for STIs

Include low socioeconomic status, multiple sexual partners, and inconsistent condom use.