Reproductive Health and Contraception Overview

What is candidiasis and what are its symptoms?

Candidiasis, or yeast infection, is a fungal infection characterized by discharge that looks like cottage cheese and has a smell. It can be caused by changes in pH, often due to antibiotics.

What is trichomoniasis and how is it caused?

Trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan and is characterized by yellow-greenish, frothy discharge.

What are the symptoms of Gardnerella infection?

Gardnerella infection presents with a fishy or foul odor and thin grey or white discharge.

What are the three categories of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

STDs can be categorized as protozoan, bacterial, or viral.

What are the main characteristics of herpes?

Herpes can be oral or genital, with oral herpes caused by kissing and genital herpes primarily transmitted through sexual activity. Symptoms include clusters of fluid-filled blisters.

What is HPV and what are its potential consequences?

HPV, or human papillomavirus, can lead to cervical cancer and is characterized by warts or blisters. The HPV vaccine targets certain strands of the virus.

What are the symptoms and treatment options for hepatitis?

Hepatitis symptoms include pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, and jaundice. Treatment involves antiviral drugs.

What is gonorrhea and what are its symptoms?

Gonorrhea is a bacterial STD that can appear anywhere in the body, causing symptoms like painful urination, increased discharge, and abdominal pain.

Describe the stages of syphilis and their symptoms.

Syphilis occurs in stages: primary stage (chancre sores), secondary stage (skin rashes), and late stage (internal damage such as paralysis, blindness, and dementia).

What is HIV and how does it replicate?

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a retrovirus that infects host cells, particularly white blood cells, to replicate. It causes immunological symptoms.

What are the types of anti-retroviral therapies for HIV?

Anti-retroviral therapies include Fusion/Entry Inhibitors, Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors, Integrase Inhibitors, and Protease Inhibitors.

How can STDs increase the risk of HIV infection?

STDs can create open sores that serve as direct pathways for HIV entry and increase the number of white blood cells in the genital tract, raising infection chances.

What are the methods of HIV transmission?

HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sex, sharing needles, mother to fetus, and blood transfusions.

What is the Central Dogma of molecular biology?

The Central Dogma states that genetic information flows from DNA (transcription) to RNA (translation) to proteins.

What are opportunistic diseases?

Opportunistic diseases are infections that commonly occur in individuals with compromised immune systems.

What are the two categories of contraceptives?

Contraceptives are categorized as permanent (e.g., tubal ligation, vasectomy) and semi-permanent (e.g., IUD, Implanon).

What is the purpose of a tubal ligation?

A tubal ligation blocks the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy by ensuring sperm cannot reach the egg.

What is the function of an IUD?

An IUD is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy by affecting sperm movement and altering the uterine lining.

What is the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)?

LAM is a natural contraceptive method that relies on breastfeeding to prevent ovulation for up to six months after childbirth.

What are some hormonal contraceptive methods?

Hormonal contraceptives include combination therapy, progestin-only pills, Depo-Provera injections, OrthoEvra patches, and NuvaRing.

What is the effectiveness of abstinence as a contraceptive method?

Abstinence is considered 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.

What is emergency contraception and how does it work?

Emergency contraception, like Plan B, is used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex and contains high doses of estrogen and/or progesterone.

What is required for fertilization to occur?

Sperm must be present in the fallopian tubes during ovulation for fertilization to occur.

What happens during the formation of a zygote?

During zygote formation, the sperm nucleus enters the egg, completing meiosis II, and the nuclei fuse to combine chromosomes.

What is the role of HCG in pregnancy?

HCG is the hormone tested for in pregnancy tests and helps maintain the corpus luteum, preventing the drop in estrogen and progesterone levels.

What hormonal changes occur during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels rise to prevent shedding of the endometrium, with the placenta starting to produce progesterone around 8-12 weeks.