SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
Target: I will be able to distinguish the various STI’s from one
another, describe the ways in which they enter the body, and
explain which are curable and which are not
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Infections
transmitted through intimate, usually sexual, contact
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Chlamydia: A bacterial infection of the urogenital tract
that can be easily cured with antibiotics
• Transmitted through contact with a penis, vagina,
mouth, anus, and during childbirth
• “Silent Infection”- most infected people are
asymptomatic for several weeks after exposure
• Causes painful
urination, white
discharge,
inflammation of the
cervix, urethra,
prostate, and sterility
• 2/3 of new infections
occur among youth
15-24 years old
Gonorrhea: A bacterial infection that
causes infertility if not treated with
antibiotics
• Transmitted through contact with a
penis, vagina, mouth, anus, and
during childbirth
• Can infect the cervix, uterus,
fallopian tubes, and urethra; as
well as the mouth, throat, eyes,
and rectum
• 2nd most common STI in the United
States
Trichomoniasis: A vaginal
STI caused by a parasite
that causes foamy, yellow
discharge and an
unpleasant odor
• Transmitted through
contact with a penis,
vagina, mouth, anus, or
hands
• Cured with a single
dose of antibiotics
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): A
group of viruses that the body
harbors for a lifetime (not cureable),
which are characterized by warts on
various parts of the body.
• Most common STI in the US- 20
million Americans currently
infected and 6 million new cases
each year
• Some health effects caused by
HPV can be prevented with the
vaccination
Genital Herpes: STI caused by
the herpes simplex virus which
causes blisters/open sores on the
genitals
• Highly contagious and
incurable (no cure, but there is
medicine to reduce symptoms)
• Many people infected are
unaware that they have it
because of such mild
symptoms; therefore passing it
onto partners unknowingly
Syphilis: A contagious bacterial infection that is
characterized by distinct phases
• Starts as a painless sore (chancre) on the penis,
scrotum, vaginal wall, or cervix
• If left untreated, a rash and white patches appear
on the skin in the mouth, throat, and genitals.
• A curable disease with prompt treatment.
• If treated too late, there may be permanent
damage to the heart and brain
Candidiasis: Yeastlike fungal infection
from a normal fungus inhabiting the
vaginal tract
• When the normal chemical balance
of the vagina is disturbed, the
organisms multiply and cause the
infection which can be cured with
over the counter medication
Pubic Lice: Parasitic insects that inhabit
the genitals and are killed with lice
shampoo- aka “Crabs”
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): An incureable
virus that causes AIDS by infecting helper T cells and
making the individual more vulnerable to infections,
cancers, and neurological disorders
• AIDS: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome- a
disease that attacks the immune system
• Transmitted when infected bodily fluids (semen,
vaginal secretions; blood) enter the body through an
open cut, or wound.
Summary
CONNECTING THE INFECTIONS
Create a concept map to show the
similarities/differences between the 9 STIs that you
learned today.
•Be sure to make include which are cureable and
which are not.
*Use a minimum of 4 colors
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