Understanding Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Other Diseases
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Symptoms
In Males:
- A drip or drainage from the penis
In Males and Females:
- Sore bumps or blisters near sex organs or mouth
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Swelling or redness in the throat
- Fever, chills, aches
- Swelling of lymph nodes near genitals or swelling of the genitals
- Feeling the need to urinate frequently
In Females:
- Vaginal discharge or odor from the vagina
- Pain in the lower pelvis or deep in the vagina
- Bleeding from the vagina other than during your period
Early Symptoms (Often Mild)
- Sterility (infertility)
- Blindness
- Central nervous system damage
- Disfigurement
- Death
Transmission
- Intimate sexual contact
- Sexual intercourse
- Oral-genital contact
- Hand-genital contact
- Anal intercourse
Chlamydia
A bacterially caused infection of the urogenital tract, commonly affecting college students and women.
Secondary Damage
- Damage to the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and bulbourethral gland
- Arthritis-like symptoms
- Damage to blood vessels and heart
Damage in Women
- Injury to the cervix or fallopian tubes, potentially causing sterility
- Damage to the inner pelvic structure, potentially leading to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth in pregnant women
- Conjunctivitis (eye infection) that can lead to blindness if untreated
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
An infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. PID is not always an STI. Non-sexual factors such as excessive vaginal douching, cigarette smoking, and substance abuse can contribute to PID. Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can also lead to PID.
Gonorrhea
Caused by the pathogen Neisseria gonorrhea, it primarily infects the lining of the urethra, genital tract, pharynx, and rectum. It can spread to the eyes or other body regions through contact with hands.
Symptoms in Males:
- White, milky discharge
- Painful urination 2-9 days after infection
Symptoms in Females:
- Burning sensation during urination, often occurring much later after infection
Syphilis
A bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. The bacteria die in air, dryness, or cold temperatures. Transmission occurs through breaks in the skin, deep kissing, or other exchanges of bodily fluids.
Stages:
- Primary
- Secondary
- Latent
- Late
Pubic Lice
Small parasites transmitted during sexual contact or by lying on infected sheets.
Genital Warts
Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), these warts penetrate the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals or anus through sexual contact. They can range in size from small pinheads to large, cauliflower-like growths. Often, there are no symptoms.
Trichomoniasis
An infection characterized by a foamy, yellowish, unpleasant-smelling discharge, burning, itching, and painful urination. It can be spread through contact with toilet seats, wet towels, and sexual contact.
Herpes
There are two types of herpes: Type 1 typically affects the lips and other parts of the body, while Type 2 infects any area of the body, with lesions commonly appearing on the vaginal area, penis, or anal opening.
HIV/AIDS
Women are 4-10 times more likely to contract HIV than men. Ethnic minorities, teenagers, and college students are particularly vulnerable. African and Hispanic women account for 76% of AIDS cases. AIDS is the leading cause of death for women aged 25-44 and one of the top ten causes of death for people aged 15-64.
Transmission:
- Exchange of body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal secretions, saliva)
- Blood transfusion
- Injecting drugs
- Mother-to-child transmission through breast milk
Symptoms:
- Cold sweats
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Sore throat
Non-Infectious Diseases
Chronic Lung Disease
Characterized by chronic breathlessness, which may limit the ability to climb stairs, walk unassisted, or sleep. It can lead to major disability and lack of function as the lungs fill with mucus, making the individual susceptible to bacterial or viral infections. This can cause acute stress on the heart. Symptoms include chronic cough, excessive phlegm, wheezing, and coughing up blood. Chronic lung disease can be fatal.
Allergies
Environmental allergies are common, causing symptoms like a runny nose and itchy eyes. Reactions can be triggered by molds, animal dander, hair and dead skin, pollen (ragweed), or dust. Allergies can worsen over time, starting in childhood.
Hay Fever
Characterized by attacks of sneezing and itchy, watery eyes and nose. Triggers include pet dander, dust, and pollen from various plants. Injections or antihistamines can provide relief.
Asthma
Can occur at any age, but is more common in boys than girls in childhood and more common in women than men in adulthood. African Americans are more likely to die from asthma than Caucasians.
Emphysema
The exact cause is uncertain, but there is a strong link between emphysema and long-term cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. Individuals with emphysema often experience discomfort for many years. The inadequate oxygen supply, combined with the stress of overexertion on the heart, takes a toll on the cardiovascular system and can lead to death.
Bronchitis
Occurs when the bronchi become inflamed or infected, reducing airflow from the lungs and leading to the formation of heavy mucus. Cigarette smoking is a major cause of chronic bronchitis. Secondary infections can worsen the condition. Air pollution, dust, and fumes are also risk factors.
Sleep Apnea
A disorder in which breathing stops for 10 seconds or longer, causing the person to wake up and start breathing again. Over time, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Treatment options include reducing alcohol consumption, changing sleeping positions, and adjusting sleep schedules.
Definitions
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Infectious diseases transmitted through intimate, usually sexual, contact.
Chlamydia
A bacterially caused STI of the urogenital tract.
Conjunctivitis
Serious inflammation of the eye caused by various pathogens or irritants, including STIs like chlamydia.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
A term used to describe various infections of the female reproductive tract.
Gonorrhea
The second most common STD in the United States. If untreated, it can cause sterility.
Syphilis
One of the most widespread STDs, characterized by distinct phases and potentially serious consequences.
Chancre
A sore often found at the site of syphilis infection.
Pubic Lice
Parasites that can inhabit various body areas, especially the genitals; also called “crabs.”
Genital Warts
Warts that appear in the genital area or the anus, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
A small group of viruses that cause genital warts.
Candidiasis
A yeast-like fungal disease often transmitted sexually.
Vaginitis
A set of symptoms characterized by vaginal itching, swelling, and burning.
Trichomoniasis
A protozoan infection characterized by a foamy, yellowish discharge and unpleasant odor.
Genital Herpes
An STI caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
An extremely virulent sexually transmitted disease that renders the immune system inoperative.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
The slow-acting virus that causes AIDS.
ELISA
A blood test that detects the presence of antibodies to the HIV virus.
Western Blot
A test more accurate than the ELISA, used to confirm the presence of HIV antibodies.
Dyspnea
Chronic breathlessness.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A collection of chronic lung diseases, including asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.
Allergy
A hypersensitive reaction to a specific antigen or allergen in the environment, in which the body produces excessive antibodies to that antigen or allergen.
Histamines
Chemical substances that dilate blood vessels, increase mucous secretions, and produce other symptoms of allergies.
Hay Fever
A chronic respiratory disorder that is most prevalent when ragweed and flowers bloom.
Asthma
A chronic respiratory disease characterized by attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing spasms.
Emphysema
A respiratory disease in which the alveoli become distended or ruptured and are no longer functional.
Alveoli
Tiny air sacs of the lungs.
Bronchitis
An inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes.
Sleep Apnea
A disorder in which a person has numerous episodes of breathing stoppage during a night’s sleep.