6.2. Infections of the Genital Tract - Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Question 1

What is the definition of a Commensal Micro-Organism?

Answer 1

A Micro-Organism that derives food or other benefits from another organism without hurting or helping it

Question 2

What is the definition of a Pathogen?

Answer 2

A Micro-Organism that can cause disease

Question 3

What is the definition of an Infection?

Answer 3

The invasion and multiplication of an organism that’s not usually found in the body. These can be classified into:

1. Sub-Clinical - No Symptoms
2. Clinical - Symptoms

Question 4

What is the definition of a Sexually Transmissable Micro-Organism?

Answer 4

A Virus, Bacteria, Parasite which can be spread by Sexual Contact. These can be:

1. Commensal
2. Pathogen

Question 5

What is the definition of a Sexually Transmitted Infection?

Answer 5

An infection by which an Organism which is Sexually Transmissible and which is less Likely to be transmitted by other means. Common ones are:

1. Neisseria Gonorrhoeae
2. HPV Type 6

Question 6

What is the definition of a Sexually Transmitted Disease?

Answer 6

A Disease caused by an Sexually Transmitted Infection. Common ones are:

1. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
2. Genital Warts

Question 7

What are the main Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

Answer 7

1. Chlamydia Trachomatis
2. Klebsiella Granulomatis
3. Mycoplasma Genitalium

Question 8

What are the main Viral Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

Answer 8

1. Herpes Simplex Virus (Types 1 & 2)
2. HIV - BBV
3. Human Papilloma Virus (Types 6 & 11) - Genital Warts
4. Molluscum Contagiosum Virus
5. Hepatitis C - BBV

Question 9

What are the main Parasitic Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

Answer 9

1. Pthirus Pubis (Pubic Lice)
2. Sarcoptes Scabei (Scabies)
3. Tricomonas Vaginalis

Question 10

What are the Features / Implications of Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

Answer 10

1. They are Transmissible (Infectious) - Partner Notification
2. Asymptomatic most of the Time - Symptoms and Screening
3. All manageable but not always Curable - Treatment & Prevention of Complications
4. Avoidable - Primary Prevention = Education

Question 11

What Sexually Transmitted Diseases can be passed on by Genital Contact only?

Answer 11

1. Pubic Lice (Pthirus Pubis)
2. Scabies (Sarcoptes Scabeii)
3. Genital Warts - Human Papilloma Virus Types 6 & 11
4. Herpes - Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 & 2

Question 12

What are the common Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

Answer 12

1. Ulceration
2. Lumps
3. Urethritis
4. Discharge
5. Rashes
6. Psychological Distress
7. Systemic Symptoms - Fever / Lymphadenopathy / Malaise
8. Infertility

Question 13

Other than Unpleasant Symptoms, why are Sexually Transmitted Diseases important?

Answer 13

1. They are a Drain on Resources

2. They are common

Question 14

Why do Diagnoses of Sexually Transmitted Infections change over time?

Answer 14

1. A True Change in the Number of Cases (Infectivity / More Sex / Alcohol)
2. A Change in Diagnoses, but no actual change, in Number of Cases (Greater Awareness / More Testing / Better Testing)

Question 15

What are the Principles of Management of Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

Answer 15

1. History
2. Partner Notification (Client (Patient) / Provider (NHS) Referral)
3. Offer / Recommend an HIV test
4. Health Promotion - Condoms / Alcohol / Drugs etc.

Question 16

What must be Covered in a Sexually Transmitted Disease History?

Answer 16

1. Last Sexual Contact
2. Casual / Regular Contact
3. Male / Female
4. Nature of Sex Act
5. Condom useage
6. Other Contraception used
7. Nationality of Contact

Question 17

What is the specific Risk Assessment for Sexually Transmitted Diseases in a Man?

Answer 17

1. Ever had Sexual Contact with a Man
2. Injected Drugs
3. Sexual Contact with anyone who has Injected Drugs
4. Sexual Contact with anyone outside of the UK
5. Medical Treatment outside of the UK
6. Involvement with Sex Industry - Prostitutes