Chapter 15: Sexually Transmitted Infections

Question 1

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Answer 1

Infections that are transmitted by sexual contact.

Question 2

Chlamydia

Answer 2

Urogenital infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.

Question 3

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Answer 3

An infection of the uterus and pelvic cavity.

Question 4

Trachoma

Answer 4

A chronic, contagious form of conjunctivitis caused by chlamydia infections.

Question 5

Conjunctivitis

Answer 5

Inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and the exposed surface of the eyeball.

Question 6

Gonorrhea

Answer 6

A sexually transmitted infection that initially causes inflammation of mucous membranes.

Question 7

Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU)

Answer 7

An inflammation of the urethral tube cause by organisms other than gonococcus.

Question 8

Herpes

Answer 8

An infection characterized by blisters on the skin in the regions of the genitals or mouth. It is caused by the Herpes simplex virus and is easily transmitted through sexual contact.

Question 9

Prodromal symptoms

Answer 9

Symptoms that warn of an impending herpes eruption.

Question 10

Genital warts

Answer 10

Viral warts that appear on the genitals and are primarily transmitted sexually.

Question 11

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

Answer 11

Virus that can be transmitted sexually and cause reproductive health problems, including genital warts and cervical cancer.

Question 12

Viral hepatitis

Answer 12

An ailment in which liver function is impaired by a viral infection.

Question 13

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

Answer 13

A vaginal infection caused by bacterial microorganisms; it is the most common form of vaginitis among U.S. women.

Question 14

Urethritis

Answer 14

An inflammation of the urethral tube.

Question 15

Cystitis

Answer 15

An infection of the bladder.

Question 16

Candidiasis

Answer 16

Inflammatory infection of the vaginal tissues caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans.

Question 17

Trichomoniasis

Answer 17

A form of vaginitis caused by the one-celled protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis.

Question 18

Ectoparasites

Answer 18

Parasitic organisms that live on the outer skin surfaces.

Question 19

Pubic lice

Answer 19

Lice that primarily infest the pubic hair and are transmitted by sexual contact.

Question 20

Scabies

Answer 20

An ectoparasitic infestation of tiny mites.

Question 21

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Answer 21

The immune-system-destroying virus that causes AIDS.

Question 22

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome AIDS)

Answer 22

A catastrophic illness in which a virus (HIV) invades and destroys the ability of the immune system to fight disease.

Question 23

Opportunistic infections

Answer 23

Infections that take hold because of the reduced effectiveness of the immune system in a person with HIV.

Question 24

Viral load

Answer 24

The amount of HIV present in an infected person’s blood.

Question 25

Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART)

Answer 25

A strategy for treating people living with HIV with a combination of antiretroviral drugs.

Question 26

Microbicide

Answer 26

A topical gel or cream product that women can use vaginally to prevent or minimize the risk of being infected with HIV or other STIs.

Question 27

HIV/STI stigma

Answer 27

Shame attached to HIV and other STIs that is expressed through negative social reactions toward people who are infected.