Sexually Transmitted Infections Flashcards
Name 7 major STIs
Gonorrhea
Chlamydia
Syphilis
Hepatitis B
HIV
Herpes simplex virus
Human papillomavirus
What are the two main modes of transmission?
Direct skin contact
Sexual contact (oral, anal, genital)
What is the most common symptom of an STI?
No symptom at all
What are the two major ways to test for STIs?
Swabs (Lesions, oral, rectal, genital)
Blood tests (Serology, point-of-care, self-test)
What are five conditions indicating that you should seek out STI testing?
You have symptoms
Partner has symptoms
Partner diagnosed with an STI
New sexual partner(s)
Partner has other partners
An attribute or label that sets a person apart from others, links the labeled person to undesirable characteristics, and represents socially shared knowledge understood even by the targets
Stigma
Name the 5 types of stigma
Perceived
Internalized
External social
Intersectional
Institutionalized
Awareness of negative social attitudes, fear of discrimination and feelings of shame
Perceived stigma
A person’s acceptance of negative beliefs, views and feelings about themselves and the group to which they belong
Internalized stigma
Includes acts of rejection or discrimination, such as physical or psychological exclusion or abuse (based on a person’s real or perceived identity or membership in a stigmatized group) or unfounded fear of infection from others.
External social stigma
The joint effects of having more than one stigmatized identity (e.g. being subject to multiple forms of oppression such as racism, classism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism)
Intersectional stigma
Stigma applied to a group of people through the application of policies and procedures
Institutionalized stigma
Name 6 reasons why stigma is a problem
Less open communication, less disclosure to partners for fear of rejection or violence
Delay testing, hesitation
Perception that others will judge or blame can lead to psychological stress that contributes to bad decisions with regards to one’s sexual health.
Feeds prejudice towards certain groups that are associated with high levels of infection: ex gay and bisexual men, drug users, sex workers, prisoners, etc.)
Experience of discrimination and violence (not sharing food, holding hands, insults, social rejection, physical abuse, refusal of health services, loss of employment or housing, etc.)
It is often the stigmatization of the person who has an infection that will make them depressed or anxious rather than the infection itself.
What are three ways one can manage STI risks?
Become informed
Have an open and honest discussion with your partner about sexual health and STI status.
Negotiate an explicit agreement with regard to your sexual relationship
