Sexually Transmitted Infections

Question 1

What is HSV?

Answer 1

Herpes simplex virus

Question 2

What are the characteristics of Herpes?

Answer 2

• Ulcers in mouth/genital area

- Often asymptomatic

Question 3

What is the most common treatment for Herpes?

Answer 3

Acyclovir

Question 4

How is Herpes transmitted?

Answer 4

• Unprotected sex
• To the baby during birth
• Contact with ulcers (e.g. kissing with mouth ulcer)

Question 5

How does Herpes affect breastfeeding?

Answer 5

• Should not feed from affected breast

- Express milk and discard EBM to maintain supply

Question 6

What are the characteristics of Syphilis?

Answer 6

• Genital ulcers which are usually painless
• Blotchy red rash on hands/feet
• Can cause tiredness, headaches, joint pain, fever

Question 7

What are the 3 types of Syphilis?

Answer 7

Primary = painless sores present
Secondary = variety of symptoms (including rash)
Tertiary = no treatment can lead to heart abnormalities, lesions in bones and organs and can affect the NS

Question 8

What are the complications of neonatal Syphilis?

Answer 8

• Stillbirth
• Miscarriage
• NN death
• Neurological problems
• Organ damage

Question 9

How is Syphilis transmitted?

Answer 9

• Unprotected sex
• Contact with lesions
• Through the placenta
• During delivery

Question 10

How is Syphilis treated?

Answer 10

Antibiotics (most commonly a penicillin injection into the buttocks)

Question 11

How does Syphilis affect breastfeeding?

Answer 11

Does not affect BF as sores are on genitals and rarely on mouth/ breasts

Question 12

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Answer 12

• Not an STI
• Infection caused by bacteria in the vagina
• Causes include sex, perfumed products, antibiotics, IUD

Question 13

What are the characteristics of BV?

Answer 13

White-grey discharge that has an unpleasant smell which may be more noticeable during/ after sex

Question 14

What is the treatment for BV?

Answer 14

Antibiotics (commonly Metronidazole)

Question 15

What is HIV?

Answer 15

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• Virus that attacks the immune system
• Incurable virus
• Can lead to AIDS

Question 16

What are the symptoms of HIV?

Answer 16

Flu-like symptoms (e.g. fever, headache, muscle aches)

Question 17

How is HIV transmitted?

Answer 17

• Unprotected sex
• Sharing needles
• During delivery (if no ART)

Question 18

What is ART?

Answer 18

Anti-retroviral Therapy

Question 19

How does ART work?

Answer 19

Prevent the virus from replicating, allowing the immune system to repair itself

Question 20

How does HIV affect breastfeeding?

Answer 20

• Should advise against BF as it can pass through breastmilk to the baby
• If the mother wants to BF, baby must also be given ART
• Transmission more likely with mastitis/ cracked nipples

Question 21

Which STIs are tested for routinely at booking?

Answer 21

• Hepatitis B
• HIV
• Syphilis

Question 22

What is Hepatitis B?

Answer 22

Infection of the liver caused by an STI

Question 23

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B?

Answer 23

• Flu-like symptoms
• Loss of appetite
• N+V
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice

Question 24

What is the treatment for Hepatitis B?

Answer 24

Antiviral treatment

baby should be given vaccine and immunoglobulin within first 24 hours and then at 1, 2 and 12 months

Question 25

How does Hepatitis B affect breastfeeding?

Answer 25

Women can still BF as long as the baby has had the immunisations

Question 26

What must be considered for a baby who has a Hepatitis vaccine?

Answer 26

They must wait 3 months before having a BCG vaccine (if applicable)