STIs Flashcards
Sexually Transmitted Infection Definition
- Infectious disease spread through sexual contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or sexual fluids from an infected person* Treatable and can be curable* Complications can be SERIOUS and can include infertility and cancer* Lots of psychosocial implications* Education, counseling, referrals are essential nursing roles
Can STI’s spread through casual contact?
- NOT spread through casual contact
How are STI’s spread?
- Mucosal tissues in genitals most susceptible* Rectum and mouth* Spread through direct skin-to-skin contact (genital warts)* Can also spread from an infected person’s blood or blood products* Birth, sharing needles* Autoinoculation touching or scratching an infected area and transferring to another part of SAME person’s body
Factors Related to Incidence of STI”s
- 20 million new cases each year in US* Having an STI increases risk for getting another* Can have multiple STI’s at the same time* Incubation period* Earlier reproductive maturity* Longer sexual lifespan* Greater sexual freedom* Inconsistent or incorrect use of barrier methods* Media’s increasing emphasis on sexuality without discussing safer sex* Substance use
Which STI’s must be reported to the health department?
In the U.S.:** Gonorrhea Chlamydia* Syphilis
Risk factors for Infection of Sexually Transmitted Disease
- <25 (especially adolescents)* Socially/economically disadvantaged* High-risk behaviors* Alcohol/drug use needle sharing* Multiple sexual partners* Inconsistent use of barrier methods* High-risk medical history* History of STI* Lack of vaccinations* Multiple uses of Prep (prophylaxis for HIV)* Higher risk populations (Ex., MSM, transgender)
Health Equity in STI’s
- Black Americans have highest number of many STIs* Social & economic disadvantages lead to difficulty addressing smaller problems (like sexual health)* Fear and distrust of HCPs* Difficulty accessing quality health services
What is the best form of protection of STI’s?
Male condom best form of protection against STIs
What is a better option than abstinence?
Safer Sex
Does the use of hormonal birth control OR long-acting reversible contraceptives prevent STI’s?
NO!
What are the 3 bacterial STI’s?
- Chlamydia* Gonorrhea* Syphilis
Are bacterial STI’s reportable to the health department?
YES!
What is the most common bacterial STI?
Chlamydia (trachomatis)
What type of bacteria is Chlamydia?
Gram negative
How is Chlamydia transmitted?
- Transmitted though exposure to sexual fluids during vaginal, anal, or oral sex* Incubation period 1-3 weeks* Can be infected multiple times
What is the most common site for infection for MEN with Chlamydia?
urethra - urethritis
What is the most common site for infection for WOMEN with Chlamydia?
cervical - cervicitis
What is another common site of Chlamydia in Men and Women?
rectum or the oropharynx
Between which partners is Chlamydia most commonly transmitted?
Men to Women
Chlamydia Manifestations & Complications in Men
- Usually, no symptoms* Men– pain with urination or urethral discharge* Rarely pain or swelling of the testicles* Complications can RARELY result in infertility
Chlamydia Manifestations & Complications in Women
- Usually, no symptoms* Mucopurulent discharge, bleeding, dysuria, pain with intercourse* Complications can result in infertility Pelvic Inflmmatory Disease (PID)
Chlamydia Manifestations & Complications Rectal
- Anorectal pain* Discharge* Bleeding* Pruritis* Tenesmus* Mucus coated stools* Painful bowel movements
Chlamydia Diagnosis
- Accurate sexual history, physical exam, lab test nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)* Always test for OTHER STIs as well* Regular screening for high-risk populations recommended* Return for testing 3 months after treatment
Chlamydia Treatment
- Treated with azithromycin or doxycycline* ALL sexual contact from prior 60 days should be notified/evaluated/treated* Abstain from sexual activity for 7 days AFTER treatment AND until all partners have been tested and treated* Expedited partner therapy
What is the second most common STI in the US?
Gonococcal Infections
What causes gonorrhea?
Neisseria gonorrhoeae a gram-negative, diplococcus bacteria
How is gonorrhea transmitted?
- Transmitted through exposure to sexual fluids during vaginal, anal , or oral sex* Incubation period 1-14 days* Prior infection does not prevent reinfection
What are symptoms of gonorrhea in men?
urethral infection (urethritis) or epididymitis
What are symptoms of gonorrhea in women?
cervical (cervicitis)
What is another common site of gonorrhea in Men and Women?
rectal or oropharynx
Is gonorrhea reportable to the health department?
YES!!!It is reportable disease in every state (by lab or provider).
Who should be screened for gonorrhea?
- Screen young, sexually active females* Men who have sex with men* Others at high risk for gonorrhea (& chlamydia) annually
Gonorrhea Manifestations in Men
- Usually symptomatic within a few days* Dysuria, purulent urethral discharge or epididymitis* Rectal– mucopurulent rectal discharge, bleeding, anorectal pain, pruritis, painful bowel movements
Gonorrhea Manifestations in Women
- Usually asymptomatic or have minor symptoms (often overlooked)* Increased vaginal discharge, dysuria, frequency of urination or bleeding after sex* Redness and swelling of cervix can occur with purulent exudate* Rectal– mucopurulent rectal discharge, bleeding, anorectal pain, pruritis, painful bowel movements