STIS Flashcards
What is an STI?
An STI, or sexually transmitted infection, is an infection that spreads from one person to another through intimate sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex
Why are STIs considered dangerous?
STIs are dangerous because they can spread easily from person to person, and most people don’t show obvious signs or symptoms. This makes it difficult to know who might be infected, increasing the risk of unknowingly transmitting or contracting an infection.
What percentage of sexually active teens has an STI?
About 1 in 4 sexually active teens has an STI, meaning that STIs are quite common among young people who are sexually active.
What is the best way to protect yourself from STIs?
The most effective way to avoid STIs is through abstinence—choosing not to engage in any oral, vaginal, or anal sex. This eliminates the risk of exposure to infections spread through sexual contact.
Can you get an STI without intercourse? If so, how?
Yes, it is possible to contract certain STIs, such as genital warts or herpes, without intercourse. Some STIs spread through skin-to-skin contact, so they can be transmitted even if intercourse doesn’t occur.
List three common STIs.
Three common STIs are:
Chlamydia: A bacterial infection that can cause serious reproductive issues if untreated.
Gonorrhea: A bacterial infection that affects the genital tract, mouth, or rectum.
Genital Herpes (HSV-2): A viral infection that causes painful sores and is incurable
What is the most reliable way to know if you have an STI?
The only sure way to know if you have an STI is to get tested by a healthcare provider. Many people with STIs don’t have symptoms, so testing is essential for detection and treatment.
Why might someone with an STI not realize they are infected?
Most people with STIs don’t experience symptoms, or their symptoms may be very mild and easy to overlook. Symptoms can also come and go, making it possible for an infection to go unnoticed for weeks, months, or even years.
What are some symptoms of STIs in women?
Women with STIs may experience:
Sores, bumps, or blisters near the genitals, anus, or mouth
Burning or pain during urination
Itching, unusual odor, or unusual discharge from the vagina or anus
Pain in the lower abdomen
Unexplained bleeding between menstrual periods
What are some symptoms of STIs in men?
Men with STIs may experience:
Sores, bumps, or blisters near the genitals, anus, or mouth
Burning or pain when urinating
Discharge from the penis
Itching or pain in the anus, sometimes with discharge
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a common bacterial STI caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It often does not show symptoms, which makes it easily spread unknowingly.
What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?
Symptoms of Chlamydia, when present, may include genital pain and unusual discharge from the genital area.
How is Chlamydia treated?
Chlamydia is a common bacterial STI caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It often does not show symptoms, which makes it easily spread unknowingly.
What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?
Symptoms of Chlamydia, when present, may include genital pain and unusual discharge from the genital area.
How is Chlamydia treated?**
Chlamydia is curable with antibiotics, such as azithromycin or doxycycline. It’s essential to inform recent sexual partners so they can also be treated to avoid reinfection.
What are the complications of untreated Chlamydia?
Untreated Chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can result in chronic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. In men, it can infect the epididymis, causing pain and potentially infertility.
What is Gonorrhea?**
Gonorrhea is a bacterial STI caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect the genital tract, rectum, and throat.
What are the symptoms of Gonorrhea?**
Symptoms of Gonorrhea may include a burning sensation during urination, discharge from the penis or vagina, and bleeding between periods in women.