LESSON NOTE ON SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES: J S 1

WEEK SIX

TOPIC: SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs)

What Is Sexually Transmitted Infection

LESSON NOTE ON SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES: J S 1: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or venereal diseases, are infections that are spread primarily through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and they can affect both men and women. LESSON NOTE ON SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES: J S 1

Common STIs Include:

Chlamydia: Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, it can infect the urethra, rectum, and throat. It often has no symptoms but can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Gonorrhea: Caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, it can infect the urethra, rectum, and throat. Symptoms may include painful urination and discharge, but some people may not experience any symptoms.
Syphilis: Caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, it progresses through stages if left untreated. Symptoms can include sores (chancres), rashes, and in later stages, damage to internal organs.
Genital Herpes: Caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), it can cause painful sores in the genital area. There is no cure, but antiviral medications can help manage outbreaks.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A group of viruses that can cause genital warts and increase the risk of certain cancers, including cervical cancer.
HIV/AIDS: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the immune system, leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It can be transmitted through sexual contact, as well as through blood and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
Trichomoniasis: Caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, it can cause itching, burning, and discharge from the genital area.
Hepatitis B: A viral infection that can be transmitted through sexual contact and can lead to liver damage and other complications.

STIs can have serious health consequences if left untreated, including infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and an increased risk of HIV transmission. Prevention methods include practicing safe sex (using condoms), getting vaccinated (for HPV and hepatitis B), and getting tested regularly for STIs, especially if you’re sexually active or have multiple sexual partners.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION OF (STIs)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are primarily transmitted through sexual activities involving genital contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The specific modes of transmission can vary depending on the type of STI, but generally include the following:

Unprotected Sexual Intercourse: Direct contact with infected genital, anal, or oral mucous membranes can transmit STIs. This includes vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, and oral-genital contact.
Skin-to-Skin Contact: Some STIs can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with infected areas, even if there is no penetration or exchange of bodily fluids. This is particularly relevant for STIs like genital herpes and HPV.
Infected Bodily Fluids: STIs can be transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, blood, and anal fluids. This can occur through sexual intercourse or through contact with infected fluids on surfaces or objects.
Mother-to-Child Transmission: Some STIs can be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. This includes STIs like HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
Sharing Contaminated Needles or Equipment: STIs such as HIV and hepatitis B can be transmitted through sharing contaminated needles or equipment used for injecting drugs, tattoos, or body piercing.
Non-Sexual Transmission: In rare cases, certain STIs can be transmitted through non-sexual means, such as blood transfusions (before proper screening protocols were in place), organ transplants, and contact with contaminated surfaces or objects (though this is less common).

It’s important to note that practicing safe sex (using condoms correctly and consistently) can significantly reduce the risk of STI transmission. Additionally, getting vaccinated (e.g., for HPV and hepatitis B), getting tested regularly for STIs, and seeking timely treatment if diagnosed with an STI are crucial for preventing transmission and managing the spread of these infections.

SYMPTOMS OF OF STIs

Symptoms of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can vary widely depending on the specific infection and individual factors such as the person’s immune system and the stage of the infection. Some STIs may cause noticeable symptoms, while others may be asymptomatic (meaning they do not cause any symptoms).

Common Symptoms of STIs Are Listed Below

Genital Sores or Ulcers: Some STIs, such as herpes (HSV) and syphilis, can cause painful sores or ulcers on or around the genitals, anus, or mouth.
Pain or Burning Sensation: Pain or a burning sensation during urination can be a symptom of STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.
Genital Discharge: Unusual discharge from the penis, vagina, or anus may be a symptom of STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. The discharge may be yellow, green, or bloody in color and may have a foul odor.
Painful Intercourse: Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse can be a symptom of various STIs, including genital herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
Genital Itching or Irritation: Itching, irritation, or a rash in the genital area can be symptoms of STIs like genital herpes, pubic lice (crabs), and scabies.
Lower Abdominal Pain: Some STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause lower abdominal pain or pelvic pain, particularly in women. This pain may be mild or severe.
Painful or Swollen Testicles: Pain, swelling, or tenderness in the testicles can be a symptom of STIs like epididymitis, which can be caused by chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Anorectal Symptoms: STIs contracted through anal sex, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, may cause symptoms such as anal itching, pain, bleeding, or discharge.
Flu-Like Symptoms: Some STIs, particularly during the early stages of infection, may cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. This can occur with infections like HIV and early-stage syphilis.

It’s important to note that not everyone with an STI will experience symptoms, and some infections can be asymptomatic or cause mild symptoms that may go unnoticed. Additionally, symptoms of STIs can overlap with other conditions, so it’s essential to get tested if you have any concerns about your sexual health or if you’ve engaged in high-risk sexual behaviors. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of STIs are crucial for preventing complications and reducing the spread of infections.

EVALUATION QUESTIONS

Give the meaning of the following: STD, HIV and AIDS.
State out 5 ways of preventing sexually transmitted diseases.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT (SECTION A)

Sexually transmitted disease is an illness spread from one person to another through (a) hand-shake(b) dancing (c) sexual contact (d)sharing of clothing.
One of the following is not a sexually transmitted disease (a) Gonorrhea (b) syphilis(c) HIV

(d)fever.

Human Immune Deficiency Virus causes _______ (a) AIDS (b) Syphilis (c) Gonorrhea (d)Mal-nutrition.
One of the following has no cure at the moment (a) HIV/AID (b) Gonorrhea (c)Syphilis

(d)Malaria