Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Study Notes

Definition: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, making it difficult to fight off infections and diseases.
Transmission: HIV is transmitted through:
- Unprotected sex with an infected person
- Sharing needles or syringes with an infected person
- From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
- Blood transfusions (rare)
Symptoms: May not appear immediately, but can include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Night sweats
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
Treatment: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can manage HIV, but there is no cure.
Prevention: Use condoms, get tested regularly, and avoid sharing needles or syringes.

Definition: A bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
Transmission: Through:
- Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex
- Sharing sex toys
- Infected mother to child during childbirth
Symptoms: May not appear immediately, but can include:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Burning sensation during urination
- Painful sex
- Heavy bleeding or spotting
- Testicular pain
Treatment: Antibiotics can cure chlamydia.
Complications: Untreated chlamydia can lead to:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Infertility
- Ectopic pregnancy

Definition: A bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Transmission: Through:
- Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex
- Sharing sex toys
- Infected mother to child during childbirth
Symptoms: May not appear immediately, but can include:
- Thick, yellowish discharge from the penis or vagina
- Burning sensation during urination
- Painful sex
- Heavy bleeding or spotting
- Testicular pain
Treatment: Antibiotics can cure gonorrhea.
Complications: Untreated gonorrhea can lead to:
- PID
- Infertility
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI)

Definition: A viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Transmission: Through:
- Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
- Unprotected sex
- Kissing or touching an infected person
Symptoms: May include:
- Painful blisters or sores around the genitals, mouth, or anus
- Itching or burning sensation
- Flu-like symptoms
Treatment: Antiviral medications can manage symptoms, but there is no cure.
Prevention: Use condoms, avoid skin-to-skin contact during outbreaks, and get tested regularly.

Definition: A bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum.
Transmission: Through:
- Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex
- Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person
- Infected mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth
Symptoms: May include:
- Painless sore or chancre at the site of infection
- Rash on the hands and feet
- Flu-like symptoms
- Swollen lymph nodes
Treatment: Antibiotics can cure syphilis.
Complications: Untreated syphilis can lead to:
- Neurological problems
- Blindness
- Dementia
- Death