Questions and Answers
What can STDs cause?
Cancer, infertility, premature birth
What are sexually transmitted diseases?
Infectious diseases spread from person to person through sexual contact
What are epidemics?
Occurrences of disease in which many people in the same place at the same time are affected
What are three reasons why the spread of STDs has been called a hidden epidemic?
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What does asymptomatic mean?
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What fraction of the new cases of STDs in the United States each year are teens?
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How many young people are infected with an STD every day?
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What are four high-risk behaviors for infection from STDs?
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What is abstinence?
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What is the only method that is 100% effective in preventing STDs and the sexual transmission of HIV?
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What are four ways sexually transmitted diseases can change a person's life?
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What can STDs be caused by?
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What is an example of an STD caused by viruses?
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What is an example of an STD caused by bacteria?
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What is an example of an STD that is caused by protozoa?
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What is an example of an STD that is caused by insects?
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What virus can cause genital warts or asymptomatic infection?
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What is a bacterial infection that affects the reproductive organs of both sexes?
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What is a bacterial STD that usually affects mucous membranes?
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What is an STD caused by the herpes simplex virus?
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What is an STD caused by a microscopic protozoan that results in infections of the vagina, urethra, and bladder?
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What is an STD that attacks many parts of the body and is caused by a small bacterium called a spirochete, happening in stages?
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STDs account for what percentage of the most common communicable diseases in the US?
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What is the most important fact to remember about STDs?
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What is the estimated number of new cases every year?
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What is the estimated number of people currently infected?
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Which STD has the greatest incidence in the US?
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Which STD has the greatest known prevalence in the US?
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Can treatment rid the body of HPV?
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What types of cancer are caused by HPV?
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What percentage of females infected with Chlamydia are asymptomatic?
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What is one serious complication that can result from undetected Chlamydia?
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What percentage of males infected with Chlamydia are asymptomatic?
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How can gonorrhea be treated?
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What is one possible consequence of untreated gonorrhea?
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What are the two types of genital herpes?
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What does type 1 genital herpes cause?
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What does type 2 genital herpes cause?
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What is the relationship between the presence of symptoms of genital herpes and the spread of the disease?
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What is a consequence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection for children of infected mothers?
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What is HSV's role in HIV?
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What are the symptoms apparent in the four stages of syphilis?
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Why is it the responsibility of any person infected with an STD to notify everyone with whom he or she has had sexual contact?
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Study Notes
Overview of STDs
- STDs can lead to serious health issues, including cancer, infertility, and premature birth.
- Defined as infectious diseases transmitted through sexual contact.
Epidemics and Hidden Nature of STDs
- Epidemics occur when many individuals in a specific location are infected simultaneously.
- The spread of STDs has been termed a "hidden epidemic" due to:
- Many infections are asymptomatic, going unnoticed by individuals.
- Stigma and embarrassment prevent some from seeking treatment.
- Diagnosed cases may remain unreported, hindering public health responses.
Risk Factors and Prevention
- High-risk behaviors contributing to STD spread include:
- Being sexually active with multiple partners.
- Engaging in unprotected sexual activities.
- Choosing partners with known risks.
- Using alcohol or drugs that impair judgment.
- Abstinence from sexual activity is the only 100% effective method to prevent STDs.
Impact and Life Changes Due to STDs
- STDs can significantly alter lives because:
- Some are incurable (e.g., genital herpes, AIDS).
- Others can lead to various cancers (e.g., hepatitis B causes liver cancer).
- Certain infections can cause infertility (e.g., pelvic inflammatory disease).
- STDs can affect infants during pregnancy (e.g., lead to premature birth).
Statistics on STDs
- Approximately 1/4 of new STD cases in the U.S. occur among teenagers.
- Around 10,000 young people are newly infected with STDs daily.
- STDs constitute 85% of the most common communicable diseases in the U.S.
Types of STDs and Their Causes
- STDs can be caused by:
- Viruses (e.g., genital herpes, HPV).
- Bacteria (e.g., gonorrhea, chlamydia).
- Protozoa (e.g., trichomoniasis).
- Insects (e.g., pubic lice).
Key STD Examples
- HPV: Can cause genital warts and is linked to several cancers.
- Chlamydia: Often asymptomatic in 75% of females and 50% of males; untreated infections can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Gonorrhea: Treatable with antibiotics, but can lead to infertility if left untreated.
- Syphilis: Progresses through four stages with varying symptoms, can damage internal organs, and might lead to severe complications.
Special Considerations
- Genital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2:
- Type 1 usually results in cold sores.
- Type 2 typically causes genital sores.
- The presence of symptoms does not eliminate the risk of transmission for herpes.
- Infected mothers may have children at risk of severe complications from HSV.
Notification and Responsibility
- Individuals infected with STDs bear the responsibility to inform previous sexual partners to prevent further spread and potential life-threatening consequences.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Explore key concepts related to sexually transmitted diseases with these flashcards from Chapter 25, Lesson 1. Understand the causes, definitions, and implications of STDs, including their connection to epidemics and potential health consequences. Ideal for students studying health or biology.