STI

Question 1

What are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?

Answer 1

Infections transmitted by close body contact, usually with the genital organs. Caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, passed during sexual activity.

Question 2

Who is most at risk of STIs and why are they difficult to prevent?

Answer 2

Young people aged 15–29 are most at risk. There are no vaccines for most STIs, and one infection does not give immunity.

Question 3

What general measures help prevent and control STIs?

Answer 3

Education, safe sex practices, condom use, early treatment, and contact tracing.

Question 4

What causes chlamydia and how is it transmitted?

Answer 4

Caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, a specialised bacterium that reproduces only inside human cells. Transmitted by vaginal or anal sex.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of chlamydia in men and women?

Answer 5

Often no symptoms (‘silent infection’). Men: non-specific urethritis with yellow discharge and burning urination; epididymitis (pain/swelling, infertility). Women: usually no symptoms, may cause PID, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, conjunctivitis in newborns, premature birth/stillbirth.

Question 6

How is chlamydia diagnosed and treated?

Answer 6

Diagnosis by urine test or swab. Treated with antibiotics, though the bacterium may not be completely eliminated. Vaccine research is ongoing.

Question 7

What causes gonorrhoea and what organs does it affect?

Answer 7

Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (‘gonococcus’), affecting mucous membranes of reproductive system, rectum, eyes, and throat.

Question 8

What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea in males and females?

Answer 8

Males: burning urination, yellow pus discharge; untreated can cause sterility, arthritis, heart/eye infection. Females: often no early symptoms, may spread to oviducts causing sterility. Both: throat infections, newborn eye infection leading to blindness.

Question 9

How is gonorrhoea treated and what is the concern with treatment?

Answer 9

Antibiotics cure gonorrhoea if early, but resistant strains are emerging, with multi-drug resistant cases detected.

Question 10

What causes syphilis and how is it spread?

Answer 10

Caused by Treponema pallidum, a spiral bacterium. Spread by direct sexual contact.

Question 11

What are the stages of syphilis and their symptoms?

Answer 11

Primary: chancres (painless sores). Secondary: rashes, sore mouth/throat, fevers, bone/eye disorders. Latent: no symptoms but still infected. Tertiary: heart disease, blindness, insanity, paralysis years later. Can cross placenta and harm fetus.

Question 12

How is syphilis treated?

Answer 12

Antibiotics cure syphilis if early. Surgery may be needed in late stages. It remains a major global public health issue.

Question 13

What causes genital herpes and how is it transmitted?

Answer 13

Caused by Herpes simplex virus. HSV-1: usually cold sores but can infect genitals. HSV-2: genital blisters. Transmitted by skin-to-skin contact (oral, anal, vaginal sex).

Question 14

What are the symptoms of genital herpes and its course over time?

Answer 14

First episode: painful blisters, ulcers, flu-like symptoms. Virus persists for life; recurrences are shorter and less severe but still infectious. Can transmit to baby at birth (rare but serious).

Question 15

How is genital herpes treated?

Answer 15

No cure. Treated with antiviral drugs to reduce severity/duration, plus pain relief, saline dressings, and abstinence during outbreaks.

Question 16

What causes genital warts and what do they look like?

Answer 16

Caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Flat, raised, or cauliflower-like growths on genitals, anus, or throat.

Question 17

Can genital warts cause cancer?

Answer 17

HPV types that cause genital warts do not cause cervical cancer. Other HPV strains are linked to cervical cancer.

Question 18

How are genital warts treated and prevented?

Answer 18

Treatment: removal of warts. Vaccines available for cancer-causing HPV types.

Question 19

What is HIV and what does it do to the body?

Answer 19

HIV infects T-lymphocytes, weakens immune system, and leads to AIDS.

Question 20

What are the stages of HIV infection?

Answer 20

Acute: flu-like illness for 2–3 weeks. Chronic: asymptomatic for years while virus damages immune system. AIDS: immune failure, infections, cancers. Time from infection to AIDS varies (months to 20 years).

Question 21

How is HIV transmitted?

Answer 21

Via blood, semen, vaginal and rectal fluids, and breast milk. Not spread through casual contact, sweat, tears, urine, or saliva (unless blood is present).

Question 22

How is HIV treated and prevented?

Answer 22

No cure or vaccine. Treated with antiviral ‘cocktail’ (combination therapy) that slows replication. PEP within 72h may prevent infection. Prevention: condoms, safe sex, no needle sharing, screened blood supply.

Question 23

What causes trichomoniasis and how is it spread?

Answer 23

Caused by protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis. Spread by vaginal intercourse.

Question 24

What are the symptoms of trichomoniasis?

Answer 24

Women: discomfort, discharge, severe vaginal itch. Men: often asymptomatic but still transmit.

Question 25

How is trichomoniasis treated?

Answer 25

Cured with antibiotics. Both partners should be treated simultaneously.

Question 26

What causes pubic lice and scabies?

Answer 26

Pubic lice: insect Phthirus pubis. Scabies: mite Sarcoptes scabei.

Question 27

What are the symptoms of pubic lice and scabies?

Answer 27

Intense genital itching due to allergic reaction to lice/mite or their faeces. Scabies itching worse at night; found in pubic hair, armpits, wrists, finger webs.

Question 28

How are pubic lice and scabies treated?

Answer 28

Lotions applied to skin kill lice/mite and their eggs. Transmission via sexual or prolonged close contact.