Sexually transmitted infections

Meaning of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases spread from one person to another through sexual contact. They are sometimes called venereal diseases.

Types of Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections

There are many types of sexually transmitted diseases/infections.

These include:

1. Syphilis
2. Gonorrhea
3. HIV/AIDS
4. Genital warts
5. Genital herpes
6. Hepatitis B
7. Chlamydia etc.

Signs of Sexually Transmitted Infections

GONORRHEA

This disease is caused by the bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhea. It is spread from an infected person through sexual intercourse.

Symptoms (Signs) of Gonorrhea

Male Infected Person

(i) There is frequent and very painful urination.

(ii) Yellowish discharge from penis

(iii) Waist pain

1. Loss of appetite which leads to loss of weight.
2. Can cause infertility

Female Infected Person

(i) Frequent urination occurs, but not until a few months after infection.

(ii) Smelling mucus from the vagina oozes out of the infected person after a long time.

(iii) The patient usually feels pain around her hip.

(iv) The patient feels pain in the vulva during sexual intercourse

(v) There is loss of appetite and the body temperature is usually high.

(vi) The mouth and lips are dry and face looks pale.

(vii) The patient is dull and easily irritated.

(viii) Advanced stage of the infection may lead to wetting of pants with uncommon urination which comes with fowl odour.

(ix) It can cause infertility

(x) If a pregnant woman has the disease, her child’s eyes will be affected at birth.

Treatment of Gonorrhea

(i) This is with the use of antibiotics or see the doctor as the case may be.

(ii) The infected person should see a qualified medical doctor.

Prevention and Control of Gonorrhea

(i) Avoid pre-marital sex

SYPHILIS

This is caused by bacteria called Treponema palladium. It is spread through sexual contact between infected persons or kissing.

Symptoms (Signs) of Syphilis

Symptoms of syphilis can be observed in the patient many days after sexual intercourse. That is, it is not easy to detect like that of gonorrhea. The symptoms are as follows:

(i) Sores on the sex organs.

(ii) Body rashes on palm of hands, soles of feet etc.

(iii) Fever, sore throat, hair and weight loss.

(iv) Headaches and muscular pains.

(v) It may later cause damage to the brain, heart, and eyes.

(vi) It can lead to insanity and death.

Treatment of Syphilis

The patient should use antibiotics or see the doctor.

Prevention and Control of Syphilis

(i) Abstinence from pre-marital sex

EVALUATION

1. Explain the meaning of sexually transmitted diseases/infections (STDs/STIs).
2. State three signs of each of the following:
3. Gonorrhea (b) syphilis