Chapter 16 Human Sexuality

Infections that can be communicated through sexual contact.

The organism that causes genital warts. It is estimated to be in at least 20% of Americans over the age of 12 and in more than 50% of some populations of college women. Also linked to cervical cancer.

a sexually transmitted disease, the most common STI - more common than gonorrhea and syphilis. Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, a parasitic organism that can only survive within cells. Often producing no symptoms, it can cause pelvic inflammation, infertility, chronic pain, or a tubal pregnancy if left untreated. Infections are high among female teenagers and college students. Causes other types if infections: (NGU) Nongonococcal Urethritis in men and women, Epididymitis (infection of the epididymis) in men, Endometritis (infection of the endometrium), Cervitis (infection of the cervix) and PID in women.

They are transmitted through sexual means, such as vaginal, anal and oral sex. Some STIs can be spread through nonsexual contact. HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis my be spread by sharing contaminated hypodermic syringes. \"Crabs\" can be picked up from bedding or other objects, such as moist towels that harbor the infectious organisms that cause these STIs.

World Health Organization - Estimates that at least 333 million people around the world are infected with curable STIs every year. US is believed to have the highest rate of infection in the industrial world.

One-celled microorganisms that have no chlorophyll and can give rise to many illnesses. Some bacteria are needed for human life and some of which are harmful. Bacteria causes: pneumonia, tuberculosis, meningitis, STIs - gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia.

A STI caused by the gonococcus bacterium / Neisseria gonorrhoeae and characterized by a discharge and burning urination. Was the most widespread bacterial STI in the US but it has been replaced by Chlamydia. About 355,000 new cases of gonorrhea are reported each year. Most new cases are contracted by people between the ages of 20 & 24. Highly contagious. Women stand nearly a 50% chance of contracting gonorrhea after one exposure. Men have a 25% risk of infection. Risk is higher for women because they retain infected semen in the vagina. Risk of infection increases with repeated exposure.

Men- Experience symptoms within 2-5 day after infection. Clear at first then changing to a yellowish, thick penile discharge, urethra becomes inflamed and burning urination, swelling and tenderness in lymph glands of the groin. Women - Primary sight of infection is the cervix. Increases vaginal discharge, burning urination, irregular menstrual bleeding (80% of women show no early symptoms) When left untreated it may spread through the urogenital system in both genders and strike the internal reproductive organs. Diagnosis - Clinical inspection, culture of sample discharge Treatment - Antibiotics: Injection of Ceftriaxone, ciprofloaxin, cefixime, ofloxacin

A gonorrheal infection that is characterized by a sore throat.

A gonorheal infection of the eyes of newborn children who contract the disease by passing through an infected birth canal. This disorder may cause blindness but has become rare because the eyes of a newborn are treated routinely with silver nitrate or penicillin ointment, which are toxic to gonococcal bacteria.

The inflammation of the cervix. May cause a yellowish to yellow-green puslike discharge that irritates the vulva.

Inflammation of the epididymis. Tenderness or pain in the scrotum are the main symptoms. Fever may be present. Could possibly effect the kidneys. Can cause fertility problems.

Gonorrhea infection. The spread of bacterium through the cervix to the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and other parts of the abdominal cavity. Symptoms - cramps, abdominal pain and tenderness, cervical tenderness and discharge, irregular menstrual cycles, sex pain,fever nausea and vomiting. Could occur without any symptoms. Can cause scarring that blocks the fallopian tubes, leading to infertility. Very serious illness that required aggressive treatment. Surgery may be needed to remove the infected tissue. Usually will clear up rapidly in over 90% of cases if caught early and treated early, but women usually do not show early signs.

A STI that is caused by Treponema pallidum bacterium, which may progress through several stages of development from a chancre to a rash to damage to vital body systems. Name means \"faintly colored (pallid) turning thread\" describing the corkscrew shape of the microscopic organism. It is also called a \"spirochete\" - meaning spiral and hair. It is treated with penicillin. Can cause heart disease, blindness, confusion and death. Syphilis killed the painter Paul Gauquin.

A syphilis infection that is present at birth. May impair vision and hearing, or deform bones and teeth.

The Columbus theory - Christopher Columbus returned from Spain with syphilis. He showed symptoms of advanced syphilis when he died in 1506. \"Pre-Columbian Theory\" - the theory that said that syphilis existed in Europe prior to voyages of Columbus.

Is most often transmitted by vaginal or anal intercourse, or oral-genital or oral-anal contact with an infected person or by touching an infectious chancre (sore). Can't be caught from a toilet seat that was used by an infected person. Pregnant women my transmit syphilis to the fetuses because the spirochete can cross the placental membrane. This may cause miscarriage, stillbirth or congential syphilis. The fetus may not be harmed if the mother is treated before the 4th month of pregnancy.

A sore or ulcer

Primary Stage - 2-4 weeks after infection painless chancre appear at site of infection. (hard round ulcer like lesion with raised edges) Women - usually form on the vaginal wall or cervix, but can also form on the external genitalia most often forming on the labia. Men- the chancre forms on the penile glans or on the scrotum or penile shaft. If oral sex is performed on an infected person the chancre may form on lips or tongue. Anal - the rectum may serve as the site of the chancre. The sores usually disappear in a few weeks, but if the infection remains untreated the syphilis will continue to work withing the body.

Begins a few weeks to a few months later. A skin rash develops, consisting of painless, reddish, raised bumps that darken after a while and burst. Sores in the mouth, painful swelling of joints, sore throat, headaches and fever. Resembles flu like symptoms. These symptoms will disappear but the infection continue to do damage to the body.

It may lay dormant for 1-40 years. Spirochetes continue to multiply and burrow into the circulatory system, central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and bones. After several years of the latent stage they may not be contagious to sex partners,but pregnant mothers can pass along the infection to her newborn at any time during birth.

A large ulcer may form on the skin, muscle tissue, digestive organs, lungs, liver or other organs. The ulcer can be treated,but serious damage may occur when it attacks the central nervous system or cardiovascular system (the heart and major blood vessels) either outcome may be fatal.

Syphilitic infection of the central nervous system,which can cause brain damage resulting in paralysis or the mental illness called general paresis. Can cause death.

Diagnosis is by clinical examination. If chancre is found, fluid is drawn out and examined under a microscope. Blood test are not definitive until the second stage begins. Penicillin is the treatment of choice for syphilis. Doxycycline and other antibiotics can be used if someone has an allergy to penicillin. Sex partners need to be examined.

A progressive form of mental illness caused by neurosyphilis and characterized by gross confusion.

Blood test used for detection of antibodies to Treponema pallidum.

Specialized proteins which are produced by the white blood cells of the immune system in response to the disease organisms and other toxic substances, and which recognize and attack the organisms or substances.

Usually transmitted through vaginal or anal sexual intercourse. May cause an eye infection if the person touches their eye after handing genitals of an infected partner. Oral sex can infect the throat. Newborns can acquire after passing through the cervix of an infected mother. Babies delivered through c-section can be infected if the amniotic sac breaks before delivery.

Symptoms are similar to the symptoms of gonorrhea, but are more mild. Most often appear with gonorrhea

It is an inflammation of the urethra. May produce a thin, whitish discharge from the penis and some burning or other pain during urination. These contrast with the yellow-green discharge and intense pain of gonorrhea. There may be soreness in scrotum an feeling of heaviness in testes. Young male adults are at highest risk. Untreated infections can damage reproductive organs in men.

Usually and infection in the urethra or cervix. May experience burning when they urinate, genital irritation and a mild vaginal discharge, pelvic pain and irregular menstrual cycles. Cervix may look swollen and inflamed.25% of men and 75% of women have no noticeable symptoms. \"the silent disease\" Can lead to PID, scarring the fallopian tubes, resulting in infertility. Have a greater chance of ectopic pregnancy.

Various test are used to verify a diagnosis of chlamydia in women. The test analyze a cervical smear are highly reliable. In men a swab may be inserted through the penile opening to extract fluid that can be analyzed. Many doctors screen young women during regular treatment do to the way this disease is symptom-free many times. Treatment: Antibiotics other than penicillin are highly effective against chlamydia. Azithromycin, Doxycycline, Ofloxacin and Amoxicillin are the antibiotics used.

A STI caused by the bacterium Hemophilus ducreyi. It is found in the tropics and Eastern nations. The sore consists of a cluster of small bumps or pimples on the genitals, perineum or the anus. The lesions appear within 7 days of infection. In a few days the lesion ruptures producing an open sore or ulcer. Several ulcers may merge with others forming giant ulcers. There is usually swelling of a near by lymph node. It is different from the syphilis chancre because it has a soft rim and is painful in men. Women don't usually have pain and may be unaware of being infected. Transmitted through sexual or bodily contact with the lesion or its discharge. Confirmed by culturing the bacterium (found in pus). Antibiotics are usually effective in treating the disease.

Perceived low risk of infection - Heterosexuals perceive a low risk of contracting HIV. Negative attitudes toward condom use - seen as too much fuss and decreases sexual sensations. Myth of personal invulnerability - they believe that they are somehow immune to HIV/AIDS and other diseases.

Abstinence or Monogamy, be knowledgeable about risk, remain sober,inspect yourself and your partner,use latex condoms,use barrier devices when practicing oral sex, avoid high risk sexual behavior,wash the genitals before and after sex, have regular medical checkups, possibly undergoing testing before sexual relations, engage in non sexual activities,

Forms of sexual expression such as massage, hugging, caressing, mutual masturbation and rubbing bodies together that do not involve the exchange of bodily fluids.

A parasitic infestation caused by a tiny mite that may be transmitted through sexual contact or contact with infested clothing, bed linens, towel and other fabrics. The mites attach themselves to the base of pubic hair and burrow into the skin where they lay eggs and subsist for the duration of their 30 day life span. Often found in the genital region and cause itching and discomfort. Signs red lines, sores,welts or blisters on the skin. Most often found on hands, wrists, can be found on genitals, buttocks, armpits, and feet.

May be treated effectively with 1% lindane (Kwell). The whole body from the neck down needs to be covered with a thin layer of medication, needs to stay on for 8 hours. Lindane should not be used by pregnant or nursing woman. Partner needs to be treated, clothing and bedding needs to be washed in hot water or dry cleaned. Sexual contact needs to be avoided until infestation is cleared.

Infestation of a parasite pubic lice. They belong to a family called biting lice. When they are in the adult stage they are able to be seen with the naked eye. They are spread sexually, can also be spread by using an infested towel, sheet or toilet seat. They can survive for only about 24 hours without a human host, but may deposit eggs that can take up to seven days to hatch in bedding or towels. Bedding,towels and clothing has to be washed in hot water and dried on a hot cycle or dry cleaned. Fingers can transfer them to other parts of the body with hair. Symptoms - Itching. The itching is caused by the crabs attaching themselves to the pubic hair and piercing the skin to feed on blood. Lifespan is 1 month can lay lots of eggs before they die. Can be treated with 1% solution of lindane (is a prescription Kwell - brand name). Come in cream, lotion and shampoo. Non prescription - medications containing pyrethrins or piperonyl butoxide (RID, Triple X and others.) Kwell can not be used by pregnant or nursing mothers.

Parasites that live on the outside of the host body. Pubic Lice and Scabies.

An STI that is caused by a pox virus that causes painless raised lesions to appear on the genitals, buttocks, thighs and lower abdomen. Lesions with pinkish appearance with a waxy or pearly top. They appear after 2-3 months from infection. People usually have 10-20 lesions, but could have up to 100. They disappear in about 6 months, are not associated with any serious complications. Solutions of podophyllin, Trichloroacetic Acid TCA or silver nitrate are used. Freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy). Needs to be treated by doctor.

Caused by the Shigella bacterium. Symptoms are fever, severe abdominal symptoms, diarrhea and inflammation of the large intestine. Can be a result from food poisoning, but often caused by oral contact with infected fecal material, which may stem from oral-anal sex. Usually resolves itself, severe cases are treated with antibiotics. Person may become dehydrated from the diarrhea.

It is cause by the bacterium calymmatobacterium granulomatous and is not contagious. Rare in the US usually found in tropical areas. Symptoms - painless red bumps or sores in the groin area that ulcerate and spread. Spread by sexual contact or contact with the lesion or discharge. Diagnosed by looking at sample of tissue from the rim of the sore under a microscope. Treated with antibiotics, but left untreated could develop fistulas (holes) in the rectum, or bladder, destruction of infected tissues or organs, scarring or skin tissue that results in a condition call elephantiasis. This is what afflicted the so called elephant man.

A disease characterized by enlargement of parts of the body, especially legs and genitals, and by hardening and ulceration of the surrounding skin.

Another tropical STI. Rarely in US or Canada. Caused by several strains of Chlamydia Trachomatis bacterium. Enters body through vulva, penis,or cervix where a painless sore may develop. Sore may not be noticed but the lymph gland in the groin swells and becomes tender. Other symptom are flu like. Possible backache (more so in women) and arthritic complaints) painful joints. If it is not treated, growths and fistulas in the genitals and elephantiasis of legs and genitals may occur. Diagnosis made by skin & blood test. Antibiotics are used for treatment.

Any type of vaginal infection or inflammation. Symptoms are usually - genital irritation, itching, burning while urinating, but most common is a discharge with an odor. Caused by organisms that reside in the vagina or by sexually transmitted organisms.