Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Essay, Research Paper
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)
There are now more than twenty disorders recognized as being
transmitted primarily by sexual means. The more familiar STD’s are AIDS,
gonorhea, syphilis, chlamydia-related infections, genital herpes, candidiasis,
nonspecific vaginitis, trichomoniasis, pediculosis, scabies, and urinary tract
infections.
GONORRHEA
One of the most frequently encountered communicable diseases in
the U.S. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria Gonorrihoeae, which is common
all over the world today and can only thrive in human beings. There is no way to
acquire immunity to this disease. Anyone who is sexually active is susceptible
to gonorrhea.
This disease is transmitted by the way of direct contact with
the secretions of mucos membranes such as those of the urethra, cervix, vagina,
anus, eyes and throat.
The contact involved in transmitting gonorrhea is almost always
sexual in nature. It is possible that contaminated fingers can transfer
infection from one region of the body to another, however, this is highly
unlikely because the bacteria dies rapidly when demed the warmth and moisture of
mucous membranes.
Symtoms of infection usually appear within two to ten days after
exposure but might take up to thirty days.
In males, gonorhea usually strikes first at the urethra, the
tube that extends from the bladder to the tip of the penis. A burning sensation
during urination may be experienced due to the irritation of the urethra’s
mucosal lining. Many males may also notice and abnormal discharge from the penis.
The penis itself may be red or swollen at the tip. Urination may become more
frequent or difficult. Occasionally, no symptoms are evident immediately.
In females, gonorrhea seems to strike selectively at the cervix
(the entrance of the uterus, but it also can appear elsewhere. As many as 80% of
the females with gonorhea have no immediate signs or symptoms. One symptom in
women is a foul smelling vaginal discharge. Since vaginal discharges are not
uncommon, women should be alert to any change in the color, odor, or other
appearance of discharges. If gonorrhea has affected the urethra, a women may
experience a burning sensation upon urination.
Gonorrhea can also infect the anal region, the oral cavity, and
the eyes. The period of communicability for gonorrhea is uncertain but probaly
lasts as long as discharge continues, anywhere from three to six months.
Precise diagnosis of gonorrhea requires cuttures of discharge
specimens. Under most circumstances gonorrhea is easily treated. It is now clear
however, that larger and larger doses of penicillin may be necessary to kill
some resistant strains.
Untreated gonorrhea may result in irreversible complications.
Infertlity and sterility can develop in males and females. Gonococcal arthritis
in major joints and a generalized infection that irreversibily damages the brain,
heart, liver and other key organs can be produced in either sex.
The most reliable form of protection is the use of condoms
during sexual episodes. The sexually active individual should also be selective
about sexual partners and stay alert to obvious signs and symptoms of disease.
Gonorrhea is known by such street names as
“clap”,”drip”,”dose”,”strain”, “gleet”, and “jack”.
SYPHILIS
Syphilis is perhaps the best known of all the STD’s. Once
confined to certain parts of the world, syphilis now occurs universally.
Treponema Pallidum is it’s causative agent. It belongs to a group of organisms
that resemble bacteria. Humans provide the only known host for T. Pallidum.
There is no vaceine or other acquired immunity for syphilis. Only about 30% of
the people exposed result in infections.
Syphilis is transmitted by direct contact with infection sores,
called chancres, syphitic skin rashes, or mucous patches on the tongue and mouth
during kissing, necking, petting, or sexual intercourse. It can also be
transmitted from a pregnant woman to a fetus after the fourth month of pregnancy.
The incabation period for syphilis is from ten to ninety days
with twenty on days being the average. The diagnostic blood test for this STD is
likely to be negative during the incubation period.
Syphilis goes through several stages. In its primary stage, it
is characterized by the appearance of a chancre at the first site of infection.
A chancre resmembles a blister, pimple, or raised open sore. It is infectious
and contains a large number of spiral bacteria (spirochetes). Chancres are often
painless and may be hidden in the mouth, throat, vagina, cervix, or anus, making
detection difficult. Chancres tend to heal themselves in two to six weeks but
leave behind thousands of infectious spirochetes. Primary syphilis may be
accompanied by swollen glands near the site of primary infection.
Once the chancre dissappears the secondary stage begins.
Secondary symptoms can occur from six weeks to six months after the primary
infection “disappears”. New symptoms usually include the presence of a rash or
raised leisions anywhere on the skin. The rash is not painful or itchy, but is
infectious. Patches of white in the mouth, nose, or rectum may appear. These
mucous patches can also transmit disease. Additional symptoms at this stage may
include patchy hair loss, mild fever and body aches, swollen glands and flulike
symptoms. Secondary symptoms disappear in two to six weeks but may recur for up
to two years
If still untreated, syphilis enters what is called the latent
stage. At this point, symptoms are absent and the person is probaly no longer
infectious to others. (The exception is the pregnant woman who is still able to
transmit the disease to the unborn child.) The length of the latent stage is
variable but can last at least five years and perhaps as many as twenty years or
more. Some cases of syphilis remain dormant for an indefinite length of time.
Others evolve into the final stage of symptoms.
Tertiary or late-stage syphilis usually occurs between five and
twenty years following initial infection. This condition leads to permanent
disabilities and even death. Neurosiphilis, in which the brain and the spinal
cord are affected, produce paralysis, insanity and blindness. Cardiovadcular
syphilis includes major damage to the heart and the aorta, possibly resulting in
death. Late begin syphilis is characterized by the appearance of large
destructive lesions virtually at any internal or external site.
The period of contagiousness for syphilis is variable. It is
clearly infectious in its primary and secondary stages. Active bacteria are
wipred out in twenty four to forty eight hours by adequete treatment with
penicilline. Infected individuals must be followed closely after treatment and
repeated blood test must be performed to assure the complete absence of the
disease.
People hoping to avoid syphilis must avoid contact with
syphilitic lesions. The use of a condom sharing during sexual intercourse can
assist in this, but a condom will not protect other exposed surfaces.
Syphilis has been nicknamed “syphpox” or “bad blood”.
CHLAMYDIA-RELATED INFECTIONS
Chlamydia trachomatis may be the most common STD in the U.S
today. This organism, an intracellular parasite, is resposbile for more thatn
one disease condition nonspecific urethritis (NSU), or nongonococcal urethritis
(NGU), and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) are among these conditions.
NSU involves an inflamation of the urethra. If symptoms are
present they may resemble those of gonorrhea. Chlamydia currently accounts for
approximately 50% of NSU cases. Transmission of NSU, however is probable during
sexual intercourse, and transfer from mother to infant at birth is also possible.
To tell the difference between NSU and gonorrhea, cultures of
smears or discharged must be examined in a laboratory. The treatment for NSU is
telracycline. Both partners should be treated in order to avoid the so-called
“Ping-Pong” effect. The most severe complication of NSU in females is PID
(Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) This condition often leads to infertility. NSDU
can be controlled by using condoms during sexual intercourse, washing the
genitals with soap and water before and after intercourse, and contacting sex
partners when infection presents itself.
C. Trachomatis is also responsible for the STD called (LGV).
Symptoms include sores in the genital area that resemble pimples. It is most
commonly seen among gay men and persons having multiple sex partners.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with lesions, usually during sexual
intercourse. Complications from LGV area rare, though inflamation of the urethra,
cervix, and rectum are possible Tetracycline provides reliable thereapy for this
STD.
GENITAL HERPES
Genital herpes is rapidly gaining attention as an STD. Once
reason is that thousands of new cases are being identified each year. Another
reason is a lack of any known cure. Herpes simplix virus type 2, because it is
viral, makes antibiotic drugs useless in treating the symptoms and eliminating
infection frmo the body. In most cases, the herpes sores blisters and crusty
form on the genitals and heal and disappear on their own in a few days or weeks.
The virus itself, however, stays in a dormant stage: the absence of symptoms
does not necessarily mean the absence of active virus. Herpes may flair up from
time to time, causing the sores to reappear. These sores are usually visible and
painful in both sexes; however, signs of herpes in women can be internal and
painless. It is possible for women to be unaware of the virus’s presence.
It is not well understood what triggers recurrences of herpes.
Towered resistance, other infections, chafing or irritation of the affected area,
emotional upset, and even certain foods are implicated to some extent.
Of a few sensible points are observed, life can continue to be
full and enjoyable. Herpes victims are advised to be especially conecientious
about controlling stress factos that may aggravate the dormant HSV-2 organism.
It is advised that a condom be used during intercourse to provide protection for
the uninfected partner. The person who follows a well-balanced fitness routine
should experience minimal life disruptions resulting from herpes.
Women who have herpes need to take a few extra precautions.
There is an association between HSV-2 infection and the development of cervical
cancer. A woman with herpes may be advised to have pap tests more frequently and
watch for any unusual vaginal bleeding. Because of the danger of infecting the
newborn infant, women who know they have herpes should share that information
with their doctor.
There is no cure for genital herpes at this time. Some relief of
symptoms is available using topical ointments.
CANDIDIASIS (MONILIA)
Candidiasis also known as monilia is a common yeast infection
caused by Candida also known as monilia is a common yeast infection caused by
Canidida albicans. Candidiasis frequently may be acquired by other than sexual
means. It is a normal part of the human flora. Many predisposing factors can
cause an outbreak of the yeast organisms:
Acute infections are accompanied by intense itching at the
infected site, along with redness and perhaps swelling. In women, Candidus may
also produce vaginal discharges of a white, curdlike quality.
The principal complication is recurrence, resulting when the
infection is passed back and forth between partners. Consequently, when flare-
ups occur, both partners are often treated. The most common and reliable
treatment is topical application of nystatin for both partners.
Acute episodes of candidiasis can generally be avoided or
minimized by using condoms during intercourse, wearing clothes that are not
tight fitting, and keeping the genital area dry.
NONSPECIFIC VAGINITUS
Nonspecific Vaginitis (NSV) is thought to be caused by the
bacterium Gordnerella Vaginalis whenever other organisms cannot be identified in
NSV. Symptoms of NSV are almost always restricted to females, though a male may
experience itchy, burning symptoms of disease in his penis, similar to the
vaginal symtoms that females report.
Symptoms in the female include a foul-smelling vaginal discharge,
vaginal itching, and burning, upon urination, however the complete absence of
symptoms is not uncommon treatment is accomplished with oral metronadozole, and
transfer is prevented by the use of condoms.
TRICHOMONIASIS
Trichomoniasis is caused by the presence of Trichomonas
vaginalis, a protozoan, which may exist without symptoms in the vaginal flora of
50 percent of the females in the U.S between the ages of sixteen and twenty-five.
Susceptibility is general, though clinical disease is usually restricted to
females.
Though the organisms can be acquired during sexual intercourse,
they may also be picked up by non-sexual means from freshly soiled bedclothes,
towels and other items.
Symptoms of females with trichomoniasis may include a foul-
smelling discharge, localized itching redness and burning during urination.
Males seldom experience any demonstrable symptoms. Treatment is oral
metronidazole, usually given to both partners since “trich” is another of the
“ping-pong” STD’s
PEDICULOSIS AND SCABIES
Pediculosis and scabies are two disorders labeled infestations
than infections. Both are caused by parasites, pediculosis by the crab louse and
scabies by the itch mites. These organisms may be found anywhere on the body
but show a preference for pubic hair. They lay their eggs at the base of the
hiar, just underneath the skin. Crabs and mites can produce an agonizing itch
after their eggs hatch. Transfer of these organisms can occur from person to
person in a variety of ways. Direct body contact, particularly during physical
intimacy, is a common mode. Contact with personal items can also facilitate
transfer.
Complications are rare though secondary infections can result
from breaks in the skin due to intense itching and irritation. Treatment is
provided by application of medicated shampoos. Good personal hygiene and careful
laundering of clothes and bedding prevent reinfestation.
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur with pathogenic organisms
enter the urethra and migrate to the bladder. Ordinarily they are confined to
the host but they can be sexually transmitted. Bacteria and other organisms may
produce UTI. Women, perhaps because of their shorter urethras, are much more
susceptible to UTIs than men. Pechthogens can sometimes be “flushed” from the
system by having the individual drink large quantities of water. Rersistent
symptoms of UTI should be treated by a physician.