Types of STIs: Videos & Practice Problems

Curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis, caused by bacteria or parasites, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, decreased fertility, and systemic damage if untreated. Syphilis progresses through primary, latent, and tertiary stages, potentially causing neurological, ocular, and cardiovascular complications. In contrast, viral STIs such as HPV, herpes simplex virus type 2, and HIV are incurable but manageable with medications to reduce symptoms and transmission risk. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent severe health outcomes and improve overall reproductive and immune system health.

Curable Sexually Transmitted Infections Concept 1

Curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are caused by infectious agents such as bacteria or parasites. The primary curable STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, each associated with specific pathogens and symptoms that affect both men and women differently.

Chlamydia, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, resulting in pelvic pain and potentially decreasing fertility due to damage to the reproductive organs. In men, chlamydia can impair sperm maturity and storage by damaging the seminal vesicles and testicular tissue, which may also reduce fertility.

Gonorrhea, caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, similarly affects fertility by damaging reproductive organs in both sexes. In men, the infection can become systemic, spreading beyond the reproductive system to other parts of the body, which increases the severity of the disease.

Trichomoniasis, caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, results in genital inflammation in both men and women. This inflammation often leads to chapped skin and blood sores, which compromise the skin’s protective barrier. Such breaches increase susceptibility to other STIs by providing entry points for additional infections.

Understanding these infections highlights the importance of early detection and treatment. Since these STIs are curable, timely medical intervention can prevent complications such as infertility and systemic infection. If symptoms suggestive of any of these infections arise, prompt testing and treatment are essential to maintain reproductive health and reduce the risk of transmission.

Curable Sexually Transmitted Infections Concept 2

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It progresses through three distinct stages, each with unique symptoms and health implications. The primary stage, occurring approximately one to three weeks after infection, is marked by the appearance of a chancre, which is a painless, bacteria-filled ulcer that typically forms at the site of infection. This ulcer is a key diagnostic feature of early syphilis.

The secondary stage, also known as latent syphilis, usually develops six to twelve weeks after the initial infection. During this phase, gummas may appear—these are tumor-like growths that can form on the skin or internal organs. Gummas are particularly notable on the hands but can affect various parts of the body, indicating the spread of the infection beyond the initial site.

The tertiary or late stage of syphilis can take years to develop and is the most severe. At this stage, the infection can cause significant damage to multiple organ systems. Neurological complications may arise, increasing the risk of stroke or dementia. Ocular involvement can lead to blindness, while cardiovascular effects may result in heart failure. These serious outcomes highlight the importance of early detection and treatment.

Penicillin remains the primary antibiotic used to treat syphilis effectively at all stages. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent the progression of the disease and avoid long-term complications. Since syphilis is a curable STI, recognizing symptoms and seeking medical evaluation promptly can lead to successful management and reduce the risk of severe health issues.

Sexually Transmitted Viruses Concept 3

Sexually transmitted viruses, including human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are infections that currently have no cure. However, medical treatments are available to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading these viruses to others. HPV can manifest as benign genital warts or lead to more serious health issues such as various cancers, notably cervical cancer, as well as anal, vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers. HSV-2 typically causes painful genital sores and blisters, and in some cases, it can result in neonatal herpes if a mother transmits the virus to her baby during childbirth. Severe complications from HSV-2 may include inflammation of the brain. HIV compromises the immune system, making the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections, which are often the cause of death rather than the virus itself. If untreated, HIV can progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition characterized by severe immune deficiency. Understanding these viruses highlights the importance of symptom management and preventive measures to control transmission and improve quality of life.

Sexually Transmitted Viruses Example 1

Barbara, a 41-year-old woman, experiences abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods and pain during intercourse, symptoms that prompt a gynecological examination. Following a pelvic exam and additional testing, she is diagnosed with cervical cancer. The most likely cause of this diagnosis is an infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted virus known to be the primary risk factor for developing cervical cancer, as persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains can lead to malignant changes in cervical cells.

While a suppressed immune system can increase vulnerability to infections and some cancers, it is not the direct cause in this case. Pregnancy complications may cause pelvic pain but are unrelated to cervical cancer development. Syphilis, a bacterial infection, does not typically lead to cervical cancer. Therefore, the progression from untreated HPV infection to cervical cancer highlights the critical importance of HPV screening and vaccination in preventing this common gynecological malignancy.

Which of the following statements is true about gonorrhea?

• A. Gonorrhea only affects the genital area.
• B. Gonorrhea is a curable infection that can be reversed with antibiotics.
• C. Penicillin is the primary antibiotic used in the treatment of gonorrhea.
• D. Not treating gonorrhea will lead to neurological defects.

Answer: (B)

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What are the main types of curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

Curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are primarily caused by bacteria or parasites. The main types include chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and decreased fertility if untreated. Trichomoniasis causes genital inflammation and increases the risk of contracting other STIs due to skin breaks. Syphilis progresses through three stages—primary, latent, and tertiary—with symptoms ranging from ulcers to severe systemic damage affecting the nervous, ocular, and cardiovascular systems. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics, such as penicillin for syphilis, are crucial to cure these infections and prevent long-term health complications.

How does syphilis progress through its stages and what are the symptoms at each stage?

Syphilis progresses through three distinct stages. The primary stage occurs 1 to 3 weeks after infection and is characterized by a chancre, which is a painless ulcer at the infection site. The secondary or latent stage lasts 6 to 12 weeks and features gummas—tumor-like growths that can appear on the skin or organs, often visible on the hands. The tertiary or late stage can develop years later and is the most dangerous, potentially causing neurological issues like stroke or dementia, ocular problems such as blindness, and cardiovascular damage including heart failure. Early treatment with penicillin can cure syphilis and prevent these severe complications.

What are the differences between curable bacterial STIs and incurable viral STIs?

Curable bacterial STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis, can be treated effectively with antibiotics, leading to full recovery if caught early. These infections often cause symptoms like pelvic inflammatory disease, genital inflammation, and decreased fertility. In contrast, viral STIs like human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus type 2, and HIV are incurable. While medications can manage symptoms and reduce transmission risk, these viruses remain in the body for life. HPV can cause genital warts and various cancers, herpes causes painful sores and can be transmitted to newborns, and untreated HIV can progress to AIDS, leading to life-threatening opportunistic infections.

Why is early diagnosis and treatment important for sexually transmitted infections?

Early diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are vital to prevent serious health complications. For curable bacterial STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, prompt treatment can stop the infection from causing pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, or systemic damage such as neurological or cardiovascular problems. Early treatment also reduces the risk of spreading the infection to others. For viral STIs, although they are not curable, early management helps control symptoms, decreases transmission risk, and improves quality of life. Overall, timely medical intervention protects reproductive health and prevents long-term consequences.

What are the common symptoms of trichomoniasis and how does it affect STI transmission?

Trichomoniasis is a curable STI caused by a parasite that leads to genital inflammation in both men and women. Common symptoms include itching, redness, and discomfort in the genital area. Importantly, trichomoniasis can cause breaks in the skin, such as chapped skin or sores, which increase the risk of contracting other STIs by providing entry points for infectious agents. Because of this, individuals with trichomoniasis are more susceptible to acquiring additional infections. Early detection and treatment are essential to reduce symptoms and lower the risk of further STI transmission.