PSY 330 Exam 2 Study Guide: Sexual Health, Contraception, and Reproduction

Q1. What are STIs, and why are they now referred to as STIs instead of STDs?

Background

Topic: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

This question tests your understanding of the terminology and definitions related to sexually transmitted infections, as well as the rationale for the shift in language from "STD" to "STI." This is important for understanding public health communication and stigma reduction.

Key Terms:

• STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection): An infection that is primarily spread through sexual contact.

• STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease): A term previously used to describe the same conditions, but with a focus on disease rather than infection.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Start by defining what an STI is, focusing on how it is transmitted and what it encompasses.

2. Explain the difference between an "infection" and a "disease" in medical terminology.

3. Discuss why the term "STI" is now preferred over "STD" (think about implications for diagnosis, symptoms, and stigma).

4. Consider how this change in terminology might affect public health messaging and individual willingness to seek treatment.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer:

STIs are infections that are primarily transmitted through sexual contact. The term "STI" is now preferred over "STD" because not all infections lead to disease (i.e., symptoms or illness), and using "infection" helps reduce stigma and encourages people to seek testing and treatment even if they are asymptomatic.

Q2. What are the two main categories of STIs, and what are the main differences between them?

Background

Topic: Classification of Sexually Transmitted Infections

This question is about understanding how STIs are categorized (e.g., bacterial vs. viral) and the implications for treatment and prevention.

Key Terms:

• Bacterial STIs: Caused by bacteria; often curable with antibiotics.

• Viral STIs: Caused by viruses; usually not curable, but symptoms can be managed.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Identify the two main categories of STIs (think about the type of microorganism involved).

2. List examples of each category (e.g., gonorrhea for bacterial, herpes for viral).

3. Describe the main differences in terms of treatment options and long-term effects.

4. Consider how these differences impact prevention strategies.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer:

The two main categories of STIs are bacterial and viral. Bacterial STIs (like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis) can usually be cured with antibiotics, while viral STIs (such as herpes, HPV, and HIV) cannot be cured but can be managed with medication. This distinction is important for treatment and prevention strategies.

Q3. What is contraception? What is birth control? What is the primary difference between these methods?

Background

Topic: Contraception and Birth Control

This question tests your understanding of the definitions and distinctions between contraception and birth control, which are foundational concepts in reproductive health psychology.

Key Terms:

• Contraception: Methods or devices used to prevent fertilization of the egg by sperm.

• Birth Control: Broader term that includes contraception as well as methods that prevent pregnancy after fertilization or implantation.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Define contraception and give examples of contraceptive methods.

2. Define birth control and explain how it encompasses more than just contraception.

3. Identify the primary difference between the two terms (think about timing and mechanism of action).

4. Consider why this distinction matters in discussions about reproductive health.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer:

Contraception refers specifically to methods that prevent fertilization, while birth control includes all methods that prevent pregnancy, including those that act after fertilization (such as emergency contraception or abortion). The main difference is that birth control is a broader term.

Q4. What are perfect-use and typical-use pregnancy rates?

Background

Topic: Effectiveness of Contraceptive Methods

This question is about understanding how the effectiveness of birth control methods is measured and why there is a difference between perfect and typical use.

Key Terms:

• Perfect-use rate: The effectiveness of a method when used exactly as intended, every time.

• Typical-use rate: The effectiveness of a method as it is commonly used, including user error or inconsistent use.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Define what is meant by "perfect use" and "typical use" in the context of contraception.

2. Explain why these rates might differ for the same method.

3. Discuss how these rates are calculated (usually as the percentage of women who become pregnant in the first year of use).

4. Think about why understanding both rates is important for making informed choices about contraception.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer:

Perfect-use pregnancy rates reflect how effective a contraceptive method is when used correctly every time, while typical-use rates reflect real-world effectiveness, including mistakes or inconsistent use. Typical-use rates are usually lower than perfect-use rates.

Q5. What is the difference between a zygote, morula, and blastocyst?

Background

Topic: Early Stages of Human Development

This question tests your knowledge of the terminology and sequence of early embryonic development, which is important for understanding conception and pregnancy.

Key Terms:

• Zygote: The single cell formed by the union of sperm and egg.

• Morula: A solid ball of cells resulting from division of the zygote, before the formation of a cavity.

• Blastocyst: A structure formed in early development, consisting of a sphere of cells with a fluid-filled cavity, which implants in the uterine wall.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Define each term (zygote, morula, blastocyst) and place them in the correct sequence of development.

2. Describe the main characteristics of each stage (number of cells, structure, function).

3. Explain the significance of each stage in the process of conception and implantation.

4. Think about how these stages relate to the timing of pregnancy and early embryonic development.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer:

The zygote is the fertilized egg cell; the morula is a solid ball of cells formed after several divisions of the zygote; the blastocyst is a hollow sphere of cells that forms after the morula and is the stage that implants in the uterus.