Sexually transmitted infections (diseases) are infections that can be spread from one person to another through sexual intercourse with an infected person.
Table of Contents
Examples, Causative agents and symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
| EXAMPLES OF STIs | CAUSATIVE AGENT | TRANSMISSION | SYMPTOM | PREVENTION | ||
| 1 | Gonorrhea | Bacterium (Neisseria gonorrhoea) | – Sexual intercourse
– At delivery through infected mother to baby |
– In women, it causes painful urination and an increasing amount of discharge from the vagina
– In men, it causes painful urination and discharge during urination |
– Abstinence
– Regular medical test – In case of infection, see the doctor – Regular use of condom |
|
| 2 | Chlamydia | Bacterium (Chlamydia trachoma) | – Sexual intercourse | In women, there can be abnormal vaginal discharge, burning feeling during urination, lower abdominal pain, pain during intercourse or bleeding between menstruation
In men, there can be discharge from the penis, burning/itching around the penis opening or pain and swelling in the testes |
– Abstinence
– In case of the unusual sore or burning effect of urination, see the doctor – Regular use of condom |
|
| 3 | Syphilis | Bacterium (Treponema palladium) | – Direct contact with sore (in the vagina, anus or lips)
– Sexual intercourse – From pregnant women to babies |
– chancres (primary stage)
– rashes (secondary stage) – damage to the nervous system (latent stage) – damage to tissues and organs (tertiary stage) |
– Abstinence
– Seek medical attention when the infection is suspected
|
|
Effects of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- It can damage the reproductive organs.
- It can break down the immune system.
- It can be associated with cancer of the reproductive organs.
- Premature labour or stillbirth (gonorrhoea)
- Blindness and birth defects in new babies (syphilis and gonorrhoea)
Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Public enlightenment
- Abstinence
- Early treatment in identified cases.
- Strengthening the immune system
- Avoid multiple sexual partners.
CLASSWORK
- Give the full meaning of STIs.
- Mention three STIs that you know.
- Highlight three methods of preventing STIs.
ASSIGNMENT
SECTION A
- The following are not examples of STIs except (a) stomachache (b) bleeding the nose (c) chlamydia (d) catarrh.
- Which of the following is the effect of sexually transmitted infections (a) breathing problem (b) death (c) loss of appetite (d) healthy body
- Behavior that put people at risk of contracting STIs includes the following….. (a) unprotected sex with an infected person (b) multiple sex partners (c) abstinence (d) contact with infected blood
- Which of these is a causative agent of STIs (a) Neisseria gonorrhoea (b) mosquito (c) AIDS (d) sexual intercourse
- Which of these is a means of contacting STIs (a) Neisseria gonorrhea (b) Anopheles mosquito (c) AIDS (d) sexual intercourse
SECTION B
- Mention four effects of sexually transmitted infections.
- Give four ways of preventing STIs.
See also:
CHANGES IN STATES OF MATTER USING KINETIC THEORY
CHANGES IN STATES OF MATTER USING KINETIC THEORY