Infectious diseases that can be passed between partners during sexual intercourse are caused by a wide variety of organisms that we call pathogens (disease-causing agents). Let’s review a few of the more common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
| Disease: | Caused by: | Type: | Symptoms: | Prevention/Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gonorrhea | Neisseria gonorrhoeae | Bacteria | Thick discharge from the penis or vagina; or no symptoms. Can cause infertility if untreated. | Can be prevented by using condoms; treated with antibiotics |
| Chlamydia | Chlamydia trachomatis | Bacteria | Pelvic pain and fluid discharge; or no symptoms. Can cause infertility if untreated. | Can be prevented by using condoms; treated with antibiotics |
| Syphilis | Treponema pallidum | Bacteria | Painless sores at infection site, skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever. Can affect the heart, brain, and other organs | Can be prevented by using condoms; treated with antibiotics |
| Trichomoniasis | Trichomonas vaginalis | Protozoan | Vaginal itching and yellow-green discharge; irritation in urethra in some men | Prevent with condoms; treat with antiprotozoal medication |
| Pubic lice or “crabs” | Pediculus pubis | Insect | Transmitted by skin to skin contact, or contact with infected bed, towel, or clothing. Itching caused by allergy to bites | Condoms will not prevent; treated with delousing agent |
| Yeast infection | Candida albicans | Fungi | Normal inhabitants of the female reproductive tract, but cause whiteish discharge and itching during overgrowth | Prevented by condoms; treated with antifungal medication |
| HIV/AIDS | Human immuno-deficiency virus | Virus | Symptoms vary depending on phase of infection | Abstinence and condoms can reduce risk of infection |
In your worksheet, describe and sketch the following pathogens that cause some of the common STDs. Indicate what type of pathogen it is (virus, bacteria, protist, fungus, or animal).
| Candida Albicans/Yeast Infection |  |
| Chlamydia trachomatis/Chlamydia |  |
| Human immunodeficiency virus |  |
| Pediculus pubis/Pubic lice |  |
| Treponema pallidum/Syphilis |  |
Navigation
Introduction: https://wendystjohn.summerlark.net/2021/10/01/110-human-reproduction/
Life’s Greatest Miracle: https://wendystjohn.summerlark.net/2021/10/01/lifes-greatest-miracle/
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: https://wendystjohn.summerlark.net/2021/03/10/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: https://wendystjohn.summerlark.net/2021/01/28/sexually-transmitted-diseases/
Contraception: https://wendystjohn.summerlark.net/2020/10/12/contraception/