Medical Terminology Simplified

Any disease that may be acquired as a result of sexual intercourse or other intimate con-

tact with an infected individual and affects the male and female reproductive systems.

Sexually transmitted bacterial infection that causes cervicitis in women and urethritis

and epididymitis in men

Chlamydial infection is now highly prevalent and is among the most potentially damag-

ing of all STIs. Antibiotics are prescribed to cure the infection. If left untreated, chlamy-

dia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility in women.

Sexually transmitted bacterial infection of the mucous membrane of the genital tract

in men and women

Gonorrheal infection results from anal, vaginal, or oral sex with an infected partner. It

can also be passed on from an infected mother to her infant during the birth process (as

the baby passes through the vaginal canal). Gonorrhea and chlamydia infections com-

monly occur together. Both partners are treated for these infections with antibiotics.

Highly contagious viral infection of the male and female genitalia that is transmitted

by direct contact with infected body secretions (usually through sexual intercourse)

and differs from other STIs in that it can recur spontaneously once the virus has been

acquired; also called venereal herpes

Herpes genitalis is most commonly caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2. Treat-

ment is symptomatic, which means that medications are given to reduce the symptoms of

swelling and pain. There is no cure for genital herpes. A particularly life-threatening

form of the disease can occur in infants infected by the virus during vaginal birth.

Infection of the genital areas of men and women, including the penis, vulva, anus,

and the rectal, cervical, and vaginal linings

There are over 40 types of HPV. One type, genital warts, causes cancer of the cervix, as

well as cancer in men. A vaccine is available for young girls and women that protects

against four types of HPV.

Infectious, chronic STI characterized initially by a skin lesions (chancres), typically

on the genitals, rectum, or mouth

Syphilis may exist without symptoms for years and cause long-term complications, in-

cluding death, if not treated. It can also be transmitted from mother to fetus, causing

multiple, severe health problems for the baby. Penicillin, intramuscularly or IV, is the

antibiotic of choice for the treatment of all stages of syphilis.

Infection of the vagina or male genital tract that commonly causes vaginitis, urethri-

tis, and cystitis

Trichomoniasis is the most common sexually transmitted infection that is asymptomatic.

Treatment consists of a single oral dose of a combined antibacterial and antiprotozoal

medication.

Additional Medical Terms • CHAPTER 8 371

sexually transmitted

infections (STIs)

chlamydia

klă-MĬD-ē-ă

gonorrhea

gŏn-ō-RĒ-ă

gon/o: seed (ovum or

spermatozoon)

-rrhea: discharge,

flow

herpes genitalis

HĔR-pēz jĕn-ĭ-TĂL-ĭs

human papillo-

mavirus (HPV)

syphilis

SĬF-ĭ-lĭs

trichomoniasis

trĭk-ō-mō-NĪ-ă-sĭs