Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology

The Reproductive System 475

Common Disease, Disorder, or Condition

Disorders of The Reproductive System continued

(CDC)

Prevention and Control Disease for Centers

Figure 19- 14 Trichomonas vaginalis.

Syphilis^
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can have an incubation
period anywhere from a few weeks to several months. There are several stages to this
dangerous disease. The primary stage results in a sore called a chancre (SHANG-ker),
which develops at the site of infection. The sore may eventually disappear if untreated.
Several weeks later during the secondary stage, fever and skin rashes will appear and
last for several weeks. The disease then enters a latent period with no symptoms. The
tertiary stage develops many years later. This stage produces -neural lesions, resulting
in extensive damage to nervous tissue, causing paralysis, insan-ity, and eventually
death. King Henry VIII of England died from a syphilis infection. -Antibiotics are used
today to treat syphilis, although a number of very -resistant strains of the bacterium
have evolved.

Genital Herpes^
Genital herpes is an infection with simplex herpes II virus, which causes lesions and
blister-like eruptions of the skin. Contact with the infected areas can be very painful and
produces painful urination. It takes about 2 weeks for the blisters to heal but they can
recur. The virus becomes dormant in the infected tissues but can become active and
produce lesions during periods of stress, such as illness or during female menstruation.
There is no cure for this condition. Infection occurs through contact with infected
individuals.

Genital Warts^
Genital warts are caused by a virus and are highly contagious. The warts can vary
from small growths to large clusters. They are usually not painful but can result in
painful intercourse and can bleed. There are treatments for genital warts, including
surgery or the use of antiviral topical medications.

Aids^
AIDS or acquired immune deficiency syndrome can be a sexually transmitted disease.^
It is discussed in Chapter 15.