Lecture on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Speaker: Dr. Baker Townsend

Reference: Chapter 7, Pages 145-165

Learning Objectives

• Understanding primary and secondary prevention of STIs
• Identifying high-risk populations
• Proper diagnosis and treatment

Prevention of STIs

Primary Prevention

• Barrier Methods:
  • Condoms: Best method for STI prevention
  • Abstinence: 100% effective

Secondary Prevention

• Identification and Screening:
  • Focus on high-risk groups (e.g., sexually active under 24, multiple partners)
  • Screen and further test if needed
• Diagnosis and Treatment:
  • Prevent inflammation and scarring
  • Educate patients on risk reduction (know your partner, reduce number of partners, use of vaccines like hepatitis B and HPV)

Specific STIs Discussed

Chlamydia

• Prevalence: Most common and fastest-spreading STI
• Screening: Especially for under 24 and pregnant women
• Treatment: Doxycycline or azithromycin

Gonorrhea

• Characteristics: Second to chlamydia in reported cases
• Screening: High-risk groups, pregnant women
• Treatment: Ceftriaxone, often co-treated with chlamydia

Syphilis

• Transmission: Skin abrasions, kissing, oral-genital sex
• Stages:
  • Stage 1: Painless chancre
  • Stage 2: Rash
• Screening: RPR or VDRL, with confirmatory tests if positive
• Treatment: Penicillin

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

• Risk Factors: Young age, multiple partners, history of STIs
• Complications: Ectopic pregnancies, infertility
• Management: Screening, hospital admission for acute cases

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• Prevalence: 80% of people, associated with cancers
• Screening: Pap smears and HPV tests
• Vaccination: Gardasil, protects against cancer and warts

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

• Types: HSV-1 and HSV-2
• Symptoms: Painful lesions, fevers, dysuria
• Treatment: Antivirals like Valtrex or Acyclovir
• Complications: Neonatal herpes

Hepatitis

• Types A, B, C: Transmission varies, vaccination available for some
• Complications: Can be severe for mothers and neonates

HIV

• Transmission: Body fluids, rising cases in heterosexual women
• Management: Antivirals, testing during pregnancy, counseling

STIs and Pregnancy

• STIs can lead to premature labor, miscarriage
• TORCH Infections: Include herpes, cytomegalovirus, and more

Reporting and Public Health

• Reportable Diseases: Gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, etc.
• Importance of Safe Sex: Especially for youth

Conclusion

• Emphasis on education, prevention, and treatment
• STIs are a significant public health issue with social and economic impact

Note: Take your quiz on this topic and review these notes for further understanding. Thank you for attending.