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More
on sexually transmitted infections
By
Jeanne Smith, Contributor
Genital
Herpes
HERPES
IS caused by the Herpes simplex virus
(HSV). This virus has two forms: Herpes
simplex 1 and 2. HSV-1 affects
mainly the upper body causing cold
sores, fever, lip blisters (commonly
called night fever). HSV-2 causes
genital herpes. The symptoms of this
infection are many blisters or painful
sores on the genitals. These blisters
burst into painful ulcers. Herpes
also causes swollen lymph nodes in
the groin area. Herpes may cause other
complications such as meningitis (infection
of the brain), impotence, increased
risk of cervical cancer, brain damage.
Babies infected during birth may suffer
severe brain damage and sometimes
death.
OTHER
STI'S
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis
(trich or trichomonas) is one of the
more common STIs, it is caused by
a protozoan called Trichomonas vaginalis.
This condition may be asymptomatic
or symptoms may appear within four
to twenty days after infection. Men
rarely ever have symptoms, however,
there may be a whitish discharge from
the penis with itching and painful
urination. In women there is usually
frothy, watery, greenish malodorous
discharge from the vagina; with some
itching and soreness of the vagina
and vulva. Chronic infection may increase
the risk of cervical cancer.
Pelvic
Inflamatory Disease (PID)
PID
is an infection of the internal female
reproductive organs. PID may develop
as a result of other STIs such as
chlamydial infections or gonorrhoea
which have not been treated.
The
internal tissues are destroyed by
an infestation of the pathogens which
cause these diseases. Symptoms of
PID include a vaginal discharge with
an offensive odor, severe lower abdominal
pain, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting.
If untreated, further complications
such as recurrent lower abdominal
pains, tube infections, infertility
and abnormal pregnancy (ectopic pregnancy)
may occur. Surgery may be necessary
for persons with PID.
Urethritis
and Cervicitis
These
infections may be caused by any of
four pathogens, including two bacteria,
Neisseria gonorrhoea and chlamydia
trachomatis. These symptoms are mild
or may be absent, and may include
a watery discharge from the pexorgans,
inflammation of the urethra, frequent
urination, pain and pus during urination
and abdominal pain, and difficulty
in urination in males. If untreated,
PID may result, as well as pregnancy
problems infertility and death.
Chlamydial
Infections
Chlamydial
infections are very common, the infection
is caused by a bacterium called chlamydia
trachomatis. The symptoms of this
infection appear within one to three
weeks and may include painful urination,
or a discharge. If untreated, PID
will result, and this may lead to
sterility.
Monilia/Candida
Candida
(or vaginal thrush as it is commonly
known) affects both males and females.
The term "vaginal" suggests
it affects only females, but this
is because males usually show no symptoms.
They may, however, have itching and
soreness and may see whitish patches
on the penis.
In
women chlamydia produces intense itching
and soreness of the vagina and vulva
and a thick curl y white discharge.
Females with the infection are encouraged
not to scatch the genital area.
*Jeanne
Smith teaches Biology at the Queen's
school. Send your questions and comments
to the CXC Study Guide, the Gleaner
Company Ltd., 7 North Street, Kingston;
or email us at jcampbell@gleanerjm.com
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