Abnormalities of the female Genitourinary system. By Edith Nwobodo

Sexually Transmitted Infections  Herpes Simplex Virus  Syphilitic Chancre  Human Papillomavirus genital Warts  Gonorrhea

Bacterial STI Vs Viral STI Bacterial STI’s include Chlamydia, LGV, gonorrhea & syphilis Can be treated and cured with antibiotics Untreated infection can cause PID, infertility, & epididymitis Viral STI’s include HPV, HIV, Herpes, & Hepatitis B There is NO cure Medication available to treat symptoms only Can pass onto others for the rest of your life

Herpes Simplex Virus-Type 2 (Herpes Genitalis)  A viral infection presenting as causing outbreaks of small, shallow vesicles with surrounding erythema.  Erupts on genital areas and inner thigh with sores and blisters around the genitals.  Inguinal adenopathy, edema.  Vesicles on labia rupture in 1 to 3 days, leaving painful ulcers.  Initial infection lasts 7 to 10 days.  Virus remains dormant indefinitely.

Syphilitic Chancre  Begins as a small, solitary silvery papule that erodes to a red, round or oval, superficial ulcer with a yellowish serous discharge.  Palpation shows non tender indurated base; can be lifted like a button between thumb and finger.  Non tender inguinal lymphadenopathy.  May go unnoticed, resolves spontaneously.  Secondary syphilis follows.

Human Papillomavirus  Most common STI, especially in adolescents.  Painless warty growths; may not be noticed by woman.  Appears pink or flesh-colored, soft, pointed, moist, warty papules.  Single or multiple in a cauliflower-like patch.  Occurs around vulva, introitus, anus, vagina or cervix.  Risk factors include age and multiple sex partners.  Treat with medication or surgery.

Gonorrhea  The 2 nd most common bacterial STI.  Most common in people aged 15 to 29.  Affects anywhere not limited to the cervix, urethra, rectum, throat and occasionally, the eyes.

Symptoms of Gonorrhea Often, females present with no symptoms.  Increased vaginal discharge.  Painful Urination.  Lower abdominal pain.  Bleeding between periods and after sex.  Painful intercourse.  Treatment is with antibiotics.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)  This is an acute inflammatory disease caused by infection and can affect any organ of the reproductive tract.  Risk factors include: Multiple sex partners, Previous history of PID, Age, Intrauterine devices

Signs and Symptoms of PID  Lower abdominal pain/tenderness.  Dyspareunia.  Cervical discharge.  Painful cervix with bimanual examination.  Vaginal discharge

Endometriosis  Cyclic or chronic pelvic pain, occurring as dysmenorrhea or dyspareunia, low back ache.  Female may have irregular uterine bleeding, hypermenorrhea, or may be asymptomatic.  Uterus is fixed, tender to movement. Small, tender nodular masses tender to palpation on posterior aspect of fundus, uterosacral ligaments, ovaries, sigmoid colon.  Ovaries are often enlarged.  May cause infertility from pelvic adhesions, tubal obstructions, decreased ovarian function.

STI Prevention  Abstain from sexual intercourse (only method that is 100% effective).  Avoid sharing needles or other drug-use equipment.  Have only 1 mutually faithful, uninfected sexual partner.  Get tested for STI’s before having sex.  Use a latex condom & spermicide.  Avoid alcohol & other drugs.

HIV/Aids  HIV is a virus that destroys the immune system over time, robbing the body of its ability to fight other infections and illnesses.  Once the immune system is weakened, other infections occur and AIDS develops (the fatal stage of HIV infection).  The virus is present in blood, semen, vaginal secretions & breast milk

HIV/Aids Cont.  2 to 4 weeks after exposure, some people experience mild flu-like symptoms that last a few weeks, then disappear.  Many people have NO symptoms until years after exposure.  The only way to know is to get TESTED!  Abstinence is still key to prevention.