12 biology project

Topic:
Sexually transmitted disease
Subtopics:
Types of STDs
Symptoms
Prevention
Transmission
Treatment
STDs and pregnancy
Future trends and
challenges STDs and drug
resistance STDs and mental
health STD prevention
education Briefing
sub.topics:
1) Types of STDs:

HIV/AIDS: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) leads to Acquired Immunodeficiency

Syndrome (AIDS), compromising the immune system's ability to fight off infections and
diseases.

Herpes: Caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), it manifests as painful sores or blisters on
the genitals, mouth, or rectum.

Gonorrhea: Caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, it can infect the genitals, rectum,
and throat, often causing painful urination and discharge.

Chlamydia: Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, it's one of the most common
STDs and can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility if left untreated.

Syphilis: Caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, it progresses through stages and can
affect various organs, leading to serious complications if untreated.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus): A group of viruses that can cause genital warts and cervical
cancer, among other conditions.

Trichomoniasis: Caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, it's a common STD

characterized by vaginal discharge and genital itching.

Hepatitis B: A viral infection that affects the liver and can be transmitted through sexual contact,
leading to liver damage and potentially liver cancer.

Hepatitis C: Another viral infection affecting the liver, transmitted through blood-to-blood contact,
including through sharing needles or sexual contact.

Pubic Lice (Crabs): Small insects that infest the genital area, causing itching and irritation.
Scabies: Caused by a tiny mite, it causes itching and a skin rash, often transmitted through
sexual contact.
2) symptoms:
• Acute HIV infection (early stage):

Fever

Fatigue

Swollen lymph nodes

Sore throat

Rash

Muscle and joint aches

Headache

• Advanced HIV infection (late stage):

Rapid weight loss

Recurring fever or profuse night sweats

Extreme and unexplained tiredness

Prolonged swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits, groin, or neck

Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week

Sores of the mouth, anus, or genitals

Pneumonia

Red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids

Memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders

• Initial outbreak of herpes:

Painful blisters or sores: These can appear on the mouth, lips, gums, tongue (for oral herpes),
or genitals, buttocks, thighs, or anus (for genital herpes).

Itching or burning sensation: Before the blisters appear, you might feel tingling, itching, or
burning in the affected area.

Flu-like symptoms: Fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and headache may accompany
the initial outbreak.
• Recurrent outbreaks:

Usually less severe: Recurrent outbreaks tend to be milder and shorter in duration compared to
the initial outbreak.

Tingling or itching: Some people experience warning signs like tingling or itching in the affected
area before the blisters appear.

Sores or blisters: Similar to the initial outbreak, recurrent episodes can involve the appearance
of painful blisters or sores

• Genital Gonorrhea:

Painful urination

Abnormal genital discharge, which may be yellowish, greenish, or white in color

Pain or swelling in the testicles (less common)

• Rectal Gonorrhea:

Rectal pain, itching, or discomfort

Discharge from the rectum

Bleeding from the rectum

Painful bowel movements

• Throat Gonorrhea:

Sore throat

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Discomfort or pain when swallowing

• Genital Chlamydia:

Abnormal genital discharge: It may be clear or cloudy and can occur in both men and women.

Painful urination: Burning sensation or discomfort when urinating.

Pain during sexual intercourse: Women may experience pain or discomfort during intercourse.

Testicular pain: Men may experience pain or swelling in the testicles.

• Rectal Chlamydia (from anal sex):

Rectal pain, itching, or discomfort.

Discharge from the rectum.

Bleeding from the rectum.

Painful bowel movements.

• Throat Chlamydia (from oral sex):

Sore throat.

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Discomfort or pain when swallowing.

• Primary Syphilis:

A painless sore (chancre) appears at the site of infection, typically on the genitals, anus,
or mouth.The sore may be firm, round, and small, and it usually heals on its own within a
few weeks.

• Secondary Syphilis:

Skin rash: Often appears as rough, red or reddish-brown spots on the palms of the hands and
soles of the feet. The rash may also occur on other parts of the body.

Fever

Swollen lymph nodes

Sore throat

Fatigue

Headaches

Weight loss

Patchy hair loss

Muscle aches and joint pain

• Tertiary Syphilis:

This stage can occur years after the initial infection and can affect various organs, including the
brain, heart, nerves, eyes, and bones.
Symptoms can include neurological problems, cardiovascular issues, blindness, and organ
damage.

• Genital Warts:

Small, flesh-colored bumps or growths in the genital or anal area.

Clusters of warts that may resemble cauliflower-like shapes.

Itching, discomfort, or bleeding in the genital or anal area.

• Cancer:

Symptoms of cancer may vary depending on the location and stage of the disease, but they can
include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, changes in bowel or bladder habits, persistent
sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or lumps in the genital or anal area.

• Trichomoniasis(Men):

Discharge from the penis: It may be thin, white, greenish, or yellowish and may have a foul

odor. Itching or irritation inside the penis.

Burning sensation during urination or after ejaculation.

Discomfort or pain in the genital area.

• Trichomoniasis(Women):

Vaginal discharge: It may be frothy, yellow-green, or grayish and may have a strong odor.

Vaginal itching, irritation, or redness.

Pain during sexual intercourse.

Burning sensation during urination.

Soreness or discomfort in the genital area.

Painful urination or frequent urination.

• Hepatitis B:

Fatigue

Nausea
Abdominal pain

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Dark urine

Clay-colored stools

Joint pain

Loss of appetite

• Hepatitis C:

Abdominal pain

Loss of appetite

Nausea and vomiting

Dark urine

Clay-colored stools

Joint pain

Fever

Itching

Spider angiomas (small, spider-shaped blood vessels on the skin)

Swelling in the legs

• Pubic lice:

Intense itching in the affected area (typically the genital region, but also possibly in other areas
with coarse hair)

Visible lice or their eggs (nits) attached to the hair shafts

Bluish spots on the skin where the lice have bitten and fed

Irritability and difficulty sleeping due to the itching and discomfort.

• Scabies:

Intense itching, especially at night

Rash: Small, red bumps, blisters, or pimple-like irritations

S-shaped burrows or tracks on the skin, often found between the fingers, on the wrists,
elbows, armpits, waist, buttocks, genital area, and soles of the feet

Sores and crusts caused by scratching

Secondary infections due to scratching

3)Prevention:

Use Condoms: Always use condoms correctly during sexual activity, as they provide a
barrier against STD transmission.

Regular Testing: Get tested for STDs regularly, especially if you're sexually active or have
multiple partners. Testing helps detect infections early and prevents their spread.

Limit Partners: Limit your number of sexual partners to reduce your risk of exposure to STDs.
The fewer partners you have, the lower your chances of contracting an infection.

Open Communication: Discuss STDs and sexual health with your partners openly. This includes
talking about each other's sexual history, testing status, and using protection consistently to
prevent transmission.

4) Transmission:

STDs can be transmitted through various forms of sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and
oral sex. The most common modes of transmission include:

Unprotected Sex: Engaging in sexual activity without using condoms or other barrier
methods allows direct contact between mucous membranes or skin with infected bodily
fluids, such as semen, vaginal fluids, or blood.

Skin-to-Skin Contact: Some STDs, like herpes and HPV (human papillomavirus), can be
transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, even without penetration or exchange of bodily fluids.

Sharing Needles: STDs like HIV and hepatitis can be transmitted through sharing contaminated
needles or syringes, commonly associated with intravenous drug use.

Mother-to-Child Transmission: Pregnant women with STDs can transmit the infection to their
babies during childbirth or through breast milk, leading to congenital infections.

Non-Sexual Transmission: Some STDs, such as HIV and hepatitis, can also be
transmitted through non-sexual routes like blood transfusions (though this is rare in
countries with strict blood screening protocols) or from mother to child during pregnancy or
childbirth.
5) Treatment:

Treatment for STDs varies depending on the specific infection but may include:

Antibiotics: Many bacterial STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, can be treated
with antibiotics. It's essential to complete the full course of medication as prescribed by a
healthcare provider.

Antiviral Medications: Viral STDs, such as herpes, HIV, and hepatitis, may require antiviral
medications to manage symptoms, suppress the virus, or slow its progression. These
medications can help control the infection but may not cure it.

Topical Treatments: Some STDs, like genital warts caused by HPV, can be treated with topical
medications or procedures to remove the warts.

Regular Monitoring: For chronic infections like HIV or hepatitis, regular monitoring and medical
care are essential to manage the condition and prevent complications.

Partner Treatment: It's crucial for sexual partners to also receive treatment to prevent reinfection
and further transmission of STDs.

It's essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of STDs. Avoid
self-diagnosis and self-medication, as improper treatment can lead to complications or
antibiotic resistance.

6) STDs and pregnancy:

STDs can have significant implications for pregnancy and childbirth. And they are:

Transmission to the Baby: Certain STDs can be transmitted from a mother to her baby during
pregnancy or childbirth. This transmission can occur through the placenta during pregnancy or
during childbirth as the baby passes through the birth canal. STDs that can be transmitted to the
baby include HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and herpes.

Pregnancy Complications: STDs can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, such
as preterm birth, low birth weight, premature rupture of membranes, and miscarriage. These
complications can negatively impact both the mother and the baby's health.

Congenital Infections: If a baby is exposed to certain STDs during pregnancy or childbirth,they

may develop congenital infections. For example, babies born to mothers with untreated syphilis
can develop congenital syphilis, which can cause serious health problems or even be fatal if not
treated promptly.

Postpartum Complications: STDs can also lead to complications for the mother after childbirth,
including postpartum infections and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can affect
fertility.
7) STDs and drugs resistance:

Drug resistance is a growing concern in the treatment of STDs. Here's how it happens:

Overuse or Misuse of Antibiotics: Overuse or misuse of antibiotics, such as not completing

the full course of treatment or using antibiotics for viral infections, can lead to the
development of drug-resistant bacteria. This can happen with STDs like gonorrhea and
chlamydia, which are commonly treated with antibiotics.

Natural Selection: When antibiotics are used to treat STDs, they kill susceptible bacteria, but
some bacteria may survive because they have genetic mutations that make them resistant to
the antibiotic. These resistant bacteria can then multiply and spread, leading to the emergence
of drug-resistant strains.

Limited Treatment Options: As bacteria become resistant to multiple antibiotics, treating STDs
becomes more challenging. Drug-resistant STDs may require more expensive or less
effective medications, leading to increased healthcare costs and poorer treatment outcomes.

Global Spread: Drug-resistant STDs can spread globally through travel and sexual contact,
making it difficult to contain outbreaks and control the spread of resistant bacteria.

8) STDs and mental health:

STDs can have significant effects on mental health.And they are:

Stigma and Shame: There is often stigma surrounding STDs, which can lead to feelings of
shame, guilt, and embarrassment for those affected. This stigma may result in reluctance to
seek testing, treatment, or support, leading to increased stress and anxiety.

Relationship Issues: A diagnosis of an STD can strain relationships, leading to trust issues,
communication difficulties, and conflict. Fear of rejection or judgment from partners can also
impact mental well-being.

Anxiety and Depression: Living with an STD can cause anxiety about the potential for
transmission, fear of disclosure to partners or future partners, and worries about long-term
health implications. These concerns can contribute to depression and anxiety disorders.

Impact on Sexual Functioning: Some STDs, such as genital herpes, can cause physical
symptoms that affect sexual functioning and intimacy. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy,
low self-esteem, and sexual dysfunction, which can further impact mental health.

Isolation and Social Withdrawal: People with STDs may experience social isolation or
withdrawal due to fear of judgment or rejection from others. This isolation can exacerbate
feelings of loneliness, depression, and low self-worth.

9) STD prevention education:

STD prevention education is crucial in promoting sexual health and reducing the spread of
sexually transmitted infections. Here's how it can be effectively implemented:

Comprehensive Sex Education: Schools and community organizations should offer

comprehensive sex education that covers topics such as STD prevention, contraception,
healthy relationships, and consent. This education should be age-appropriate and include
accurate information about STD transmission, symptoms, and prevention methods.

Promotion of Condom Use: Emphasize the importance of using condoms consistently and
correctly during sexual activity to prevent STD transmission. Education should include
demonstrations of proper condom use and information about accessing condoms.

Regular Testing: Encourage individuals who aresexually active to get tested regularly for STDs,
even if they don't have symptoms. Testing helps detect infections early and prevents their
spread. Education should include information about where to get tested and the importance of
regular screening.

Risk Reduction Strategies: Provide information about risk reduction strategies, such as limiting
the number of sexual partners, avoiding high-risk sexual behaviors (e.g., unprotected anal sex,
drug use during sex), and communicating openly with sexual partners about STDs and testing
history.

Addressing Stigma: Education should aim to reduce stigma surrounding STDs by promoting
empathy, understanding, and non-judgmental attitudes toward individuals affected by these
infections. This can help create a supportive environment where people feel comfortable
seeking testing, treatment, and support.

Promotion of Vaccination: Educate individuals about the availability and benefits of vaccines for
certain STDs, such as HPV and hepatitis B. Encourage vaccination as a preventive measure
against these infections.

Accessible Resources: Ensure that educational materials, resources, and support services
related to STD prevention are readily available and accessible to diverse populations, including
youth, LGBTQ+ individuals, and marginalized communities.

10) Webliography:
• chat gtp.com
• wikipedia.com