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Reproductive System Infections and STIs
Types of Infections
Infections Characterized by Vaginal Discharge
Infections Characterized by Cervicitis
Infections Characterized by Genital Ulcers
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS)
Human Papillomavirus Infection (HPV)
Vaginal Discharge Infections
Vaginitis
Infection or inflammation of the vagina.
Microorganisms that cause vaginitis:
Candida: A fungus.
Gardnerella: A bacteria.
Trichomonas: A protozoan.
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
One of the most common causes of vaginal discharge. Also known as Monilia, yeast,
or fungal infection. Candida becomes pathological only when the vaginal
environment is disrupted.
Clinical signs:
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Pruritus
Vaginal discharge (thick, white cheese-like)
Vaginal pain
Burning in the vulva
Erythema in the vulvovaginal area
Dyspareunia
Dysuria
The image shows a close-up view of what appears to be a colonoscopy, revealing
small, white, patchy spots scattered across the surface of the intestine, indicating a
potential abnormality or lesion.
Predisposing factors:
Pregnancy
Use of COCs
Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics
Diabetes mellitus
Use of steroids
Use of immunosuppressive drugs
HIV infection
Wearing tight clothing
Using nylon underwear
Vaginal douche
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Treatment:
Antimycotic oral tablets, creams, or suppositories.
If untreated during pregnancy, can cause oral thrush in the newborn.
Avoid sexual intercourse until symptoms subside.
Continue treatment during menstruation, use pads instead of tampons.
Trichomonas Vaginalis
Cause: A protozoan infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis.
Symptoms:
Frothy green-yellow discharge
Vaginal itching and irritation
Discomfort during intercourse or urination
Treatment: Oral antibiotics such as Metronidazole.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Cause: Overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, disrupting the natural vaginal flora.
Symptoms:
Thin, gray-white discharge
Fishy odor, particularly after intercourse
Risk Factors:
Frequent douching
Multiple sexual partners
The image is a close-up view of a cervix, likely captured during a medical
examination. The cervix appears as a reddish-pink, bulbous structure with a small
opening or os in the center.
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Treatment: Antibiotics like Metronidazole or Clindamycin.
Cervicitis Infections
Chlamydia Trachomatis
Cause: A bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
Symptoms:
Often asymptomatic
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Pelvic pain
Treatment: Antibiotics, such as Azithromycin or Doxycycline. Both partners must be
treated to prevent reinfection.
Prevention and Screening:
Annual screenings for sexually active women aged 20-25
Screening for high-risk individuals
Gonorrhea
Cause: A bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Symptoms:
Painful urination
Yellowish-green discharge
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Complications: If untreated, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and
infertility.
Treatment: Combination antibiotic therapy.
This graphic illustrates the symptoms of gonorrhea, with a visual representation of
the infection's effects on both females and males.
Nursing Care for STIs
Encourage patients to adhere to prescribed treatments.
Advise abstaining from sexual intercourse until the treatment is completed.
Ensure both partners are tested and treated to prevent reinfection.
Educate on the consistent use of condoms and other safe sexual practices.
Genital Ulcers
Genital Herpes Simplex
Cause: Viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).
Symptoms:
Painful blisters or sores on the genitals
Recurring outbreaks triggered by stress or illness
Treatment: Antiviral medications like Acyclovir to reduce symptoms and frequency of
outbreaks.
Syphilis
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Cause: Bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum.
Stages:
Primary Stage: A painless ulcer (chancre) forms at the site of infection.
Secondary Stage: Rash on palms and soles, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and
mucosal lesions.
Tertiary Stage: Severe damage to the cardiovascular system, brain, and bones.
The image depicts a pair of hands with a skin condition, likely palmar pustulosis or
psoriasis.
Treatment: Penicillin injections.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Definition: Infection of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian
tubes, and ovaries.
Causes: Often results from untreated STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Symptoms:
Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
Fever
Abnormal discharge
Complications: Infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.
Nursing Care:
Educate patients on completing the full course of antibiotics.
Emphasize safe sexual practices and effective contraceptive methods.
Discourage vaginal douching.
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HIV/AIDS
Transmission:
Unprotected sexual contact
Bloodborne exposure
Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding
Treatment: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) to manage and suppress viral load.
Clinical symptoms:
Acute primary infection develops in about 3 weeks after initial HIV infection.
3-12 month period of seroconversion (without the development of anti-HIV
antibodies)
The HIV virus destroys the immune system.
Enlarged lymph nodes, persistent sores in the mouth, prolonged fever and loss
of blood pressure may be seen.
An anti-HIV test (ELISA) is performed for definitive diagnosis.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Cause: A sexually transmitted infection responsible for 95% of cervical cancers.
Symptoms:
Genital warts
Precancerous lesions on the cervix
Risk Factors:
Immunosuppression
Multiple sexual partners
Smoking
Prevention:
Vaccination (effective against types 16 and 18)
Regular Pap smears for early detection of abnormalities
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The image is a collage of two photographs, each depicting a close-up view of skin
lesions which appear to be Molluscum contagiosum, a viral infection causing small,
pearly, or flesh-colored bumps.
Preventable STIs with Vaccines
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
Hepatitis is an acute, cysteine, and viral infection that can be transmitted
sexually.
Hepatitis A spreads through the gastrointestinal tract via contaminated
water/seafood and oral/anal sexual contact.
Hepatitis B is transmitted through saliva, blood serum, semen, menstrual blood,
and vaginal secretions, especially with multiple partners and unprotected sex.
Vaccines are available to prevent Hepatitis A and B.
Strategies to Prevent STIs
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Promote the use of condoms and other barrier methods.
Educate on safe sexual practices and STI prevention.
Advocate for regular screenings and early treatment of STIs.
Encourage vaccination for preventable diseases like Hepatitis B and HPV.
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