years' duration), may involve illness in
Sexually Transmitted the skin, bones, central nervous system
Infections/Disease
Syphilis
Description:
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease
(STD) or sexually transmitted infection
(STI) that, when left untreated, can
progress to a late stage that causes
serious health problems. The infection
alternates with periods of being active
and inactive (latent). When the infection
is active, symptoms occur. But when the
infection is latent, no symptoms appear
even though you still have syphilis.
Anyone who comes into close physical
contact with a person who has syphilis
can develop syphilis. You don't have to
have sexual intercourse to get syphilis—
exposure can result from close contact
with an infected person's genitals,
mouth, or rectum.
Causative Agent:
Syphilis is caused by a type of bacterium
(Treponema pallidum) that usually enters
the body through the mucous
membranes. An infected person can pass
the disease to others (is contagious)
whenever a sore or a rash is present.
Treponema pallidum - Spirochete that
cannot live outside the human body.
Enters through a break in the skin.
Laboratory Procedures:
Syphilis has several clinical
manifestations, making laboratory
testing a very important aspect of
diagnosis. In North America, many
unsuspected cases are discovered by
laboratory testing. The etiological agent,
Treponema pallidum, cannot be cultured,
and there is no single optimal alternative
test. Serological testing is the most
frequently used approach in the
laboratory diagnosis of syphilis. The
present paper discusses the various
serological and alternative tests
currently available along with their
limitations, and relates their results to
the likely corresponding clinical stage of
the disease. The need to use multiple
tests is discussed, and the importance of
quality control is noted. The complexity
of syphilis serology means that the
services of reference laboratories and
clinical experts are often needed.
Incubation period:
An incubation period is the time between
exposure to a disease and the
development of the first symptom. A skin
sore called a chancre is the first
symptom of sexually transmitted
syphilis. A chancre usually appears
between 3 weeks and 3 months after a
person has been infected with syphilis.
Signs and Symptoms:
The first or primary sign of syphilis is
usually a sore(s), which is painless and
appears at the site of initial contact. It
may be accompanied by swollen glands,
which develop within a week after the
appearance of the initial sore. The sore
may last from one to five weeks, and
may disappear by itself even if no
treatment is received. Approximately six
weeks after the sore first appears, a
person will enter the second stage of the
disease. The most common symptom
during this stage is a rash, which may
appear on any part of the body including
trunk, arms, legs, palms, soles, etc.
Other symptoms may occur such as
tiredness, fever, sore throat, headaches,
hoarseness, loss of appetite, patchy hair
loss and swollen glands. These signs and
symptoms will last two to six weeks and
generally disappear in the absence of
adequate treatment. The third stage,
called late syphilis (syphilis of over four
the doctor to see the gonorrhea
bacterium under a microscope. This test
and heart.
If detected and treated, syphilis can be
cured with antibiotics. If not treated,
syphilis may linger and may progress to
the late stage where more serious health
problems, such as blindness, heart
disorders, mental disorders, nervous
system problems, and even death, can
occur. Treatment is needed to cure the
infection, prevent complications, and
prevent the spread of the infection to
others. It is critical to treat a pregnant
woman who has syphilis—without
treatment, syphilis can cause a
miscarriage or stillbirth or cause a baby
to be born with the disease (congenital
syphilis). Antibiotics effectively treat
syphilis during any stage. Antibiotic
treatment cannot reverse the damage
caused by the complications of late-
stage syphilis, but it can prevent further
complications.
Medical & Nursing Management:
The rise in the number of cases of
syphilis suggests that some individuals
are not practising safer sex and/or that
health education programmes are
ineffective. The increasing incidence
could also be a consequence of more
people attending for sexual health
checks. Syphilis is primarily a sexually
transmitted disease, although a pregnant
woman may pass the disease to her
fetus via the placenta, and rarely
healthcare professionals may acquire the
disease through open lesions. If allowed
to run its full course the disease can
have devastating effects on the
individual. Regular screening of at-risk
groups, screening at antenatal clinics
and genitourinary medicine clinics,
promotion of safer sex activities and
health education may aid prevention.
The nurse is ideally placed to provide
patients with information that may
prevent infection or help to minimize its
severity.
Gonorrhea
Description:
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted
disease (STD). It is a bacterial infection
of the urethra in men and the urethra,
cervix, or both in women. Gonorrhea can
also infect the rectum, anus, throat,
pelvic organs, and, in rare cases, the
conjunctiva, which is the membrane that
lines the eyelid and eye surface.
Other names:
Popular names for gonorrhea are clap,
drip, dose, and strain.
Causative agent:
Gonorrhea is caused by a bacterium,
Neisseria gonorrhoeae.This bacterium
has pili to attach to the mucosal tissue of
humans.Possesing a complex cell wall, it
is able to avoid the immune system and
cause disease by means of
endotoxins(toxins attached on bacteria
cell wall).This causes inflammation and
the symptoms associated with the
disease.
Laboratory Procedure:
Several laboratory tests are available to
diagnose gonorrhea. A doctor or nurse
can obtain a sample for testing from the
parts of the body likely to be infected
(cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat) and
send the sample to a laboratory for
analysis. Gonorrhea that is present in the
cervix or urethra can be diagnosed in a
laboratory by testing a urine sample. A
quick laboratory test for gonorrhea that
can be done in some clinics or doctor’s
offices is a Gram stain. A Gram stain of a
sample from a urethra or a cervix allows
works better for men than for women.
Incubation period:
The symptoms usually have an
incubation period of 3 – 5 days and
during the 3rd days the symptoms may
reveal themselves. There are cases were
in the symptoms are only revealed after
2 weeks or so.
This is a case to case basis.
Signs and Symptoms:
Signs include a burning sensation when
urinating and a yellowish white discharge
from the penis. Sometimes men with
gonorrhea get painful or swollen
testicles. Gonorrhea is treated with
antibiotic medicine, taken by mouth or
given as a shot. Many people with
gonorrhea also have chlamydia (another
sexually transmitted disease). Because
of this, you may be given more than one
drug to treat both diseases. Your sexual
partner or partners should also have
treatment even if they have no
symptoms. The initial symptoms and
signs in women include a painful or
burning sensation when urinating,
increased vaginal discharge, or vaginal
bleeding between periods. Women with
gonorrhea are at risk of developing
serious complications from the infection,
regardless of the presence or severity of
symptoms.
Medical and Nursing Management:
The recommended treatment for
uncomplicated infections is a third-
generation cephalosporin or a
fluoroquinolene plus an antibiotic (e.g.,
doxycycline or erythromycin) effective
against possible coinfection with
Chlamydia trachomatis. Sex partners
should be referred and treated. The
current CDC Treatment Guidelines
recommend treatment of all gonococcal
infections with antibiotic regimens
effective against resistant strains. The
recommended antimicrobial agents are
ceftriaxone, cefixime, ciprofloxin, or
oflaxacin. Nurse does obtain patient’s
history, Encourage treatment and follow
up care and identify patient’s sexual
contacts.
Trichomoniasis
Description:
Trichomoniasis refers to an infection of
the genital and urinary tract. Is perhaps
the most common curable sexually
transmitted disease worldwide, yet few
resources are devoted to its control. It is
associated with potentially serious
complications such as preterm birth and
human immunodeficiency virus
acquisition and transmission.It is the
most common sexually transmitted
disease, affecting about 120 million
women worldwide each year.
Other names:
Trich (pronounced Trick), vaginitis
Causative Agent:
Trichomonas vaginalis is the causative
agent of trichomoniasis, a common cause
of vaginitis.
Laboratory Procedures:
the doctor collects the specimen during a
pelvic examination by inserting a
speculum into the vagina and then using
a cotton-tipped applicator to collect the
sample. The sample is then placed onto
a microscopic slide and sent to a
laboratory to be analyzed. An
examination in the presence of
trichomoniasisptaulas may also reveal
small red ulcerations on the vaginal wall
or cervix.
Incubation Period:
The incubation period of the disease is
thought to be from about one to four
weeks. This is only a rough estimate
because of the difficulty of studying such
an infection.
Signs and Symptoms:
Most men with trichomoniasis do not
have signs or symptoms; however, some
men may temporarily have an irritation
inside the penis, mild discharge, or slight
burning after urination or ejaculation.
Some women have signs or symptoms of
infection which include a frothy, yellow-
green vaginal discharge with a strong
odor. The infection also may cause
discomfort during intercourse and
urination, as well as irritation and itching
of the female genital area. In rare cases,
lower abdominal pain can occur.
Symptoms usually appear in women
within 5 to 28 days of exposure. In many
cases women may hold the parasite for
some years without any signs (dormant).
The parasite can't be transmitted
through oral or anal sex. Treatment for
both pregnant and non-pregnant patients
usually utilizes metronidazole (Flagyl)
2000mg oral one time by mouth. Sexual
partners, even if asymptomatic, should
be concurrently treated.
Medical & Nursing Management:
Nurse management will let the patient
avoid alcohol during treatment, urine
may turn dark orange or brown. Avoid
douches, sprays, and powders, let the
patient use loose-fitting clothing and
cotton underwear, the do the follow up
care and contact clients sex partner. The
treatment of choice is metronidazole
(Flagyl), except in the first trimester of
pregnancy, when clotrimazole is used
topically. It is important not to drink
alcohol while taking this drug (the
combination can lead to abdominal pain
and vomiting).
AIDS
Description:
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome:
 Acquired means you can get
infected with it;
 Immune Deficiency means a
weakness in the body's system
that fights diseases.
 Syndrome means a group of health
problems that make up a disease.
AIDS is caused by a virus called HIV, the
Human Immunodeficiency Virus. If you
get infected with HIV, your body will try
to fight the infection. It will make
"antibodies," special molecules to fight
HIV. Fatal disease caused by a rapidly
mutating retrovirus that attacks the
immune system and leaves the victim
vulnerable to infections, malignancies,
and neurological disorders.
Other names:
Acquired immune deficiency
syndrome or acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
• What is it? HIV is the acronym
for the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus, a virus
that attacks the body's immune
system, leading to full-blown
AIDS (Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
AIDS is devastating because it
leaves the body susceptible to
life-threatening infections and
certain kinds of cancers.
• How is it contracted?
Through oral, anal, or vaginal
sex, and from an HIV-positive
mother to her baby. To prevent
it, use a condom every time you
have sex; find out the sexual
history of any new partners,
including their HIV status; and
don't share needles if you do
intravenous drugs. If you're
pregnant and are HIV-positive,
talk to your doctor about how to
prevent passing the virus along
to your child.
• Incubation Period: Some
people develop symptoms
shortly after being infected, but
for many it takes more than ten
years for symptoms to appear.
• Symptoms: Most symptoms of
AIDS are not caused directly by
HIV, but by an infection or other
condition brought on by a
weakened immune system.
These include severe weight
loss, fever, headache, night
sweats, fatigue, severe
diarrhea, shortness of breath,
and difficulty swallowing. The
symptoms tend to last for
weeks or months at a time and
do not go away without
treatment. In some cases,
infections result in death.
Vaginosis
Description:
Bacterial vaginosis is a mild infection of
the vagina caused by bacteria. Normally,
there are a lot of “good” bacteria and
some “bad” bacteria in the vagina. The
good types help control the growth of the
bad types. In women with bacterial
vaginosis, the balance is upset. There
are not enough good bacteria and too
many bad bacteria.
Bacterial vaginosis is usually a mild
problem that may go away on its own in
a few days. But it can lead to more
serious problems, so it’s a good idea to
see your doctor and get treatment.
Other names:
Bacterial Vaginosis
Causative Agent:
Gardnerella vaginalis is a facultatively
anaerobic gram-variable rod. It has been
demonstrated to cause a wide variety of
infections; however, it is most commonly
recognized for its role as one of the
organisms responsible for bacterial
vaginosis (BV).
Laboratory Procedure: When a woman
reports an unusual vaginal discharge, the
doctor will ask her a series of routine
questions to help distinguish mild from
more serious conditions. Additional
issues that might indicate the presence
of a more serious condition include fever,
pelvic pain, new or multiple sexual
partners (especially with unprotected
intercourse), and a history of sexually-
transmitted infections. Examining the
vaginal discharge under the microscope
can help distinguish bacterial vaginosis
from yeast vaginitis (candidiasis) and
trichomonas (a type of sexually
transmitted infection).
Incubation Period:
There is no incubation period for
bacterial vaginosis. The bacteria that
causes it is always present in the vagina
in small amounts.
Signs and Symptoms:
A white, gray or yellowish vaginal
discharge, A fishy odor that is strongest
after sex or after washing with soap, Itching
or burning and Slight redness and swelling
of the vagina or vulva.
Medical and Nursing management:
Medical management for bacterial
vaginosis consists of antibiotics. A few
antibiotics are routinely used.
Metronidazole (Flagyl) taken by either
oral (pill) form or by vaginal
metronidazole gel (Metrogel) is an
effective treatment. Also available is the
vaginal clindamycin cream (Cleocin). The
oral metronidazole can cause some
minor but unpleasant side effects, but is
believed to be the most effective
treatment. The nurse and the woman
should engage in a learning and
discovery process to find out which
lifestyle modifications and medical and
nursing interventions work, and to
modify the plan of care as, needed.
Genital Warts
Description:
is a highly contagious sexually
transmitted infection caused by some
sub-types of human papillomavirus
(HPV). It is spread through direct skin-to-
skin contact during oral, genital, or anal
sex with an infected partner. Genital
warts are the most easily recognized
sign of genital HPV infection. Genital
warts vary in appearance depending on
location and stage of development. They
can be very small, light-colored dots at
first. A full-blown genital wart is usually
fleshy and raised significantly above the
normal skin with a cauliflower
appearance. They may be friable, bleed
easily, and itch. Warts can occur in
singles, or in clumps, and in multiple
locations including the genital area (on
or inside the penis, vagina, or anus) and
the oral cavity. Genital warts occur in a
small percentage of HPV infections.
Other Names:
Condyloma, Condylomata acuminata, or
venereal warts, also anal wart or
anogenital wart.
Causative agent:
Genital warts are a result of infection
with human papillomavirus (HPV). The
virus is currently considered a leading
candidate as a causative agent in
squamous carcinomas of both the female
and male genital tracts.
Laboratory procedures:
A genital examination reveals flesh-
colored to white, flat or raised, single or
clustered lesions anywhere on the
genitalia.
In women, a pelvic examination may
reveal growths on the vaginal walls or
the cervix . Magnification (colposcopy)
may be used to see lesions invisible to
the naked eye. The tissue of the vagina
and cervix may be treated with acetic
acid to make the warts visible. A pap
smear may note changes associated with
HPV.
Incubation period:
When genital warts grow from their
incubation period, they often start out as
small, gray, pink, red or white swellings
in the genital area. The often begin as
single lesions approximately 1 to 2 mm
in size, but if left untreated, can rapidly
grow in clusters which when form
together, can be large and appear similar
to a cauliflower head. The average
incubation period, which begins
immediately after the initial sexual
contact with an infected person, is
usually two to three months but can
range from one to 20 months.
Signs and Symptoms:
Venereal warts appear as soft, fleshy
growths that vary in size, are frequently
painless and can be raised, pointed or
flat. The warts may appear singly or in
clusters. You can reduce your risk of
becoming infected with the human
papillomavirus (HPV) or another sexually
transmitted disease (STD). You also can
reduce the risk of spreading HPV to your
sex partner(s) by practice safe sex, use
condom, and vaccine (Gardasil) that
protects against four types of HPV, which
together cause most cases of cervical
cancer and genital warts.
Medical and Nursing Management:
Key nursing roles are teaching about
prevention of HPV infection and patient
education and promotion of vaccines and
screening test in order to reduce the
morbidity and mortality associated with
cervical cancer caused by HPV infection.
Teach the patient that the only way to
prevent HPV is to refrain from any
genital contact with another individual.
Education and counseling are important
aspects of managing genital warts.
Genital Herpes
Description:
Genital herpes is one of the most
common sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs). The disease can be bothersome.
But if you are a healthy adult, you do not
need to worry that it will cause serious
problems. Genital herpes is caused by a
virus—either the herpes simplex virus
type 1 or the herpes simplex virus type
2. Either virus can cause sores on the
lips (cold sores) and sores on the
genitals. Type 1 more often causes cold
sores, while type 2 more often causes
genital sores.
Other Names:
Herpes - genital; Herpes simplex -
genital; Herpesvirus 2; HSV-2
Causative Agent:
Two strains of the herpes simplex virus,
HSV-1 and HSV-2 are the causative
factors. HSV-1, the virus responsible for
common cold sores, can be transmitted
through fluids from the mouth. It is
responsible for some cases of genital
herpes cases. HSV-1 can spread from the
mouth to the genitals during oral sex.
HSV-2 causes most of the genital herpes
cases. HSV-2 can be spread through
secretions from the mouth or genitals
Laboratory Procedure:
Viral culture of blister fluid from lesion
positive for herpes simplex virus. Herpes
simplex virus may grow within 2-3 days.
If this test is positive, it is almost 100%
accurate, especially if the fluid is from an
initial blister rather than a recurrent
blister. Since viruses can be hard to
grow, it is often negative, even when
herpes is present. Detection of the
herpes simplex virus DNA by PCR from
the blister fluid. The blister fluid contains
human cells and virus particles. PCR is a
technique that detects small amounts of
DNA and could tell you if the herpes virus
was present in the blister. Tzanck test of
skin lesion may show results consistent
with herpes virus infection. This test
involves staining human cells within the
blister fluid with a dye. If the cells from
the fluid contain viral particles, they
become visible. However, the test cannot
determine which strain of virus is present
in the blister. Recently developed
antibody tests can determine if the
person has HSV-1 or HSV-2. These tests
can also tell if the individual has ever
been exposed to either of these strains
in the past (IgG test) or was just recently
exposed to one of them (IgM test).
Incubation Period:
When a person becomes infected with
one of the herpes simplex viruses (either
HSV-1 or HSV-2) that cause herpes, the
virus begins to multiply within the skin
and nerves. Yet, symptoms do not
immediately occur. After six to eight
days, on average, signs and symptoms
of genital herpes can appear. This period
between herpes transmission and the
start of genital herpes symptoms is
called the "incubation period for genital
herpes." In some cases, the incubation
period can be as short as one day or as
long as 26 days.
Signs and Symptoms:
Most people infected with HSV-2 are not
aware of their infection. However, if
signs occur during the first outbreak,
they can be quite pronounced. The first
outbreak usually occurs within two
weeks after the virus is transmitted, and
the sores typically heal within two to four
weeks. Other signs and symptoms during
the primary episode may include a
second crop of sores, and flu-like
symptoms, including fever and swollen
glands. However, most individuals with
HSV-2 infection may never have sores, or
they may have very mild signs that they
do not even notice or that they mistake
for insect bites or another skin condition.
The only sure way to keep from getting
genital herpes—or any other sexually
transmitted disease (STD)—is to not
have sex. If you do have sex, practice
safe sex.
Medical and Nursing Management
Genital herpes cannot be cured.
However, treatment can relieve the
symptoms. Medication can rapidly
decrease the pain and discomfort
associated with an outbreak and can
shorten healing time as well. Three oral
agents are currently being prescribed,
including acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir
(Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex).
These medications have been shown to
speed the healing and resolution of
symptoms in first attacks more than in
recurrent episodes of genital HSV-1 and
HSV-2 infections. These medications do
not cure the herpes infection. Instead,
they suppress the symptoms. If
necessary, daily suppressive therapy can
be used, and has been shown to reduce
the frequency of recurrence among
patients with frequent genital herpes
outbreaks. As a nurse educate and
enlighten the prevention of the spread of
herpes, avoid sexual contact during an
active outbreak and use condoms and
dental dams for sexual contact between
outbreaks. Because genital herpes can
infect skin around the penis, vagina, or
anus, condoms reduce but do not
eliminate the risk of transmission
Pubic Lice
Description:
The pubic or crab louse is small (2 to 3
millimeters, or 0.08 to 0.12 inches) and
round. It can be difficult to see unless it
is filled with blood from a recent feeding.
Four of its six legs have crab-like claws
which allow it to grasp tightly onto hairs.
Female lice live for three to four weeks,
during which time she lays up to three
eggs per day. The eggs hatch after about
eight days.
Although these lice primarily affect the
pubic area, they may also be found on
other areas of the body (eyebrows,
armpits, beard, mustache). Pubic lice are
not found on the head.
Other names:
Pediculosis - pubic lice; Lice - pubic;
Crabs
Signs and Symptoms:
Pubic lice cause intense itching. A person
who has been exposed to pubic lice may
notice tiny tan to grayish-white insects
crawling in their pubic hair. He or she
may also see tiny oval-shaped, yellow to
white blobs called nits clinging to the
hair. Nits are about the size of a pinhead,
and are the louse eggs. Nits can't be
easily removed from the hair with the
fingers — "nit combs" made especially to
remove the eggs are sold at drugstores
and many grocery stores. Someone who
has been exposed to pubic lice will
usually notice symptoms within a week.
But it can take up to 2–3 weeks for the
mature lice to appear. That means
itching may start in the first week, but
people may not actually notice the lice
for 2–3 weeks after they have been
exposed. The primary symptom of pubic
lice is itching, but lice can also leave
bluish-grayish marks on the thighs and
pubic area from bites.
Incubation Period:
As long as a week if it's the first time
you've had pubic lice; as little as a day if
this is a recurrence.
Medical Management and Nursing
Management:
Over-the-counter lotions that contain the
chemical permethrin such as Rid and Nix
will get rid of the lice. (Talk to your
doctor before using any product that
contains the chemical lindane, which can
be toxic, especially for unborn children.)
After washing with the lotion, use a fine-
toothed comb to comb out the crabs and
their eggs (called nits). Your sexual
partner(s) must be treated as well, and
all clothing or bedding that may be
infested must be washed in very hot
water or dry-cleaned. In some cases,
clothing, towels, or bedding may need to
be washed a few times before they're
completely lice-free.
Chlamydia infection
(from the Greek, χλαμύδος meaning
"cloak") is a common sexually
transmitted infection (STI) in humans
caused by the bacterium Chlamydia
trachomatis. The term Chlamydia
infection can also refer to infection
caused by any species belonging to the
bacterial family Chlamydiaceae. C.
trachomatis is only found in humans.[1]
Chlamydia is a major infectious cause of
human genital and eye disease.
Chlamydia infection is one of the most
common sexually transmitted infections
worldwide — it is estimated that about
2.3 million individuals in the United
States are infected with chlamydia.[2] It is
the most common bacterial STI in
humans.[3]
C. trachomatis is naturally found living
only inside human cells. Chlamydia can
be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or
oral sex, and can be passed from an
infected mother to her baby during
vaginal childbirth. Between half and
three-quarters of all women who have a
chlamydia infection of the neck of the
womb (cervicitis) have no symptoms and
do not know that they are infected. In
men, infection of the urethra (urethritis)
is usually symptomatic, causing a white
discharge from the penis with or without
pain on urinating (dysuria). Occasionally,
the conditions spreads to the upper
genital tract in women (causing pelvic
inflammatory disease) or to the
epididymis in men (causing
epididymitis). If untreated, chlamydial
infections can cause serious reproductive
and other health problems with both
short-term and long-term consequences.
Chlamydia is easily treated with
antibiotics.
I. What is Chlamydia (NGU)?
Treatment Chlamydia
(misspelled as clamidia,
chlamidia, clamydia, clymidia,
chlymidia, clamidia, chlamidia,
etc.) is a sexually transmitted
disease (STD). Chlamydia
trachomatis, or simply
chlamydia, is a bacterial
infection caused by pathogen
(germ) Chlamydia trachomatis
that usually infects the genitals
of both men and women, but
can also infect the throat,
rectum and eyes. Chlamydia is
one of the most common STD's
- and because more than 50%
who have chlamydia have no
symptoms at all - chlamydia
infection usually goes
untreated.
II. How is Chlamydia
Contracted?
Chlamydia is mainly passed
through sexual activity:
○ vaginal or anal sex
with an infected
partner
○ oral sex, although this
is less common
○ sharing sex toys
○ touching parts of the
body with fingers (for
example, chlamydia
often occurs in the
eyes)
 You can NOT catch chlamydia
from simple kissing, sharing
baths, towels, cups, or from
toilet seats.
III. Incubation Period of
Chlamydia
7-21 days
IV. Signs and Symptoms of
Chlamydia
2/3 of women and 1/2 of men
who have chlamydia have no
symptoms at all; others have
symptoms so mild they aren't
noticeable.
1. Chlamydia Symptoms in
Women:
○ an unusual vaginal
discharge
pain or a burning
○
sensation when
passing urine
○ bleeding between
periods
○ pain during sex or
bleeding after sex
○ low abdominal pain
sometimes with
nausea
1. Chlamydia Symptoms in Men:
○ white/cloudy, watery
discharge from the tip
of the penis
○ pain or a burning
sensation when
passing urine
○ testicular pain and/or
swelling
II. Testing of Chlamydia
A urine test and a swab test
collecting fluid from the penis or
vagina. (Swab test is obtained
by briefly placing a swab in the
opening of the urethra at the tip
of the penis; this causes brief
discomfort and a burning
sensation)
III. Treatment of Chlamydia - Is
there a Cure for Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is simple to treat
with antibiotics, either a single
dose or a course lasting up to
two weeks:
1. Treatment of Chlamydia:
○ Doxycycline 100 mg 2-
3 times a day for 10-14
days, or
○ Zithromax®
(azithromycin) 1.0 gm
(4 x 250 mg) a single
dose, or
○ Zithromax® Z-pak®
(azithromycin) - 500mg
on day 1, followed by 1
tab (250mg) once a
day for 4 more days
To avoid re-infection, any sexual
partners should be treated too.
Treating gonorrhea is advocated
for patients being treated for
chlamydia, and vice versa (50%
have both infections together)
1. Treatment of Gonorrhea:
○ Cipro® XR 500 mg a
single dose, or
○ Levaquin® 500 mg a
single dose, or
○ Tequin® 400 mg a
single dose;
Once chlamydia has been
successfully treated, it won't
come back unless a new
infection is picked up.
II. If Chlamydia is Not Treated
Without treatment, chlamydia
infection can spread to other
parts of the body causing
damage and serious long-term
health problems.
In women, chlamydia can cause
pelvic inflammatory disease,
which can lead to:
○ ectopic pregnancy (a
pregnancy outside the
womb)
○ blocked fallopian tubes
(the tubes which carry
the egg from the
ovaries to the womb),
which can result in
reduced fertility or
infertility
○ long-term pelvic pain
○ early miscarriage or
premature birth
In men, chlamydia can lead to:
○ painful inflammation of
the testicles, which
may result in reduced
fertility or sterility
○ occasionally, Reiter's
syndrome
(inflammation of the
joints, urethra and
eyes)
Candidiasis
Description:
commonly called yeast infection or
thrush, also known as "Candidosis,"
"Moniliasis," and "Oidiomycosis," is a
fungal infection (mycosis) of any of the
Candida species, of which Candida
albicans is the most common.
Candidiasis encompasses infections that
range from superficial, such as oral
thrush and vaginitis, to systemic and
potentially life-threatening diseases.
Candida infections of the latter category
are also referred to as candidemia and
are usually confined to severely
immunocompromised persons, such as
cancer, transplant, and AIDS patients.
Superficial infections of skin and mucosal
membranes by Candida causing local
inflammation and discomfort are
however common in many human
populations.[3][4][5] While clearly
attributable to the presence of the
opportunistic pathogens of the genus
Candida, candidiasis describes a number
of different disease syndromes that often
differ in their causes and outcomes.
A. YEAST INFECTION IN
MEN (Balanitis)
• What is it? Men can get yeast
infection of the genitals. Yeast
organisms are a common cause
of infection of the tip of the
penis, a condition called
balanitis.
• How is it contracted? Almost
from anywhere; nevertheless,
one is more likely to get
balanitis if you:
○ Are uncircumcised
○ Have diabetes
• Incubation Period: Anywhere
from 12 hours to five days
• Symptoms: Itching or burning
of the tip of the penis or the
foreskin. A red rash on the
affected areas
• Testing: Physical examination
of the red rash in the affected
area.
• Treatment: If you're
uncircumcised, you can help
prevent balanitis by practicing
good hygiene. Each day, gently
pull back (retract) the foreskin
on your penis and clean the skin
with soap and water. Then dry
the skin carefully. You may also
apply an antifungal cream
periodically to prevent
recurrence.
Treatment of balanitis includes:
○ Cleaning under the
foreskin of the penis
○ Applying antifungal
creams at least twice a
day
○ Recurrent balanitis:
Diflucan 150 mg one
single dose
A. VAGINAL YEAST
INFECTION
• What is it? A naturally
occurring fungus called Candida
albicans (C. albicans) usually
causes this type of vaginitis. An
estimated three out of four
women will have a yeast
infection in their lifetime.
• How is it contracted? Yeast
infections occur when certain
internal or external factors
change the normal environment
of your vagina and trigger an
overgrowth of a microscopic
fungus — the most common
being a fungus called Candida
albicans (C. albicans). Besides
causing most vaginal yeast
infections, C. albicans also
causes infections in other moist
areas of your body, such as
your mouth (thrush), skin folds
and fingernail beds. The fungi
can also cause diaper rash.
• Factors that increase your risk
of yeast infections include:
○ Medications such as
antibiotics and steroids
○ Uncontrolled diabetes
○ Hormonal changes,
such as those
associated with
pregnancy and birth
control pills
○ Bubble baths, vaginal
contraceptives, damp
or tightfitting clothing
and feminine hygiene
products such as
sprays and deodorants
don't cause yeast
infections, but they
may increase your
susceptibility to
infection.
• Incubation Period: Anywhere
from 12 hours to five days
• Symptoms: The main symptom
is itching, but you may have a
white, thick discharge that
resembles cottage cheese.
• Testing: Your doctor may take
a sample of a cervical or vaginal
discharge for laboratory
analysis.
• Treatment: Antibiotics -
Diflucan 150 mg one single
dose .
• If you are not treated:
Generally, vaginal yeast
infections don't cause serious
complications. If it is not treated
the itch may persist.
Medical and Nursing Management
Medical professionals may use two
primary methods to diagnose yeast
infections: microscopic examination and
culturing.
For identification by light microscopy, a
scraping or swab of the affected area is
placed on a microscope slide. A single
drop of 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH)
solution is then added to the specimen.
The KOH dissolves the skin cells but
leaves the Candida cells intact,
permitting visualization of hyphae and
yeast cells typical of many Candida
species.
For the culturing method, a sterile swab
is rubbed on the infected skin surface.
The swab is then streaked on a culture
medium. The culture is incubated at 37
°C for several days, to allow
development of yeast or bacterial
colonies. The characteristics (such as
morphology and colour) of the colonies
may allow initial diagnosis of the
organism that is causing disease
symptoms.