Biology · Ch 2 — Reproduction in Lower and Higher Animals
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
2.13
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Diseases or infections transmitted through sexual intercourse are collectively called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), venereal diseases (VDs), or reproductive tract infections (RTIs). The two major venereal diseases are syphilis and gonorrhoea, caused respectively by the bacteria Treponema pallidum and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Table 2.24Sexually transmitted diseases: syphilis and gonorrhoea
| Syphilis | Gonorrhoea | |
|---|---|---|
| Causative agent | Treponema pallidum (bacterium) | Neisseria gonorrhoeae (bacterium) |
| Incubation period | 3–4 weeks | Male: 2–14 days; Female: 7–21 days |
| Infection site | Mucous membrane in genital, rectal and oral region | Mucous membrane of urino-genital tract, rectum, throat and eye |
| Symptoms | Primary lesion (chancre) at the site of infection on the external genitalia, skin rashes, mild fever, inflamed joints, loss of hair; if untreated, paralysis and degenerative changes in the heart and brain | Male: partial blockage of urethra and reproductive ducts, pus from penis, pain and burning sensation during urination, arthritis. Female: pelvic inflammation of the urinary tract, sterility, arthritis; children born to affected mothers may suffer gonococcal ophthalmia and gonococcal vulvovaginitis before puberty |
Tip
Internet my friend
Collect information about other sexually transmitted diseases. …