Sexually Transmitted Diseases Biology class 12 investigatory project.pdf

Biology class 12 investigatory project about STDs : Causes, Preventions, Diagnoses, Treatments, Symptoms, Types Global estimation, WHO Response

1. Biology project

2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IT IS MY IMMENSE PLEASURE THAT I COMPOSE THIS
SECTION OF MY REPORT TO EXPRESS MY THANKS
WHOLEHEARTEDLY AND TO PROFOUND RESPECT TO
MANY WHO HAVE BEEN HELPING IN THE COMPLETION
OF THIS PROJECT.
I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND MY PROFOUND GRATITUDE
TO RESPECTED PRINCIPAL DR. V RADHAKRISHNAN
NAIR MA [ENG] MA [PHIL], PHD, D. LITT. OF HOLY MARY
CENTRAL SCHOOL AND JUNIOR COLLEGE,
KAKKANADU, KAYAMKULAM FOR GRANTING US
PERMISSION TO CONDUCT THIS STUDY
I AM ESPECIALLY INDEBTED TO OUR PHYSICS
TEACHER,
Mrs. SAUMA S KURUP AND Mrs. PRIYA MATHEW FOR
THEIR VALUABLE GUIDANCE DURING THE COURSE OF
THIS PROJECT WITH MUCH DEGREE OF SATISFACTION.
I WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS MY SINCERE THANKS TO
MY PARENTS AND ALL MY FRIENDS FOR THEIR HELP,
MORAL SUPPORT, AND ENCOURAGEMENT WITHOUT
WHICH I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO COMPLETE
THIS PROJECT WELL IN TIME.

3. INTRODUCTION
"The alarming rise of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
(STDs) has become a pressing global health concern,
affecting individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and
socioeconomic statuses. With the increasing
prevalence of STDs, it is essential to address the
misconceptions, stigma, and lack of awareness
surrounding these infections. This project aims to
provide a comprehensive overview of STDs,
exploring their causes, symptoms, prevention
methods, and treatment options, with the ultimate
goal of promoting awareness, education, and
healthy practices among individuals, communities,
and healthcare providers."

4. Sexually Transmitted
Diseases
Overview
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by sexually transmitted
infections (STIs). They are spread mainly by sexual contact. STIs are
caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. A sexually transmitted infection
may pass from person to person in blood, semen, or vaginal and other
bodily fluids."STD" is often used interchangeably with "STI," they are not
exactly the same. A "disease" is usually an obvious medical problem with
clear signs and symptoms. "Infection" with an STI may or may not result in
disease. This is why many individuals and organizations working in health
are moving toward using the term "sexually transmitted infection" rather
than "sexually transmitted disease." Most people with STIs do not have any
symptoms and therefore often do not know that they can pass the
infection on to their sexual partner(s).

5. Sometimes sexually transmitted infections are spread in ways other
than sexual contact. For example, STIs can spread to infants during
pregnancy,childbirth and breastfeeding . STIs also can spread through
blood transfusions or shared needles. More than 30 different bacteria,
viruses and parasites are known to be transmitted through sexual
contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Eight pathogens are
linked to the greatest incidence of STIs. Of these, 4 are currently
curable: syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. The
other 4 are viral infections: hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV),
HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV).If left untreated, STIs can cause
serious health problems, including cervical cancer, liver disease, pelvic
inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and pregnancy problems
In addition, emerging outbreaks of new infections that can be
acquired by sexual contact such as mpox, Shigella sonnei, Neisseria
meningitidis, Ebola and Zika, as well as re-emergence of neglected
STIs such as lymphogranuloma venereum. These herald increasing
challenges in the provision of adequate services for STIs prevention
and control. STIs don't always cause symptoms. A person can get
sexually transmitted infections from another person who seems
healthy and may not even know they have an infection.

6. Causes and Risk Factors
Sexually transmitted infections can be caused by:
Bacteria : Gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia are examples of STDs that are caused by
bacteria
Parasites :Trichomoniasis is an STD caused by a parasite.
Viruses :STDs caused by viruses include human papillomavirus (HPV), the herpes
simplex virus, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AID
Factors that may increase the risk of getting an sexually transmitted infection include:
Having unprotected sex. Vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner who isn't wearing
a condom (latex or polyurethane) greatly increases the risk of getting an STD.
Condoms made from natural membranes aren't recommended because they're not
effective at preventing some STIs. Not using condoms properly or not using them each
time also can increase risk. Oral sex may be less risky. But sexually transmitted
infections can still spread if a person doesn't use a condom (latex or polyurethane) or a
dental dam. That is a thin, square piece of rubber made with latex or silicone.
Having sexual contact with many partners. The more people you have sexual activity
with, the greater your risk.
Having a history of STIs. Having one sexually transmitted infection makes it much
easier for another STI to take hold.
Being forced to engage in sexual activity. See a health care professional as soon as
possible to get screening, treatment and emotional support.
Causes
Risk factors
Misuse of alcohol or use of recreational drugs. Substance misuse can inhibit your
judgment, making you more willing to take part in risky behaviors.
Injecting drugs. Sharing a needle while injecting drugs can spread many serious
infections. Examples are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and
hepatitis C.
Being young. People age 15 to 24 report high levels of STIs compared to those who are
older.
Spread from mothers to infants. During pregnancy or delivery, some sexually
transmitted infections can be passed from mother to infant. Examples are gonorrhea,
chlamydia, HIV and syphilis. STIs in infants can cause serious problems or even death.
All pregnant women should be screened for STI infections and treated as needed.

7. Symptoms And Complications
Symptoms
STDs can have a range of symptoms, including no symptoms. That's why sexually
transmitted infections may go unnoticed until a person has complications or a
partner is diagnosed.
STI symptoms might include:
Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area.
Painful or burning urination.
Discharge from the penis.
Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge.
Unusual vaginal bleeding.
Pain during sex.
Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more
widespread.
Lower abdominal pain.
Fever.
Rash over the trunk, hands or feet.

Complications Many people in the early stages of an STD have no symptoms. That's why screening is
important to prevent complications.
Possible complications of sexually transmitted infections include:
Pelvic pain.
Pregnancy complications.
Eye inflammation.
Arthritis.
Pelvic inflammatory disease.
Infertility.
Heart disease.
Certain cancers, such as HPV-associated cervical and rectal cancers.

8. Diagnosis
Diagnosis of an STD starts with your sexual history and current
symptoms. Some signs of infection are a rash, warts or discharge.
Lab tests can find the cause of STD symptoms. They can also find sexually
transmitted infections without symptoms.
Blood tests. Blood tests can confirm the diagnosis of HIV or later
stages of syphilis.
Urine samples. Some STDs can be confirmed with a urine sample.
Fluid samples. If you have open genital sores, your health care
professional may test fluid and samples from the sores to diagnose the
type of infection.
Tests
Screening
Testing for an STD or sexually transmitted infection in someone who
doesn't have symptoms is called screening.
Experts recommend STI screening for:
Your Almost everyone at least once. Guidelines suggest screening with
a blood or saliva test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus
that causes AIDS, for everyone ages 15 to 65. Experts recommend that
people at high risk have an HIV test every year.National guidelines
recommend hepatitis B screening for people age 18 and older at least
once, and with a test that includes a few different markers of the
virus.Guidelines also recommend hepatitis C screening for all adults.

9. Pregnant women. All pregnant women will generally be screened for HIV,
hepatitis B, chlamydia and syphilis early in the pregnancy.Guidelines
recommend gonorrhea and hepatitis C screening tests at least once during
pregnancy for women at high risk of these infections.They also suggest
hepatitis B screening at each pregnancy for everyone.
Women age 21 and older. The Pap test screens for changes in the cells of
the cervix, such as swelling an irritation, also called inflammation,
precancerous changes and cancer. Cervical cancer is often caused by certain
HPV strains. Experts recommend that women have a Pap test every three
years starting at age 21. After age 30, experts recommend women have an
HPV test and a Pap test every five years. Or, women over 30 can have a Pap
test alone every three years or an HPV test alone every three years.
Women under age 25 who are sexually active. Experts recommend that all
sexually active women under age 25 be tested for chlamydia infection. The
chlamydia test uses a sample of urine or vaginal fluid you can collect
yourself.Reinfection by an untreated or undertreated partner is common. If
you've been treated for a chlamydia infection, you should be retested in about
three months. Get retested if you have a new partner.Experts also
recommend screening for gonorrhea in sexually active women under age 25.
Men who have sex with men. Compared with other groups, men who have
sex with men run a higher risk of getting sexually transmitted
infections.Many public health groups recommend annual or more-frequent
STI screening for these men. Regular tests for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and
gonorrhea are particularly important. Evaluation for hepatitis B also may be
recommended.
People with HIV. Having HIV raises your risk of getting other sexually
transmitted diseases. Experts recommend testing for syphilis, gonorrhea,
chlamydia and herpes right away after being diagnosed with HIV. They also
recommend that people with HIV be screened for hepatitis C.Women with
HIV may develop aggressive cervical cancer. So experts recommend they
have a Pap test at the time of the HIV diagnosis or within a year of becoming
sexually active if they are under 21. Then, experts recommend repeating the
Pap test every year for three years. After three negative tests, women with
HIV can get a Pap test every three years.
People who have a new partner. Before having vaginal or anal sex with new
partners, be sure you've both been tested for STDs. However, experts don't
recommend routine testing for genital herpes unless you have symptoms.

10. Treatment STDs may be treated in different ways based on the causes. Sexually
transmitted infections caused by bacteria are generally easier to treat. STI
infections caused by viruses can be managed and treated but not always
cured.If you are pregnant and have an STD, getting treatment right away
can prevent or lower the risk of your baby becoming infected.
Treatment for sexually transmitted infections usually consists of one of
the following, depending on the infection:
Antibiotics
Antibiotics, often in a single dose, can cure many STIs caused by
bacteria or parasites, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and
trichomoniasis.Once you start antibiotic treatment, you need to finish the
prescription. If you don't think you'll be able to take medicine as prescribed,
tell your health care professional. A shorter, simpler course of treatment
may be available. Also, it's important to avoid sexual activity until seven
days after you've completed antibiotic treatment and any sores have
healed. Experts also suggest people diagnosed with chlamydia be retested
three months after treatment because there's a high chance of reinfection.
Antiviral drugs
If you have herpes or HIV, your doctor may prescribe medicine that keeps
a viral infection from getting worse, called an antiviral medicine.You'll
generally have fewer herpes recurrences if you take what's called daily
suppressive therapy with a prescription antiviral medicine. But it's still
possible to give your partner herpes.Antiviral medicines can keep HIV
infection in check for many years. But you will still carry the virus and can
still spread it, though the risk is lower.The sooner you start HIV treatment,
the more effective it is. If you take your medicines as directed, it's possible
to lower the viral load in the blood so that it can't be found. At that point,
you won't spread the virus to sex partners.

11. Prevention Avoid sex or sexual activity. The most effective way to avoid STDs is to not have
sex.
Stay with one uninfected partner. Staying in a long-term relationship in which both
people have sex only with each other and neither partner is infected can be one
way to avoid an STD.
Wait and test. Avoid vaginal and anal sex or sexual activity with new partners until
you have both been tested for sexually transmitted infections. Oral sex may be
less risky. But STIs can still spread if a person doesn't use a condom (latex or
polyurethane) or a dental dam. These barriers prevent skin-to-skin contact
between the oral and genital mucous membranes.
Get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated before having sex can prevent certain types of
sexually transmitted infections. Vaccines are available to prevent STDs caused by
human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Use condoms and dental dams consistently and correctly. Use a new latex or
polyurethane condom or dental dam for each sex act, whether oral, vaginal or
anal. Never use an oil-based lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, with a latex
condom or dental dam. Also, these types of barriers give less protection for STDs
involving exposed genital sores, such as HPV or herpes.Nonbarrier forms of
contraception, such as birth control pills or intrauterine devices (IUDs), don't
protect against STIs.
Don't drink alcohol excessively or use illegal drugs. If you're under the influence of
these substances, you're more likely to take sexual risks.
Talk to your partner. Before any sexual contact, talk to your partner about
practicing safer sex. Be sure you clearly agree on what activities will and won't be
OK.
Think about male circumcision. For men, evidence has found that circumcision can
help lower the risk of getting HIV from a woman with HIV by as much as 60%. Male
circumcision may also help prevent spread of genital HPV and genital herpes.
Think about using preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has approved two combination medicines to lower the risk of
HIV infection in people who are at very high risk. The medicines are emtricitabine
plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada) and emtricitabine plus tenofovir
alafenamide fumarate (Descovy). These medicines must be taken every day,
exactly as prescribed.

12. Main Types
HIV
HIV is an infection with the human immunodeficiency virus. HIV
interferes with the body's ability to fight off viruses, bacteria and
fungi that cause illness. Without treatment, it also can lead to
AIDS, a chronic, life-threatening disease.The symptoms of HIV
vary by how long you've had the disease and whether you get
treatment for it.It is present in blood, vaginal secretions, semen,
and breast milk. HIV can be spread through vaginal, oral, or anal
sex when a condom, other latex/polyurethane barrier, or
treatment-as-prevention method is not used.
Early symptoms
Most often, HIV causes flu-like symptoms about 2 to 4 weeks
after being infected. These symptoms may last for a few days or
for weeks. During this time, the virus makes copies of itself fast.
The risk of passing the disease to sexual partners is high.
Early HIV symptoms can include:
Fever.
Chills.
Headache or muscle aches.
Sore throat.
Swollen lymph glands.
Rash.
Fatigue.
Night sweats.
Mouth ulcers.
Th l k ifhHIVib d

13. Chronic or middle-stage HIV symptoms:
Over time, the HIV virus keeps making copies of itself, but at
lower levels. This is called the chronic stage of infection. You
might not have any symptoms during this time. If you take HIV
medicines called antiretroviral therapy exactly as prescribed, you
might stay in this stage for life.
Swollen lymph nodes, which are often one of the first signs
of HIV infection.
Diarrhea.
Weight loss.
Fever.
Cough and shortness of breath.

14. AIDS
Without HIV treatment, the chronic stage of HIV infection may
progress to AIDS in about 10 years. AIDS is life-threatening.
Symptoms of AIDS can include:
Fever.
Weakness.
Fast weight loss.
Extreme tiredness.
Soaking night sweats.
Fever that keeps coming back.
Ongoing swelling of lymph nodes in the armpits, groin and neck.
Diarrhea that lasts longer than a week.
Sores in the mouth, anus or on the genitals. Discolored blotches
on or under the skin, or inside the eyelids, nose or mouth.
Memory loss.
Depression.
Infections such as pneumonia.

15. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that spreads easily.
It's caused by a type of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus
enters the body through small breaks in the skin or mucous
membranes. Most people with HSV never know they have it. That's
because they have no symptoms or symptoms are too mild to be
noticed. If there are symptoms, they tend to appear within 12 days of
being exposed to HSV.
If you notice herpes symptoms, the first time you get them tends to be
the worst. Some people never get symptoms again. For others the
symptoms come and go over many years.
Genital herpes symptoms can include:
Small red bumps, blisters called vesicles or open sores called
ulcers. These symptoms often show up around the genitals,
rectum and mouth. They may take a week or longer to heal.
Pain or itching around the genital area, buttocks and inner thighs.
A feeling of pressure in the stomach area.
Vaginal discharge.
Ulcers can make urination painful. People may have pain and
tenderness in the genital area until the infection clears. During a
first bout of symptoms, you may have flu-like symptoms as well.
Those symptoms can include a headache, muscle aches and fever,
as well as swollen lymph nodes in the groin.
Sometimes, the infection can be spread even when sores aren't
present.Genital herpes

16. Syphilis is an infection caused by germs called bacteria. The disease
affects the genitals, skin, mouth and anus. It also can involve many
other parts of the body, including the brain and heart.
The symptoms of syphilis may happen in three stages — primary,
secondary and tertiary. Some people also have syphilis without
symptoms, but syphilis germs are still found in the blood. This is
called latent or inactive syphilis.
During the first stage of syphilis, one or more small, painless sores
called chancres form where the germs entered the body. Usually they
form in the genitals, rectum, tongue or lips. Often, a chancre is
painless, firm and round.
As syphilis becomes worse, the symptoms can include:
Rash marked by rough discolored spots over any area of the body,
including the palms and soles. The rash often doesn't itch.
Fever.
Swollen lymph nodes.
Fatigue and a vague feeling of discomfort.
Headaches or muscle aches.
Loss of patches of hair.
Weight loss.
Sore throat.
Without treatment, syphilis bacteria can spread. This can lead to
serious internal organ damage and death years after the original
infection.
Syphilis

17. Hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C are all contagious infections that
affect the liver. They each are caused by a different virus. Hepatitis B and C
are more serious than hepatitis A. But each can inflame the liver.Some
people never get hepatitis symptoms. For those who do, the symptoms may
happen weeks after exposure to one of the hepatitis viruses.
Hepatitis symptoms can include:
Fatigue.
Upset stomach and vomiting.
Pain or discomfort in the stomach area, especially in the area of the liver
on the right side beneath the lower ribs.
Loss of appetite.
Fever.
Dark urine.
Stool that's the color of clay.
Muscle or joint pain.
Itching.
Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes, also called jaundice.
Yellowing may be harder to notice on brown or Black skin.
Hepatitis

18. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is an infection of the genital tract.It is caused by a bacterium
that lives in the genital tract, including in vaginal secretions and semen
("cum"), but can also cause infections in the throat and rectum ("butt"). It
can be spread by vaginal, oral, or anal sex without a condom or
latex/polyurethane barrier. Pregnant people can pass it on to their babies
during delivery.Chlamydia can be successfully treated with antibiotics.
Early on, chlamydia infections often cause few or no symptoms. If you get
symptoms, they usually start 5 to 14 days after you've been exposed to
chlamydia germs. The symptoms may be mild.
Signs and symptoms may include:
Painful urination, which may feel like burning.
Pain in the lower part of the stomach area, also called the abdomen.
Lower back pain.
Fever.
Vaginal discharge.
Discharge from the penis.
Vaginal pain during sex.
Bleeding between periods.
Testicle pain or swelling.
Rectal pain, discharge or bleeding

19. Gonorrhea,Sometimes called "the clap," this STI is transmitted by a bacterium in
vaginal secretions and semen ("cum"). It can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral
sex without a condom or latex/polyurethane barrier. it is an infection of the genital
tract. Symptoms of infection in the female genital tract tend to appear within 10
days of exposure to the germs. Symptoms of infection in the male genital tract
often start within five days after exposure.Gonorrhea can be treated with
antibiotics. If left untreated, it can cause PID and permanent infertility (difficulty
getting pregnant).
Gonorrhea symptoms can include:
Thick, cloudy or bloody discharge from the penis or vagina.
Pain or burning sensation when urinating.
Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods.
Painful, swollen testicles.
Painful bowel movements.
Pain in the pelvis or stomach area.
Anal itching.
Rectal discharge, soreness or bleeding.
Painful bowel movements.
Gonorrhea germs also can grow in the mouth, throat, eyes and joints such as the
knee. Gonorrhea symptoms in body parts beyond the genitals can include:
Eye pain, itching, sensitivity to light and discharge.
Throat soreness or swollen glands in the neck.
Joint warmth, swelling or pain when moving.
Gonorrhea

20. Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a
parasite that is too tiny to see with the eyes. The parasite is called
Trichomonas vaginalis. This organism spreads during sex with
someone who already has the infection. It often infects the vagina, vulva
or cervix. It also tends to infect the tube through which urine leaves the
penis or vagina, called the urethra.When trichomoniasis causes
symptoms, they may appear within 5 to 28 days after being exposed to
the parasite. The symptoms range from mild irritation to serious
swelling called inflammation.
Trichomoniasis symptoms can include:
Clear, white, greenish or yellowish vaginal discharge.
Discharge from the penis.
Strong vaginal odor that may smell fishy.
Vaginal itching, burning, soreness or irritation.
Itching or irritation inside the penis.
Pain during sex.
Painful urination.
Rarely, pain in the lower stomach area.
Trichomoniasis

21. Genital warts are caused by viruses. HPV (human papillomavirus)
is the name of a large group of viruses. Certain types of HPV
cause warts on the hands or feet. Other types cause infections in
the genital area that can lead to genital warts, cervical cancer, or
cancer of the vulva, vagina, anus, or penis. Genital HPV is spread
easily through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
Condoms do not entirely prevent transmission. People living with
HIV are more likely to be living with HPV than HIV-negative people.
People living with HIV and HPV are also more likely to develop
genital warts, as well as cervical or anal cancer.
Symptoms of genital warts include:
A small bump or group of bumps in the genital area. These
can be large or small, and raised or flat.
Several warts close together that take on a cauliflower shape.
Itching or discomfort in the genital area.
Bleeding with sex.
Rarely, warts can also grow in the mouth or throat of a person
who has had oral sex with an infected person
Genital warts

22. Within this framework, WHO:
develops global targets, norms and standards for STI prevention,
testing and treatment;
supports the estimation and economic burden of STIs and the
strengthening of STI surveillance;
globally monitors AMR to gonorrhoea; and leads the setting of the
global research agenda on STIs, including the development of
diagnostic tests, vaccines and additional drugs for gonorrhoea and
syphilis.
As part of its mission, WHO supports countries to:
develop national strategic plans and guidelines;
create an encouraging environment allowing individuals to discuss
STIs, adopt safer sexual practices, and seek treatment;
scale-up primary prevention (condom availability and use, etc.);
increase integration of STI services within primary healthcare
services;
increase accessibility of people-centred quality STI care;
facilitate adoption of point-of-care tests;
enhance and scale-up health intervention for impact, such as
hepatitis B and HPV vaccination, syphilis screening in priority
populations;
strengthen capacity to monitoring STIs trends; and
monitor and respond to AMR in gonorrhoea.
WHO Response

23. Global estimation of STD's
More than 1 million curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are
acquired every day worldwide in people 15–49 years old, the majority of
which are asymptomatic.
In 2020 there were are an estimated 374 million new infections in people
15–49 years with 1 of 4 curable STIs: chlamydia(129 million), gonorrhoea(82
million), syphilis (7.1 million) and trichomoniasis(156 million).
An estimated 8 million
adults between 15 and 49
years old were infected
with syphilis in 2022.
More than 500 million
people aged 15–49 years
are estimated to have a
genital infection with
herpes simplex virus
(HSV or herpes) (1).

24. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with over 311
000 cervical cancer deaths each year (2).
1.1 million pregnant women were estimated to be infected with
syphilis in 2022, resulting in over 390 000 adverse birth outcomes.
In addition, updated WHO estimates indicate that 254 million
people were living with hepatitis B in 2022.

25. Conclusion
In conclusion, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain a
significant public health concern globally, impacting millions
of individuals each year. Understanding the various types of
STDs, their modes of transmission, symptoms, and potential
long-term health effects is crucial for prevention and
management. Through education and awareness, we can
empower individuals to make informed choices regarding
their sexual health. Encouraging regular screenings,
promoting safe sexual practices, and enhancing access to
healthcare resources are essential steps in reducing the
incidence of STDs. Ultimately, a comprehensive approach
that includes both education and healthcare initiatives can
lead to healthier communities and improved quality of life
for those affected by STDs. By fostering open discussions
and reducing stigma surrounding these infections, we can
work towards a future where sexual health is prioritized and
treated with the same importance as overall health.