UNIVERSITY ^of ARKANSAS

PAT WALKER HEALTH CENTER

PWHC Puzzle Book Solutions

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Book 2 - Puzzle 8 Information Sheet and Solution

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Every year, millions of women and men are affected by STIs. Many STIs initially cause no symptoms, but if left untreated can have serious consequences such as infertility.

Chlamydia is often called the “silent disease” because it has no symptoms. It can be easily cured with antibiotics. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a serious complication of Chlamydia if it is left untreated, has emerged as a major cause of infertility in women of childbearing age. It is important to have regular STI check-ups. Testing for this STI is done in conjunction with a test for another STI called gonorrhea. The test can be done with swabs or urine.

Genital Herpes (HSV), which infects 1 out of 5 Americans, can be transmitted by a person who is infected with HSV but has no symptoms. People with oral herpes (cold sores) can transmit the infection to the genital area of a partner during genital-oral sex. There is no cure for HSV, but anti-viral meds can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the time the person takes the medication.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STI in the United States . Most HPV infections don’t cause symptoms and can go away on their own. But, HPV is important because it may cause cervical cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control is an excellent source for information about sexually transmitted infection and prevention. Visit CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/std or call toll-free at 1-800-232-4636

The Pat Walker Health Center on campus at Maple and Garland provides testing and counseling for STI’s. There is also a free HIV TESTING PROGRAM called CLOSE ENCOUNTERS at the PWHC.