LESSON 5
INITIATE MEASURES TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COMMUNICABLE
DISEASES
SECTION I. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
5-1.
GENERAL
Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) (commonly known as venereal diseases)
are the most known common communicable diseases in the world and have steadily
increased in incidence for the past two decades. Although, progress has been made in
diagnosis and treatment of STD, factors responsible include changes in sexual behavior
(that is, widespread use of contraceptive pills and devices, the greater variety of sexual
practices; the increase of sexual activity; the infection of homosexual men, and
ignorance of the facts by doctors and educational materials). Sexually transmitted
diseases are almost always acquired by sexual contact with an infected individual. Of
the many STD, the Army is greatly concerned about gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
5-2.
GONORRHEA
Gonorrhea is commonly known as clap, the drip, gleet, gonorrhea culture (GC),
strains, or running. This is the most prevalent reported disease among the STD cases
in the United States (US). It is spread by sexual intercourse and the highest incidence
ranges between the ages of 15 to 29 years old. Signs and symptoms for gonorrhea in
males and females may be similar, yet the appearance of the symptoms will differ.
Males will show symptoms where as 60 percent of females may show no symptoms.
a. Signs and Symptoms.
(1)
Male.
(a)
Usually starts 2 to 8 days after sexual exposure.
(b) Dysuria (painful or difficult urination).
1 Initially--tingling or burning on urination.
2 Hours to 3 days later pain is more pronounced.
(c)
Purulent (pus-like) discharge from the penis.
1 May be milky in character.
2 Progresses to yellow-creamy discharge, sometimes blood-
tinged.
MD0550
5-2