STDs and HIV

Test Yourself on STDs

Review Questions

1. True or False: The presence of STDs has been found to greatly increase the risk of HIV transmission. [answer]
2. True or False: Gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women. [answer]
3. Chlamydia can lead to which of the following outcomes a) genital ulcers, b) premature birth and sterility, c) a and b, d) none of the above. [answer]
4. True or False: Viral STDs can be treated but not cured. [answer]
5. True or False: It has been conclusively found that STDs have no effect on the rate at which HIV infection progresses. [answer]
6. True or False: Open lesions caused by STDs can make a person more susceptible to HIV infection. [answer]
7. Which of the following is the most commonly reported STD in California? a) chlamydia, b) syphilis, c) chancroid, d) hepatitis B virus. [answer]
8. For a person with HIV, STDs can a) progress far more rapidly than for a person free of infection, b) be more severe than for a person free of HIV infection, c) both a and b are correct, d) none of the above. [answer]

Discussion Questions

1. Clients with STDs may believe STDs, including HIV, are to be expected. How can counselors help clients see that this expectation is dangerous?
2. Clients may feel shame about STDs, and this shame can lead them to believe they cannot make necessary behavior changes to avoid STDs. How can counselors recognize this shame, work with clients to mange it, and see that behavior change is possible?
3. Many clients with STDs have received extensive STD counseling, yet they have been unable to avoid STDs. What can HIV test counselors offer that these clients have not received in other counseling?
4. Given that there are dozens of STDs, how can counselors describe the basics of STDs in a easy-to-understand way and in a brief period of time? How can counselors combine a discussion of HIV with a discussion of other STDs?
5. Because HIV test counselors may not have training in STD work, how can they learn about STDs or remain current in their knowledge?
6. Can combined messages related to prevention of both HIV and other STDs strengthen counseling interventions? How can messages be combined?

Answers to "Test Yourself"

1. True.
2. True.
3. C. In women, chlamydia can lead to genital ulcers, premature births and sterility.
4. True.
5. False. It is believed that STDs can speed the progression of HIV.
6. True.
7. A. Chlamydia is the most frequently reported STD in California.
8. C. For a person with HIV, STDs can progress far more rapidly and be far more severe than for a person who is not infected.