Class 10th Science Chapter 7 – How Do Organisms Reproduce? | Sexually Transmitted Diseases

How Do Organisms Reproduce? | Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Class 10 Science | Chapter 8 | CBSE + Foundation + Competitive

यौन संचारित रोग (STDs / STIs) | Transmission | Symptoms | Prevention | Treatment

How Do Organisms Reproduce? | Sexually Transmitted Diseases

1. Sexually Transmitted Diseases – Introduction

English:
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections that can spread mainly through sexual contact with an infected person.

हिन्दी:
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) या Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) ऐसे संक्रमण हैं जो मुख्य रूप से संक्रमित व्यक्ति के साथ यौन संपर्क के माध्यम से फैल सकते हैं।

CBSE Important Point: STIs are an important part of reproductive health because untreated infections may affect reproductive organs, fertility and overall health.

हिन्दी: STIs reproductive health का महत्वपूर्ण भाग हैं क्योंकि बिना उपचार के कुछ संक्रमण reproductive organs, fertility तथा overall health को प्रभावित कर सकते हैं।

2. Important Sexually Transmitted Infections

STI / Disease	Cause	Important Information
Gonorrhoea	Bacterium	Can affect the reproductive and urinary tract.
Syphilis	Bacterium	Can progress through different stages if untreated.
Genital Herpes	Virus	May cause painful blisters or sores.
HIV Infection	Human Immunodeficiency Virus	Attacks the immune system.
AIDS	Associated with advanced HIV infection	Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

3. Bacterial and Viral STIs

Category	Examples	Key Point
Bacterial	Gonorrhoea, Syphilis	Some bacterial STIs can be treated with appropriate antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Viral	HIV infection, Genital Herpes	Antibiotics do not treat viral infections.

Important: Antibiotics are medicines mainly used against bacterial infections. They do not cure viral infections such as HIV infection.

महत्वपूर्ण: Antibiotics मुख्य रूप से bacterial infections के विरुद्ध उपयोग की जाती हैं। ये HIV जैसे viral infections को cure नहीं करतीं।

4. How Do Sexually Transmitted Diseases Spread?

STIs can spread through certain types of exposure, including:

• Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
• Contact with infected blood in certain circumstances.
• Sharing contaminated needles or syringes.
• Mother-to-child transmission of certain infections during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding, depending on the infection and circumstances.

हिन्दी:

• संक्रमित व्यक्ति के साथ असुरक्षित यौन संपर्क।
• कुछ परिस्थितियों में संक्रमित रक्त के संपर्क में आने से।
• दूषित needles या syringes साझा करने से।
• कुछ infections में माँ से बच्चे तक संक्रमण पहुँच सकता है।

5. HIV – Transmission

HIV can be transmitted through:

1. Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
2. Exposure to infected blood.
3. Sharing contaminated needles or syringes.
4. Mother-to-child transmission in certain circumstances.

🚫 HIV Does NOT Spread Through Ordinary Social Contact

HIV is not spread through:

• Handshake – हाथ मिलाने से नहीं
• Hugging – गले मिलने से नहीं
• Sharing food – भोजन साझा करने से नहीं
• Sitting together – साथ बैठने से नहीं
• Ordinary classroom contact – सामान्य classroom contact से नहीं

Important: A person living with HIV should not be discriminated against.

6. Animated Concept Diagram – STI Transmission & Prevention

7. Common Symptoms of STIs

Some STIs may cause:

• Unusual discharge from reproductive organs.
• Pain or burning during urination.
• Genital sores or ulcers.
• Blisters around genital areas.
• Itching or irritation.
• Pelvic pain in some cases.
• Fever or swollen lymph nodes in some infections.

Very Important: Some STIs may cause few or no obvious symptoms. Therefore: “No symptoms” does not always mean “No infection”.

हिन्दी: कुछ STIs में स्पष्ट लक्षण दिखाई नहीं देते। इसलिए केवल symptoms न होने के आधार पर infection की अनुपस्थिति निश्चित नहीं की जा सकती।

8. Effects of Untreated STIs

Untreated STIs may cause:

• Damage to reproductive organs.
• Infertility.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease in some cases.
• Pregnancy-related complications.
• Transmission of infection to a newborn in certain infections.
• Long-term health complications.

9. Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Important preventive measures:

1. Use condoms correctly and consistently.
2. Avoid sharing needles or syringes.
3. Use properly screened blood for transfusion.
4. Get tested when there is a risk of infection.
5. Seek medical advice if symptoms or possible exposure occur.
6. Complete prescribed treatment.
7. Follow safer sexual practices.

10. Role of Condoms in STI Prevention

English: Condoms are barrier contraceptive methods. When used correctly and consistently, they can reduce the risk of pregnancy and many sexually transmitted infections.

हिन्दी: Condom एक barrier contraceptive method है। इसका सही और नियमित उपयोग pregnancy तथा कई STIs के risk को कम कर सकता है।

Remember: Condoms reduce risk but do not provide 100% protection against every STI, particularly infections transmitted through uncovered skin-to-skin contact.

11. STI Testing and Diagnosis

STIs can be diagnosed through appropriate medical evaluation and laboratory tests. Depending on the infection, tests may include:

• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Swab tests
• Other specific laboratory tests

हिन्दी: STI की diagnosis के लिए doctor symptoms, medical history और आवश्यकता के अनुसार laboratory tests की सहायता लेते हैं।

12. Treatment of STIs

Treatment depends on the organism causing the infection.

Infection Type	General Treatment Principle
Bacterial	Some bacterial STIs can be treated with appropriate prescribed antibiotics.
Viral	Antibiotics do not work against viruses; specific medical management is required.
HIV	Managed with antiretroviral therapy and regular medical care.

Never self-medicate. Suspected STI should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.

स्वयं दवा न लें। संदिग्ध STI की जाँच और treatment qualified healthcare professional की सलाह से होना चाहिए।

13. Difference Between HIV and AIDS

HIV	AIDS
Human Immunodeficiency Virus	Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
It is a virus.	It is an advanced disease condition associated with severe immune-system damage.
It attacks the immune system.	Untreated HIV infection can progress to AIDS.

14. STI and Reproductive Health

Reproductive Health: Physical, mental and social well-being related to the reproductive system and its functions.

प्रजनन स्वास्थ्य: प्रजनन तंत्र तथा उससे संबंधित कार्यों के संदर्भ में शारीरिक, मानसिक एवं सामाजिक कल्याण को reproductive health कहा जाता है।

STI prevention is an important component of reproductive health.

15. Importance of Awareness

Correct awareness helps people to:

• Understand STI transmission.
• Follow safer practices.
• Recognise possible symptoms.
• Seek testing when required.
• Take timely treatment.
• Prevent further transmission.
• Avoid stigma and discrimination.

16. 30 MCQs – CBSE + Foundation + Competitive

Q1. STIs are mainly associated with:

A) Digestive system

B) Sexual contact and reproductive health

C) Skeletal system

D) Respiratory system

Answer: B

Q2. HIV stands for:

A) Human Immunodeficiency Virus

B) Human Infection Virus

C) Human Immune Variation

D) Human Internal Virus

Answer: A

Q3. AIDS is associated with:

A) HIV infection

B) Malaria

C) Cholera

D) Typhoid

Answer: A

Q4. Which is a bacterial STI?

A) Gonorrhoea

B) HIV infection

C) Genital herpes

D) Influenza

Answer: A

Q5. Which of the following is viral?

A) Syphilis

B) Gonorrhoea

C) HIV infection

D) Bacterial pneumonia

Answer: C

Q6. Which contraceptive can reduce the risk of many STIs?

A) Condom

B) Copper-T

C) Oral pill only

D) Tubectomy

Answer: A

Q7. HIV is NOT spread through:

A) Contaminated needles

B) Infected blood

C) Certain sexual exposures

D) Handshake

Answer: D

Q8. Antibiotics mainly act against:

A) Viruses

B) Bacteria

C) Hormones

D) Vitamins

Answer: B

Q9. Which is caused by a bacterium?

A) Syphilis

B) HIV

C) Genital herpes

D) AIDS

Answer: A

Q10. The major purpose of STI awareness is:

A) Increasing infection

B) Preventing transmission and complications

C) Avoiding diagnosis

D) Avoiding hygiene

Answer: B

Q11. Which may be a symptom of an STI?

A) Genital sore

B) Increased height

C) Better eyesight

D) Stronger bones

Answer: A

Q12. Some STIs can occur without obvious symptoms.

A) True

B) False

C) Only in males

D) Only in females

Answer: A

Q13. Sharing contaminated needles may transmit:

A) HIV

B) Height

C) Diabetes only

D) Myopia

Answer: A

Q14. Which is NOT a recommended STI prevention method?

A) Testing when indicated

B) Correct condom use

C) Sharing needles

D) Medical treatment

Answer: C

Q15. Genital herpes is caused by:

A) Virus

B) Bacterium

C) Protozoan

D) Worm

Answer: A

Q16. HIV primarily affects:

A) Immune system

B) Bones

C) Hair

D) Teeth

Answer: A

Q17. Condom is a:

A) Hormonal method

B) Barrier method

C) Surgical method

D) Natural method

Answer: B

Q18. Which may be used to diagnose an STI?

A) Blood test

B) Eye colour test

C) Height measurement

D) Finger length

Answer: A

Q19. Untreated STIs may sometimes result in:

A) Infertility

B) Increased height

C) Better vision

D) Stronger teeth

Answer: A

Q20. Which statement is correct?

A) All STIs show immediate symptoms.

B) Some STIs may be asymptomatic.

C) HIV spreads by handshake.

D) Antibiotics cure HIV.

Answer: B

Q21. After a possible STI exposure, a person should:

A) Ignore it

B) Seek appropriate medical advice

C) Share medicines

D) Avoid all food

Answer: B

Q22. AIDS stands for:

A) Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

B) Acquired Infection Disease System

C) Advanced Internal Disease Syndrome

D) Auto Immune Disease System

Answer: A

Q23. Which is a responsible reproductive-health practice?

A) Ignoring symptoms

B) Appropriate testing and prevention

C) Sharing needles

D) Self-medication

Answer: B

Q24. Which STI may cause genital blisters?

A) Genital herpes

B) Anaemia

C) Diabetes

D) Malaria

Answer: A

Q25. Correct condom use:

A) Can reduce the risk of many STIs

B) Always cures HIV

C) Causes HIV

D) Has no reproductive-health benefit

Answer: A

Q26. Who should provide professional STI diagnosis?

A) Random social media user

B) Qualified healthcare professional

C) Classmate

D) Untrained person

Answer: B

Q27. Which pair is correctly matched?

A) HIV – Virus

B) Gonorrhoea – Virus

C) Syphilis – Virus

D) Herpes – Bacterium

Answer: A

Q28. Which does NOT transmit HIV through ordinary contact?

A) Sharing contaminated needles

B) Infected blood exposure

C) Handshake

D) Certain sexual exposures

Answer: C

Q29. Reproductive health includes:

A) Only physical health

B) Physical, mental and social well-being

C) Only fertility

D) Only absence of infection

Answer: B

Q30. The best response to suspected STI is:

A) Ignore it

B) Seek confidential professional medical advice

C) Take someone else's medicine

D) Hide the condition permanently

Answer: B

17. 30 Subjective Questions with Answers

2 Marks Q1. What are sexually transmitted diseases?

STDs are diseases/infections that can spread mainly through sexual contact with an infected person.

2 Marks Q2. What is an STI?

STI means Sexually Transmitted Infection.

2 Marks Q3. Name two bacterial STIs.

Gonorrhoea and Syphilis.

2 Marks Q4. Name two viral infections associated with STIs.

HIV infection and Genital Herpes.

2 Marks Q5. Name one method that reduces the risk of many STIs.

Correct and consistent use of condoms.

3 Marks Q6. Write three routes through which HIV can be transmitted.

• Certain unprotected sexual exposures.
• Infected blood exposure.
• Contaminated needles or syringes.

3 Marks Q7. Why do antibiotics not cure HIV?

HIV is a virus. Antibiotics act mainly against bacteria and therefore do not cure HIV infection.

3 Marks Q8. Write three symptoms that may occur in some STIs.

Genital sores/blisters, unusual discharge and pain or burning during urination.

3 Marks Q9. Why is STI testing important?

Some STIs may have no obvious symptoms. Testing can help identify infection and allow timely treatment and prevention.

3 Marks Q10. State three preventive measures against STIs.

Correct condom use, avoiding contaminated needles and seeking testing/medical care when required.

4 Marks Q11. Differentiate between bacterial and viral STIs.

Bacterial STI	Viral STI
Caused by bacteria.	Caused by viruses.
Examples: Gonorrhoea, Syphilis.	Examples: HIV infection, Genital Herpes.
Some can be treated with appropriate antibiotics.	Antibiotics do not treat viral infections.

4 Marks Q12. Explain four methods of preventing STIs.

• Correct and consistent condom use.
• Avoid sharing needles and syringes.
• Use properly screened blood.
• Testing and timely medical care.

4 Marks Q13. Why are untreated STIs dangerous?

Untreated STIs may damage reproductive organs, affect fertility, cause pregnancy-related complications and lead to long-term health problems.

4 Marks Q14. Explain the importance of condoms in reproductive health.

Condoms are barrier methods that help prevent pregnancy and, when used correctly and consistently, reduce the risk of many STIs.

4 Marks Q15. Why should people living with HIV not be discriminated against?

HIV does not spread through ordinary social contact such as hugging or handshaking. Discrimination can harm mental well-being and discourage people from seeking healthcare.

5 Marks Q16. Explain the major routes of HIV transmission.

HIV may spread through certain unprotected sexual exposures, infected blood, contaminated needles/syringes and mother-to-child transmission in certain circumstances.

5 Marks Q17. Explain the importance of early diagnosis of STIs.

Early diagnosis allows appropriate treatment, reduces complications, helps prevent further transmission and protects reproductive health.

5 Marks Q18. Explain the role of awareness in STI prevention.

Awareness helps people understand transmission, follow safer practices, recognise possible symptoms, seek testing and avoid myths and discrimination.

5 Marks Q19. Explain the relationship between reproductive health and STI prevention.

Preventing and treating STIs protects reproductive organs, fertility and overall physical, mental and social well-being.

5 Marks Q20. Why should self-medication be avoided in suspected STIs?

Different infections require different treatments. Incorrect medicines can delay proper treatment, cause side effects and contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

6 Marks Q21. Explain STIs, their transmission, symptoms and prevention.

STIs are infections that can spread mainly through sexual contact. Examples include gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes and HIV infection. They may spread through certain sexual exposures, infected blood and contaminated needles. Some infections may cause discharge, pain, sores or blisters, while others may show few or no symptoms. Prevention includes safer sexual practices, correct condom use, avoiding contaminated needles, testing and timely medical care.

6 Marks Q22. Explain the difference between HIV infection and AIDS.

HIV is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It attacks the immune system. AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. It is an advanced disease condition associated with severe immune-system damage. Untreated HIV infection can progress to AIDS. Appropriate antiretroviral therapy can control HIV and reduce the risk of progression.

6 Marks Q23. Discuss the role of condoms in preventing pregnancy and STIs.

Condoms are barrier contraceptives. They reduce the possibility of sperm reaching the ovum and therefore help prevent pregnancy. Correct and consistent use also reduces exposure to infected genital fluids and lowers the risk of many STIs. However, condoms do not provide absolute protection against every STI.

6 Marks Q24. Explain why some STIs remain undiagnosed.

Some STIs can produce no obvious symptoms or only mild symptoms. Therefore, a person may not realise that they are infected. Lack of awareness, stigma and absence of testing can delay diagnosis.

6 Marks Q25. Describe major preventive strategies against STIs.

1. Correct and consistent condom use.
2. Safer sexual practices.
3. Avoid sharing needles and syringes.
4. Use properly screened blood.
5. Testing when there is a risk of infection.
6. Timely professional medical care.

6 Marks Q26. Explain how untreated STIs can affect reproductive health.

Some untreated STIs may cause inflammation and damage to reproductive organs. They can contribute to infertility, pregnancy complications and transmission to newborns in certain infections.

6 Marks Q27. Explain why HIV does not spread through ordinary social contact.

HIV requires specific routes of transmission such as certain sexual exposures, infected blood or contaminated needles. Handshaking, hugging, sitting together and sharing food do not provide these routes.

6 Marks Q28. Explain the importance of confidential medical counselling.

Confidential counselling allows a person to discuss symptoms or possible exposure without fear. It helps with testing, diagnosis, treatment and prevention while protecting privacy and dignity.

6 Marks Q29. “I have no symptoms, so I cannot have an STI.” Evaluate this statement.

The statement is incorrect. Some STIs may be asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms. Therefore, appropriate testing may be necessary after a possible exposure.

6 Marks Q30. “STI prevention is an important part of reproductive health.” Justify.

STI prevention protects reproductive organs, fertility and overall health. It reduces transmission, prevents complications, supports timely treatment and promotes responsible reproductive health practices.

18. Assertion–Reason Questions

Q1.
Assertion (A): Condoms can reduce the risk of many STIs.
Reason (R): Condoms act as barrier methods.

Answer: Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.

Q2.
Assertion (A): Antibiotics can cure HIV infection.
Reason (R): HIV is caused by a virus.

Answer: A is false, but R is true.

Q3.
Assertion (A): Some STIs may remain undiagnosed.
Reason (R): Some STIs may have few or no obvious symptoms.

Answer: Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.

Q4.
Assertion (A): HIV spreads through handshaking.
Reason (R): HIV requires specific routes of transmission.

Answer: A is false, but R is true.

Q5.
Assertion (A): Untreated STIs may affect reproductive health.
Reason (R): Some infections may damage reproductive organs.

Answer: Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A.

19. HOTS / Competency-Based Questions

HOTS 1. A person has no symptoms after a possible STI exposure. Can the person conclude that there is no infection?

Answer: No. Some STIs may be asymptomatic. Appropriate testing and professional medical advice may be required.

HOTS 2. Why should a person not use someone else's antibiotic prescription for an STI?

The infection may be caused by a different organism and the medicine or dose may be inappropriate. Misuse may also contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

HOTS 3. A student believes HIV spreads through sharing lunch with an infected person. How will you correct the misconception?

HIV does not spread through sharing food, handshaking, hugging or sitting together. It spreads through specific routes such as certain sexual exposures, infected blood and contaminated needles.

HOTS 4. Why is STI prevention both an individual and public-health responsibility?

Prevention protects an individual's health and reproductive function and also reduces transmission of infection within the community.

HOTS 5. Why may delaying treatment of an STI be harmful?

Delayed treatment may allow the infection to persist, increase complications and increase the possibility of transmission to others.

20. Important Diagram / Concept Labelling

Important Labels: STI Transmission Symptoms Testing Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Reproductive Health

21. CBSE Golden Points

• STI = Sexually Transmitted Infection.
• STD = Sexually Transmitted Disease.
• Gonorrhoea is a bacterial STI.
• Syphilis is a bacterial STI.
• Genital herpes is a viral infection.
• HIV = Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
• AIDS = Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.
• HIV attacks the immune system.
• Antibiotics do not cure HIV.
• Condoms are barrier methods.
• Condoms can reduce the risk of many STIs.
• Some STIs may be asymptomatic.
• Untreated STIs may cause reproductive-health complications.
• Contaminated needles can transmit blood-borne infections.
• Properly screened blood reduces blood-borne transmission risk.
• HIV does not spread through ordinary social contact.
• Testing can be important after a possible exposure.
• Self-medication should be avoided.
• Timely professional medical care is important.
• STI prevention is an important part of reproductive health.

22. Easy Memory Tricks

🧠 STI Memory Trick – BVP

B → Bacterial
Gonorrhoea + Syphilis

V → Viral
HIV Infection + Genital Herpes

P → Prevention
Condom + Testing + Safe Practices + Medical Care

---

🧠 Prevention Trick – “STEPS”

S → Safer practices

T → Testing when required

E → Education / Awareness

P → Prevention

S → Seek medical care

23. One-Line Revision

STIs → Awareness → Prevention → Testing → Treatment → Healthy Reproductive Life

One-Line Summary: STIs can affect reproductive and overall health, but correct information, safer practices, condom use, appropriate testing and timely professional medical care can reduce their impact.

हिन्दी: STIs reproductive तथा सामान्य स्वास्थ्य को प्रभावित कर सकते हैं, लेकिन सही जानकारी, सुरक्षित व्यवहार, condom का उपयोग, आवश्यक testing और समय पर medical care इनके प्रभाव को कम करने में सहायता करते हैं।

24. Quick Revision Table

Topic	Key Point
STI	Sexually Transmitted Infection
STD	Sexually Transmitted Disease
Gonorrhoea	Bacterial STI
Syphilis	Bacterial STI
Genital Herpes	Viral STI
HIV	Virus affecting the immune system
AIDS	Advanced syndrome associated with severe immune-system damage
Condom	Barrier method; reduces pregnancy and many STI risks
Testing	Important because some infections may have no obvious symptoms
Prevention	Safer practices, condoms, sterile needles, screened blood and testing
Treatment	Depends on the causative organism and requires appropriate medical care

🎯 Chapter 8 – Topic Complete!

Sexually Transmitted Diseases | Reproductive Health | Prevention | Testing | Treatment

Concepts ✔ | MCQs ✔ | Subjective ✔ | Assertion–Reason ✔ | HOTS ✔ | Diagram ✔ | Revision ✔