Caused by a virus that's related to the virus that causes chickenpox, this infection spreads through any form of unprotected sex, and can be spread even when someone has no signs of having it. It has no cure but medications can help control outbreaks. Which of the following infections is being described?

Choice A reason: Gonorrhea is incorrect because it is not the infection described in the question. It is a bacterial infection that spreads through any form of unprotected sex, but it does not have stages of symptoms or affect the heart, eyes, and brain. It can cause pain, discharge, and inflammation in the genitals, anus, or throat. It can be treated with antibiotics.

Choice B reason: Syphilis is correct because it is the infection described in the question. It is a bacterial infection that spreads through any form of unprotected sex and by skin contact. It has stages of symptoms, such as sores, rashes, fever, and fatigue. If untreated, it can affect the heart, eyes, and brain, causing serious complications. It can be treated with antibiotics.

Choice C reason: Chlamydia is incorrect because it is not the infection described in the question. It is a bacterial infection that spreads through any form of unprotected sex, but it does not have stages of symptoms or affect the heart, eyes, and brain. It often causes no symptoms, but it can cause pain, discharge, and bleeding in the genitals or rectum. It can be treated with antibiotics.

Choice D reason: Trichomoniasis is incorrect because it is not the infection described in the question. It is a parasitic infection that spreads through any form of unprotected sex, but it does not have stages of symptoms or affect the heart, eyes, and brain. It can cause itching, burning, and odor in the genitals. It can be treated with antiparasitic drugs.

Choice A reason: Chlamydia is not the least common of all the major sexually transmitted diseases. In fact, it is the most common bacterial STD in the world, affecting about 131 million people each year. ¹ Therefore, this statement is false and does not need to be emphasized.

Choice B reason: Good handwashing technique is not the best way to prevent chlamydial infections. Chlamydia is spread through sexual contact, not through casual contact or hygiene. The best way to prevent chlamydial infections is to practice safe sex, such as using condoms, limiting the number of partners, and getting tested regularly. Therefore, this statement is misleading and does not need to be emphasized.

Choice C reason: Most people infected with chlamydia are unaware that they are infected. This is because chlamydia often has no symptoms, or the symptoms are mild and easily ignored. This can lead to serious complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and increased risk of HIV. Therefore, this statement is true and needs to be emphasized.

Choice D reason: Burning and pain with urination is a frequent symptom of chlamydial infections. However, this symptom is not specific to chlamydia, as it can also occur with other STDs or urinary tract infections. Moreover, not all people with chlamydia experience this symptom, especially women. Therefore, this statement is not very informative and does not need to be emphasized.