Video Transcript
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted
disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. One of its symptoms is the
formation of the so-called chancres. Which of these statements about the
transmission of syphilis is correct? (A) As syphilis is caused by a
bacterium, the transmission of syphilis can be prevented by thoroughly cleaning the
genital areas after sexual contact. (B) The transmission of syphilis is
not possible by using the same utilities and items, like the bathroom and clothing
or silverware, as an infected person. (C) The risk of spreading syphilis
is reduced by checking that the spouse or sexual partner does not have any chancres
on their skin. (D) The transmission of syphilis
can be completely prevented by simply using a condom.
This question is asking us about
the sexually transmitted disease syphilis. In order to answer this, let’s
remove these answer choices and first discuss the male and female reproductive
systems and how human reproduction works.
The job of the male reproductive
system is to make sperm and deliver it to the female reproductive system. Sperm is made in the testes, also
called the testicles, and mixes with different secretions to make a fluid called
semen. Semen can be ejaculated from the
penis during sexual intercourse into the vagina. We can see the vagina here as part
of the female reproductive system. The sperm in the semen can then
move toward the fallopian tube where it can fertilize an egg cell that was produced
by one of the ovaries. The fertilized egg can then implant
in the uterus and start a pregnancy.
Human reproduction involves sexual
contact where the penis enters the vagina. Some diseases can be caused by
bacterial or viral infections that are transmitted, or transferred, during sexual
contact. These are called sexually
transmitted diseases or STDs for short. An example of an STD is
syphilis. Syphilis can form chancres on the
mouth as indicated in the provided image. But it can also form chancres on
the penis and in the vagina. These are filled with fluid that
contains syphilis bacteria. During sexual intercourse, these
chancres can ooze this fluid, which can infect another person. Generally, syphilis is only spread
by sexual contact, either by the sores themselves, the semen, or blood.
Now let’s bring back the answer
choices so we can choose the answer that is correct.
Answer choice (A) is incorrect
because the bacteria is inside the chancres, and simply washing them will not kill
the bacteria. Answer choice (B) seems to be
correct because syphilis is generally spread by sexual contact and not by sharing
the bathroom, clothing, or silverware. Let’s look at the last two choices
to be sure that this is the correct choice. Answer choice (C) is incorrect
because the chancres can be hidden inside the vagina or spread by the semen or
blood. And finally, answer choice (D) is
incorrect because condoms are never 100 percent effective. They can tear, for example.
Therefore, the correct answer is
answer choice (B). The transmission of syphilis is not
possible by using the same utilities and items, like the bathroom and clothing or
silverware, as an infected person.
