Understanding STIs: What Every Woman Should Know
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can impact any sexually active woman, making it important to understand how they are transmitted, what causes them, their symptoms, and available treatments. STIs are infections that are spread through sexual contact and can impact women of all ages. Staying informed about STIs and practicing safe sex are key in protecting your own health and well-being. At Cheyenne OBGYN, we want to reduce the stigma around STIs and encourage women to stay proactive with their health care. By taking the steps to prevent the spread of STIs, like utilizing condoms, women can feel safe and confident when sexually active. Here is what every woman should know when understanding STIs.
What Are STIs?
STIs are infections transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. They can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites that have spread from person to person. STIs are very common, with nearly 20 million people in the US contracting an STI each year.
Many STIs have no symptoms, so it can be easy to transmit without getting regularly tested. If symptoms occur with STIs, they commonly include painful urination, irritation, abnormal discharge, genital sores, and lower abdominal pain. Without proper treatment, some STIs can lead to serious complications, including infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and the HIV infection. Regular testing is crucial to preventing transmission, and we encourage every woman to make an appointment if they have concerns or questions regarding their health.
Different Types of STIs
There are different types of STIs, some more common than others. Common STIs include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Genital Herpes, Syphilis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and Trichomoniasis. Many of these STIs can cause pain and discomfort around the genitals, so it’s essential to get checked out if you are experiencing anything similar.
Less common STIs are rare but do transmit in different situations, including sharing needles, mother-to-child transmission, blood transfusions, traveling, or even just close contact. Some of these STIs include Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), Hepatitis C, Donovaniais, and Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV). Women should be aware of these STIs and take into account their impacts before having sexual contact.
Prevention, Testing, and Treatment
In order to prevent and manage STIs, there are practices that women can implement in their routine. To prevent STIs, practicing safe sex with condoms or dental dams is key. If you are sexually active, regular screenings are important to monitor your health conditions. There are also vaccines, like the HPV vaccine, that can help prevent the spread of certain STIs. If you have questions or concerns about vaccines, make an appointment with your doctor. In addition, being honest with your partners is essential to making sure you are both safe and protected.
When getting tested for STIs, it will look different depending on what you are getting tested for. Most STI tests include blood tests, samples of urine, and swabs from the throat, genitals, and rectum. It is recommended that women get tested at least annually and even more frequently if women have multiple partners.
Typical treatment for STIs include antibiotics for bacterial infections like chlamydia and syphilis. Other viral infections, like HIV and herpes, will need antiviral medications. It can be difficult to find the right treatment options, so doing research and consulting your doctor can be beneficial to help you stay informed.
How STIs Impact Women Differently
STIs can affect women differently depending on factors like age and medical history. In some cases, women may face a greater risk of infertility, long-term health complications, or even impact pregnancy and childbirth. Beyond the physical effects, STIs can also take a toll on emotional and social well-being for women. This can lead to feelings of isolation, shame, and fear, especially if women don’t feel comfortable talking about their sexual health. While STIs are often seen as taboo, it is important to have open conversations about sexual activity and health. At Cheyenne OBGYN, we’re committed to empowering women and encourage them to stay informed. By reducing stigma and supporting women, we want to create a space where any woman can take control of her health with certainty.