Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) spread through sexual contact and can lead to serious health issues if untreated. Regular testing, protection, and open communication are key.
What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
STIs, or sexually transmitted infections, are infections that spread through sexual contact. This can happen during vaginal, anal, oral, or skin-to-skin contact. Viruses, bacteria, and parasites can cause these infections.
What are the common types of STIs and their treatment?
There are many different STIs, each presenting unique challenges. In addition to the commonly known ones, such as HIV, Hepatitis B, Gonorrhea, Herpes simplex virus infection, Chlamydia, Trichomoniasis, and Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, some others warrant attention such as:
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
- Lymphogranuloma venereum
Most STIs are curable with antibiotics or antiviral medications. However, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes, HIV, and HPV can cause chronic health problems but these can be managed with treatment and medication. Regular testing, awareness, and open communication play pivotal roles in maintaining sexual health.
What are the important things I should know about some of these STIs?
Here’s a summarised table on some of the common STIs to help you understand more about it.
Why Should I Worry About STIs?
As a woman, you must have enough knowledge and be careful to protect yourself from STIs because, if left untreated for an extended period, STIs can increase your risk of infertility, cervical cancer, long-term complications, and even death.
How do STIs spread?
STIs are spread through fluids in the body. Most often shared during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Certain STIs can spread from one person to another through contaminated blood. For example, among people who share infected drug needles, from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or nursing. STIs cannot be transmitted by casual contact. Shaking hands, sharing clothes, or sharing a toilet seat, for example, would not lead to STIs.
Who is at risk of STIs?
An STI can affect anyone. However, they are more likely to affect some groups of women more than others. Here are some below:
- Women with multiple Sexual Partners: Having multiple partners increases the likelihood of having sex with someone that has an STI, raising the risk of transmission.
- Age: Younger individuals may engage in riskier sexual behaviours, and their reproductive organs may be more susceptible to certain infections.
- Lack of Awareness: Insufficient knowledge about STIs, their symptoms, and preventive measures may lead to higher risk behaviours.
- Unsafe Sex Practices: Inconsistent condom use or not using protective methods consistently and correctly exposes women to the risk of STIs.
- Illicit Drug Use: Sharing needles during drug use can transmit bloodborne infections, making drug users more vulnerable to STIs.
- Lack of Vaccination: Not receiving vaccines for preventable STIs like HPV leaves individuals susceptible to infections that could otherwise be avoided.
- Economic Disparities: Limited access to healthcare and education may result in a lack of awareness and preventive measures, contributing to higher STI rates.
- History of STIs: Previous infections may indicate potential risk factors or behaviours that could lead to further STIs without proper precautions.
- Unprotected Anal Sex: Engaging in anal sex without protection can increase vulnerability to STIs due to the fragility of the rectal lining and potential for microtears, providing entry points for infections.
Can STI affect me in menopause?
As the years roll on, our immune system takes a bit of a step back, making it a little harder to fend off infections and diseases. Now, throw in menopause, and many women suddenly feel like they’ve got a new lease on their sexual adventures which is fantastic! Thanks to vaginal lubricants, sex can be more enjoyable for the older woman. But, and there’s always a but, the thing about STI is that symptoms may not appear right away. Add to the mix the fact that falling oestrogen levels during menopause can make vaginal tissues a bit more delicate, prone to the occasional tear. These tiny tears can open doors for infections, so it’s important to keep things enjoyable but also safe during menopause.
What are the common symptoms of an STI?
Most STIs are asymptomatic, meaning they do not show any symptoms. Even with no symptoms, however, they can be transmitted to sexual partners. Women need to be aware of potential STI symptoms so they can promptly seek medical attention. The following is a list of some of the most typical symptoms.
– Abnormal vaginal discharge: Throughout a woman’s cycle or even when there is no cycle, the appearance and consistency of vaginal discharge continuously change. A yeast infection may show symptoms of thick, white discharge. The green or yellowish discharge might indicate gonorrhoea or trichomoniasis.
– Changes in urination: A pain or burning sensation while urinating, the need to urinate more frequently, or the presence of blood in the urine can all be signs of an STI.
– Itching in the vaginal area: Itching is a nonspecific symptom that may or may not be related to an STI.
– Pain during sex: Even though it is frequently ignored, abdominal or pelvic pain during sex may be a sign of Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is most commonly caused by the advanced stage of chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
– Abnormal vaginal bleeding: Abnormal bleeding is another possible sign of PID or other reproductive problems caused by an STI.
– Rashes or sores: Sores or tiny pimples around the mouth or vagina can indicate herpes, HPV, or syphilis.
What are the long-term effects/complications of STIs?
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Risk: Some STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhoea, can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) if left untreated. PID is a serious condition that can cause inflammation and damage to the reproductive organs, potentially leading to fertility issues.
Pregnancy Complications: Certain STIs, such as syphilis and HIV, can pose significant risks during pregnancy. They may lead to adverse outcomes for both the mother and the baby, including transmission of the infection to the newborn.
Increased Vulnerability to Other Infections: Women with untreated or recurrent STIs may have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to other infections. This underscores the importance of timely and effective treatment to maintain overall health.
Long-Term Impact on Mental Health: Coping with an STI diagnosis can have emotional and psychological implications. The stigma associated with some STIs may contribute to feelings of shame, anxiety, or depression. Support and open communication are crucial aspects of holistic well-being.
What can I do about an STI?
It’s common to feel guilty or ashamed when diagnosed with an STI. You may feel that someone you thought you could trust has hurt you. You may feel sad or upset. It’s important to remember that there is no need to feel stigma around STIs, they are extremely common. Talk to a healthcare professional about how you’re feeling and for treatment. Remember, you can take steps to prevent getting an STI; you can lower your risk if you do the following things:
Use Protection: Consistently and correctly use condoms or dental dams during vaginal, anal, and oral sex to reduce the risk of STIs.
Open Communication: Ask your partner if he or she has had an STI before engaging in sex. Also, tell your partner if you have had one. Talk about whether you’ve both been tested for STIs and whether you should be tested.
Some STIs, like HPV and Hepatitis B, can be prevented through vaccination. Check with your healthcare provider to see if you’re eligible for these vaccines, and consider getting vaccinated to reduce your risk of certain infections.
Regular Testing: Consistently undergo testing for STIs, particularly if you engage in unprotected sex or have new sexual partners. Regular testing helps detect and treat infections early, reducing the risk of complications and transmission to others.
Can We Break the Stigma Surrounding STIs?
Short answer is, yes we can!. STIs happen to many people, and it’s okay. Instead of judging, let’s talk openly about prevention, understanding, and supporting one another. Anyone can be affected, and seeking medical help should be free of fear. Imagine a world where we discuss STIs with knowledge, kindness, and without shame. Let’s encourage conversations that prioritise learning, empathy, and standing by each other.
To sum it all up, let’s remember that staying informed, getting regular check-ups, and talking openly about sexual health are crucial. By taking these steps, we not only protect ourselves but also contribute to building a community that values the health and well-being of everyone. Together, we can make a positive impact and create a supportive environment where everyone’s sexual health matters.
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