Understanding Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Women

Common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Women

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are also known as Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). STIs refer to infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. These infections can be transmitted through intimate contact and sexual activity such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)	Description
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)	HPV is a viral infection that causes small skin growths called warts on different parts of your body. Some HPV strains can lead to cancer such as cervical cancer and other cancers affecting the anal, vulva, and throat (oropharyngeal).
Genital herpes	Herpes simplex virus (HSV) or genital herpes is an infection that causes sores on the genital or rectal area, buttocks, and thighs. Genital herpes can be contracted through vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse with an infected person, and transmission can occur even in the absence of visible sores. Mothers can pass the virus to their babies during childbirth.
Chlamydia	Chlamydia is caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium. Untreated chlamydia infection has the potential to spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease. If the mother remains untreated, she can pass the infection to her baby during childbirth.
Gonorrhoea	Gonorrhoea is caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. This bacterium infects the genital tract, mouth, or anus, and transmission can occur through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual contact with an infected individual. If the mother remains untreated, she can pass the infection to her baby during childbirth.
Syphilis	Syphilis infects the genital region, lips, mouth, or anus in both genders. Syphilis is typically transmitted through sexual contact with an infected individual. Syphilis can also be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy.
Trichomoniasis	Trichomoniasis is caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite. Trichomoniasis is transmitted from person to person through sexual contact, often without noticeable symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they typically manifest within 5 to 28 days after infection.
HIV/AIDS	HIV impacts the immune system by destroying cells that fight infections. HIV spreads through unprotected sex, sharing of needles in drug usage, contact with HIV-infected blood, and from untreated HIV-positive mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.  HIV can develop into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if left untreated.

Signs of STIs

Common symptoms of STIs include painful or frequent urination, unusual vaginal odour, abnormal discharge from the vagina, itching or redness in the vagina, anal itching, abnormal bleeding from the vagina, bumps, sores, blisters in the mouth, vagina, or anus, burning and pain when urinating, lower abdominal pain, sore and swollen lymph nodes in the groin area.

Untreated STIs can put sexual partners at risk of contracting the diseases. Some STIs like gonorrhoea and chlamydia may cause infertility if they are left untreated. Pregnant women can transmit STIs to their unborn children. Untreated HPV can result in cervical and other types of cancer as well.

Risk Factors for Contracting STIs

Factors that increase the risks of contracting STIs in sexually active women include having unprotected sex with infected individuals. Incorrect use of condoms can also result in an infection. Having multiple sex partners also increases the likelihood of contracting STIs. In most cases, having one STI episode could potentially make you vulnerable to other STIs.

Needles sharing when using recreational drugs can cause the transmission of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, and other viruses.

A study has shown that about half of the new STIs occur in younger people aged 15-24, potentially due to less understanding of sexual health and prevention methods.

Treatment Options for STIs

Treatments for STIs depend on the type of infection. Most STIs caused by bacteria and parasitic infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis can be treated with antibiotics. The antibiotic prescription has to be completed and abstain from sexual intercourse for at least a week after completing treatment and the sores are healed. 

Antiviral drugs will be prescribed for HIV and herpes. The antiviral drugs will help reduce the symptoms of herpes while antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help manage HIV infection and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

Prevention of STIs

Prevention is key. Protect yourself and your partners from STIs. Get yourself vaccinated for HPV to reduce the risk of infection. Limiting the number of sexual partners can also reduce the risks of exposure. You and your partner must get tested for STIs periodically.

Use condoms or dental dams consistently and correctly during vaginal, anal, or oral sex to reduce the risk of STI transmission. However, condoms do not offer absolute protection against all STIs. For example, genital herpes can still be transmitted even when using condoms.

If you are sexually active and have multiple partners, schedule regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your sexual health and discuss any concerns or symptoms. Talk to your doctor about STIs, their symptoms, and prevention.

Make an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

If you have questions about sexually transmitted infections, get in touch with us to book an appointment today for a consultation, or visit our Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital.