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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) |
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Genital herpes |
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Chlamydia |
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Gonorrhoea |
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Syphilis |
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Trichomoniasis |
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HIV/AIDS |
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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.