A 2001 study titled “Gender differences in the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections” reached the conclusion that women are far more susceptible to contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) as compared to men. It therefore is important, even necessary, to bring to light the various STIs that women are vulnerable to, causes, tell-tale symptoms, and their impacts on them.
Common STIs in Women
There are 3 major types of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) categorized based on the causative pathogen. These are:
- Bacterial: These include STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.
- Viral: Herpes caused by the herpes simplex virus and the HPV (human papillomavirus) are examples of viral STIs.
- Parasitic: An example is trichomoniasis.
Bacterial
- Chlamydia: Caused by the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis, chlamydia transmitted via vaginal and oral sex. It can however be passed through genital contact even without actual sex or penetration. Yet another way of transmission is via the sharing of sex toys where the genital bacteria clings onto the surfaces of the toys and passed on to the next user.
Symptoms for Chlamydia
- Increased vaginal discharge.
- A burning sensation, which is often accompanied with pain is experienced.
- Yet another symptom is pain felt during or after coitus.
- Pain is felt in the lower abdomen especially when having sex.
- Bleeding heavier than normal during the periods is experienced.
- Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterium. It affects the throat, urethra, rectum and sometimes cervix in women.
Gonorrhea is transmissible from mother to child at birth, at which it affects the eyes of the newborn.
Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea infection in women include:
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Pain experienced during urination.
- Vaginal bleeding between periods, such as after vaginal intercourse.
- Pain in the pelvic area.
Viral STIs
- Herpes
The herpes disease is cause by the herpes simplex virus. It’s primary way of transmission is through sexual intercourse after which the virus grows dominant in your body and reactivates several times a year. The herpes simplex virus generally occurs in two strains: HSV-1 which causes oral herpes and HSV-2 which generally causes genital herpes.
Herpes can be recognized from its distinct symptoms which include:
- blistering sores (in the mouth or on the genitals)
- pain during urination (genital herpes)
- itching in the genital area.
Impacts of STDs on Women
A number of profound health and psychological impacts are associated with STIs especially in women. These include:
- Developing of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): PID causes pelvic pain, infertility and may cause ectopic pregnancies where the fetus is held outside the uterus. Besides it might lead to reactive arthritis and conjunctivitis.
- Genital warts and cancerous infections.
- Immune deficiency (in the case of HIV) which exposes them to opportunistic diseases.
- Self loathe which causes long term psychological damages, depression, hyper-anxiety and even death by suicide.
