Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Women: An Overview

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to pose significant public health challenges worldwide, affecting individuals of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations.

But how can you discern if you are affected by an STI? What signs should you be aware of, and what steps should you take upon diagnosis?

In this guide, we will delve into the specific STIs that commonly affect women, offering valuable knowledge to empower individuals in safeguarding their sexual health.

What Are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?

STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) and STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) are often used interchangeably.

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) refers to an infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can be transmitted through sexual activity (vaginal, anal, or oral sex) or intimate contact.

Some common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV.

What Are the Common STIs in Women?

Some of the common STIs in women include:

1. HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

HPV is a viral infection that causes small skin growths (warts) on different parts of your body. There are over 200 varieties of HPV, and some can lead to cancer. Besides cervical cancer, other cancers affecting the anal, vulva, and throat (oropharyngeal) have been linked to human papillomavirus.

2. Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. Without proper treatment, it has the potential to spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease. Pregnant women have the possibility of transmitting chlamydia during childbirth to their baby if it goes untreated. However, once diagnosed, chlamydia can be effectively treated with antibiotics.

3. Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. It primarily affects young adults. The bacteria responsible for gonorrhoea can infect the genital tract, mouth, or anus. Transmission can occur through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual contact with an infected individual. If the mother remains untreated, gonorrhoea can be transmitted to the baby during childbirth.

4. Syphilis

Syphilis can infect the genital region, lips, mouth, or anus in both genders. Typically transmitted through sexual contact with an infected individual, it can also be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy.

5. Genital herpes

Herpes simplex virus (HSV), commonly known as herpes, is an infection that causes sores on your genital or rectal area, buttocks, and thighs. It can be contracted through vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse with an infected person, and transmission can occur even in the absence of visible sores. Additionally, mothers can pass the virus to their babies during childbirth.

6. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a parasite. It transmits 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.

7. HIV/AIDS

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) impacts the immune system by destroying cells that fight infections. It spreads through contact with bodily fluids, mostly during unprotected sex, sharing injection drug needles, contact with the blood of an infected individual, from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

If left untreated, it develops into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Although HIV is not curable, once diagnosed, you can take ART or antiretroviral therapy to suppress the virus.

People who take their medication well become undetectable, meaning they cannot pass HIV to their HIV-negative partners through sex. It also reduces the chance of women passing the virus to their children during birth and breastfeeding.

What Are the Signs of STIs?

STIs manifest differently; women experience symptoms depending on their health and age. However, there are some common symptoms of STIs, which 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 groins

What Are the Risk Factors for Contracting STIs?

Sexually active women have some degree of exposure to STIs. Factors that increase these risks include:

Unprotected sex with infected individuals: Vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner without a condom can increase the risk of getting an STI. Incorrect use of condoms can also result in an infection.
Having multiple sex partners: The greater the number of sexual partners you have, the greater your exposure and likelihood of contracting STIs.
History of STIs: In most cases, having one STI could potentially make you vulnerable to other STIs.
Sharing needles: Needles sharing when using recreational drugs can cause the transmission of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, and other viruses.
Lack of knowledge or misinformation: Younger individuals may have less understanding of sexual health and prevention methods, making them more susceptible to risky behaviours. A study has shown that about half of the new STIs occur in people aged 15-24.

How Are STIs Treated?

Treatment for STIs consists of the following depending on the type of infection:

Antibiotics: Antibiotics can cure most STIs caused by bacteria and parasitic infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. It is vital to complete the antibiotic prescription. Additionally, it is advisable to abstain from sex for at least a week after completing treatment and the sores are healed.
Antiviral drugs: For HIV and herpes, you will be prescribed an antiviral drug. The antiviral drugs will help reduce the symptoms of herpes. For HIV, Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help manage HIV infection. Additionally, ART reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

What Will Happen to Untreated STIs?

The following are some risks associated with untreated STIs:

Infecting others: An untreated STI puts your sexual partners at risk of contracting the disease.
Infertility: STIs like gonorrhoea and chlamydia may cause infertility but are treatable.
Risk to unborn children: Pregnant women can transmit STIs to their unborn children.
High risk of cancer: As mentioned earlier, untreated HPV can result in cervical and other types of cancer.

How to Prevent STIs?

Vaccination: Vaccines are available for certain STIs such as HPV and hepatitis B. Getting vaccinated can reduce the risk of infection.
Limit sexual partners: Having fewer or just one sexual partner can reduce the risks of exposure. You and your partner must get tested occasionally and share the results with one another.
Practice safe sex: If sexually active, use condoms or dental dams consistently and correctly during vaginal, anal, or oral sex to reduce the risk of STI transmission. That said, condoms do not offer absolute protection against all STIs as certain STIs like genital herpes can still be transmitted even when using condoms.
Avoid sharing needles: Refrain from sharing needles or other equipment for injecting drugs to prevent the transmission of STIs like HIV and hepatitis.
Regular check-ups: 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 Pantai Hospitals

Take charge of your sexual health today! Get tested regularly, practice safe sex, and communicate openly with your partners. Remember, prevention is key. Protect yourself and your partners from STIs.

Get in touch with us to book an appointment with our team of gynaecologists today, or find out more about our Obstetrics and Gynaecology Services at your nearest Pantai Hospital.

Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.