Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are commonly transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. An infection occurs when bacteria, viruses, or parasites invade and proliferate within or on the body. Women are often at a higher risk of experiencing severe health complications from STIs compared to men, including infertility.

STIs are also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). While some STIs can be cured with treatment, others cannot be completely eradicated but can be managed with medications to alleviate symptoms.

Women may face more serious health issues from STIs, including:

Chlamydia and gonorrhea

If this is left untreated, these infections will lead to chronic pelvic pain and potentially life-threatening ectopic pregnancies. They can also result in infertility.

Syphilis

In pregnant women, untreated syphilis can lead to infant mortality in up to 40% of cases.

Higher risk during unprotected sex

Women are more likely than men to contract an STI during unprotected vaginal sex, and the risk is even greater with unprotected anal sex.

Untreated STIs can lead to:

Difficulty conceiving or permanent infertility
Complications during pregnancy and health issues for the baby
Infections in other body parts
Organ damage
Certain cancers, such as cervical cancer
Fatal outcomes

What Are The Symptoms Of STIs?

Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can have either very mild symptoms or none at all. When women do experience symptoms, they might be misinterpreted as something different, like a urinary tract infection or a yeast infection.

STI testing may involve several procedures:

Pelvic and Physical Exam: During this exam, your doctor will examine for signs of infection, such as warts, rashes, or abnormal discharge.
Blood Test: A nurse will take a blood sample to test for sexually transmitted infections.
Urine Test: You will provide a sample of urine, which is then analyzed for STIs.
Fluid or Tissue Sample: Your doctor may use a cotton swab to collect fluid or discharge from an infected area. This sample is examined under a microscope or sent to a laboratory for further analysis.

Pap tests are primarily used to detect cell abnormalities that could indicate cancer or precancerous conditions. If you are over 30, your doctor might also test for HPV alongside the Pap test.

At Nandhini-Pearl, you can receive vaccinations for Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

How Are STIs Treated?

For certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), treatment may require oral medication or an injection. For STIs that cannot be completely cured, such as herpes or HIV/AIDS, medications can help manage and alleviate symptoms.

If I Have An STI, Does My Partner Have It Too?

It’s possible. If your test results indicate an STI, your doctor might recommend that your partner also undergo testing. Alternatively, your doctor might provide you with medication for your partner.

STIs can be transmitted from a previous partner, making it crucial to get tested after each new sexual relationship. Additionally, suppose you test positive for certain STIs, such as HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhoea. In that case, some regions have regulations that require you or your doctor to inform any past or current sexual partners.

How Can I Prevent An STI?

To minimize the sexually transmitted infection (STI), the most effective method is to abstain from vaginal, oral, or anal sex. If you prefer to engage in sexual activity, follow these guidelines to minimize your risk:

Get Vaccinated: Vaccines are available to protect against HPV and hepatitis B. Consider getting vaccinated to minimize your risk of certain STIs.
Use Condoms: Condoms are the most reliable way to prevent STIs during sex. Ensure the condom is put on before any genital contact, as some STIs can be transmitted even without ejaculation. Note that other birth control methods, such as pills, shots, implants, or diaphragms, do not offer protection against STIs.
Get Tested: Both you and your partner should get tested for STIs before engaging in sexual activity. Discuss your test results with each other to ensure mutual safety.
Practice Monogamy: Reducing your number of sexual partners can lower your STI risk. Once tested, commit to being exclusive with your partner, meaning you only have sex with each other.
Limit Partners: The more sexual partners, the higher your risk of STIs. Try to limit the number of people you have sex with.
Avoid Douching: Douching can damage the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina that helps protect against infections. This can increase your susceptibility to STIs.
Avoid Substance Abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption or drug use can lead to risky behaviours and increase the risk of both sexual assault and STI exposure.

By following these above steps, you can significantly lower your risk of STIs and protect your sexual health.

What Is HPV?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common viral infections transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or sexual activities, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. There are numerous strains of HPV, most of which do not cause any significant health issues.

However, some specific strains can lead to genital warts or cancers, such as those affecting the anus, cervix, or throat. Many people with HPV are unaware they have it because many strains don’t produce symptoms. It’s also possible to be infected with multiple strains of the virus simultaneously, making it easy to spread it to others unknowingly.

Around 30 types of HPV are categorized as genital HPV, as they specifically affect the genital area.

Certain strains are considered high-risk and are associated with cervical cancer or the development of abnormal cells in the cervix that may eventually become cancerous. Other strains are low-risk, causing genital warts or benign (non-cancerous) changes in the cervix.

While there is no cure for HPV, vaccination can prevent infection by some of the high-risk strains. The HPV vaccine will not treat existing infections but helps protect against other strains you may encounter in the future. The vaccine is also effective in minimizing the risk of cervical, anal, and oral cancers, with estimates suggesting it has prevented as many as 32,000 cancer cases in women.

How Can I Tell If I Have HPV?

HPV often does not produce noticeable symptoms, so many people are unaware they have it. In women, HPV is commonly detected through abnormal results from Pap tests (Pap smears), which are part of routine gynecological exams.

A Pap test identifies abnormal cells in the cervix that could potentially develop into precancerous or cancerous cells if left untreated. Some women may also undergo HPV DNA co-testing. Detecting cervical precancers early, which are often linked to HPV, is crucial because early treatment is usually highly successful.

What Happens If I Get HPV?

In most cases, the body’s immune system can clear the HPV infection on its own. However, if the virus persists, some strains do cause genital warts, while others will lead to abnormal cell changes in the cervix, increasing the risk of developing cervical cancer later.

Is There a Vaccine for HPV?

Yes, there is a vaccine for HPV. If you are 26 years old or younger, you can receive the HPV vaccine series to protect yourself from the strains most likely to cause cervical cancer. Since the introduction of the HPV vaccine, there has been a major drop in the number of abnormal Pap test results among this age group.

Nandhini – Pearl Hospital, a leading Muti speciality hospital in Velachery, Chennai, has been dedicated to women’s wellness for over 35 years, offering comprehensive gynaecological, fertility, cancer care, and specialty care treatments for women. Our team of expert obstetricians has safely delivered over 50,000 babies.

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