What women should know about sexually transmitted infections
Just over half of the people who report having sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are between the ages of 15 and 24, but women of all ages can get STIs. There is never an age where it is safe to have unprotected sex with a new partner without knowing their sexual and social history. Our San Antonio OBGYNs want every patient to understand STIs, how they happen, and how to prevent them by practicing safe sex.
How STIs affect women’s bodies
There are several types of STIs, but the most common ones are HIV, HPV, chlamydia, genital herpes and syphilis. The contagious infections can be present in semen, blood, vaginal fluid and body sores. People spread the infections through contact with the infection during sexual contact, including oral, anal and vaginal sex. Both men and women get sexually transmitted infections, but STIs affect women’s bodies differently.
- Often, women have less noticeable symptoms than men.
- Vaginal moisture and the thin vaginal lining make women more susceptible to infections.
- Women who have STIs are more likely to contract HIV.
- Untreated STIs can lead to ectopic pregnancies, cervical cancer, fertility problems and pelvic inflammatory disease.
What are the symptoms of STIs?
Women with STIs don’t always have symptoms, making annual wellness exams even more important. At these appointments, our San Antonio OBGYNs may find problems that you didn’t even know were there. Here are some symptoms you may notice.
- Unusual vaginal discharge that may smell bad
- Pain during sex
- Pain during urination
- Vaginal burning or itching
- Sores or rashes in the genital, rectal or mouth area
- Lower back or abdominal pain
Safe sex helps prevent sexually transmitted infections
Safe sex is about more than condoms. There are other steps you can take to keep yourself safer from STIs.
- Always have male partners wear a condom during any type of sexual activity. Use a dental dam during oral sex.
- Learn your partner’s medical and sexual history before you engage in sexual activity.
- Avoid excessive drinking and drug use, which may lead to risky sexual behavior.
- Examine your body, and your partner’s, to see if there are any signs of infections, such as sores or rashes.
- Schedule yearly exams with our OBGYNs so they can check for STIs.
STIs and pregnancy
Our OBGYNs screen pregnant patients for sexually transmitted infections because these infections can affect you and your baby. STIs can cause preterm birth, low birthweight, miscarriage or even stillbirth. If you have an STI during pregnancy, our physicians will take steps to protect your baby. It’s important to remember that pregnancy does not protect you from STIs, so safer sex practices still matter.
Our San Antonio OBGYNs provide exams and information you need to stay healthy
The more you understand sexually transmitted infections, the better equipped you are to prevent them. Annual examinations and safer sex practices are good preventative steps. Contact us for an appointment.
