Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are infections or conditions that you can get from any kind of sexual activity.
Another common name for STIs is sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. There are a number of different sexually transmitted infections or STIs.
They can be either bacterial or viral, and they can be transmitted through blood, other body fluids or skin-to-skin contact.
Their impact on your health can range from mildly irritating to devastating. The most common symptoms are burning, itching or discharge in your genital area.
Some STIs are asymptomatic, meaning you may not have any symptoms.
STI Symptoms in Women
STI symptoms in women will depend on the diagnosis.
However, there are some general signs that an STI may be present. These include:
- Painful urination
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Vaginal itching
- Painful sex
- Vaginal bleeding
- Sores on the mouth or genitals
What are the common types of STIs in women?
The most common types of sexually transmitted infections 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 a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. Chlamydia infections are treatable and curable.
However, its symptoms are often unnoticeable. It’s important to receive treatment for chlamydia as soon as possible.
Left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious complications and cause permanent damage to your reproductive organs.
A Chlamydia test is done by taking a urine sample. This test is called the urine PCR test.
3. Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial, sexually transmitted infection. It can develop within a week of exposure to an infected person.
Gonorrhoea can be transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral sex without condoms.
Many women with gonorrhoea will not have any symptoms, and others may have vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, painful periods, painful sex, pain while passing urine, or a sore throat.
Gonorrhoea can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and scarring of the fallopian tubes, which can lead to ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
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. There are two types of herpes simplex virus:
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
- Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2)
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause oral herpes or genital herpes.
They also cause infections in other areas of your body.
6. Trichomoniasis
This is a parasitic infection that is more common in females than in males. Older females are also more likely than younger females to have the infection.
Females may notice foul-smelling discharge and experience painful sex.
Treatment with antibiotics can prevent the STI from lasting a long time and reduce the risk of low birth weight in future pregnancies.
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, and 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 will 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.
STI screening
STI testing can include:
- Pelvic and physical exam: it looks for signs of infection, such as warts, rashes, or discharge
- Blood test
- Urine test
- Fluid or tissue sample
These tests can be done in any women’s health clinic near you.
Treatment and Prevention
- Antibiotics can treat and cure STIs caused by bacteria and parasites, but they cannot cure viral infections.
- For viral infections, some medications can help treat the symptoms and prevent complications.
- They can also help prevent the spread of the virus to another person.
Prevention is the best way to avoid an STI.
Protective devices like condoms and dental dams can significantly reduce the risk of spreading an STI.
There are also vaccines for certain infections, specifically HPV and hepatitis B virus.
The HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9, is recommended for everyone ages 9 to 26 years, and some people up to age 45 to help prevent cancer-causing infections and precancers.
The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants and children and many groups of adults—though anyone who wants to be protected can get the vaccine.
Treatment and advice about prevention can be found in clinics that offer specialized STD medical services.
Universal Clinic stands out as a premier choice for STD testing due to its commitment to patient care, confidentiality and expertise.
Here’s why our medical clinic is trusted by so many:
1. Comprehensive Testing and Treatment
Universal Clinic offers a full range of STD tests, covering common infections like HIV, HPV, gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, and more.
Our state-of-the-art diagnostics ensure accurate and prompt results, enabling quick access to any necessary treatments.
2. Confidentiality and Privacy
We prioritize your privacy at every stage.
With discreet service and secure patient records, patients can be confident that their personal information is protected.
3. Qualified Medical Team
Our skilled healthcare professionals have extensive experience in sexual health and STD management.
They provide accurate information, offer compassionate support, and work to reduce the stigma often associated with STD testing.
Contact Universal Clinic for STD testing and treatment
By choosing our medical clinic, patients receive reliable, confidential and high-quality care.
We’re dedicated to helping individuals manage their sexual health responsibly and effectively. Interested to meet our doctor for a consultation?
Click on this link for an appointment.
Dr Shalan Sugumaran
Dr Shalan Sugumaran is an expert in Men’s and Women’s health related issues and has amassed a wealth of experience over the years dealing with such issues.
Along the way, he also developed a keen interest in sexually transmitted diseases and has successfully managed complex cases including HIV related.
Dr Shalan believes that sexual health is important as it can give benefits in all aspect of one’s life and is highly motivated to provide holistic, compassionate and quality care for his clients.
Dr Shalan Sugumaran
Dr Shalan Sugumaran is an expert in Men’s and Women’s health related issues and has amassed a wealth of experience over the years dealing with such issues.
Along the way, he also developed a keen interest in sexually transmitted diseases and has successfully managed complex cases including HIV related.
Dr Shalan believes that sexual health is important as it can give benefits in all aspect of one’s life and is highly motivated to provide holistic, compassionate and quality care for his clients.
