Getting tested for sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) and infections (STIs) should be an annual check-up for women. Research shows that women can have more serious health issues that stem from STDs and STIs than men.
Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs. If left untreated, it can cause infertility and chronic pelvic pain. It can also cause life-threatening ectopic pregnancies, which are pregnancies that take place outside the uterus. These pregnancies can be dangerous for the mother and the unborn child. Gonorrhea has similarly serious effects as chlamydia if left untreated. These are only two of the many STDs out there that have major negative health outcomes for women.
Women who practice unprotected vaginal sex are at high risk for contracting STDs, but women who have unprotected anal sex are at an even higher risk. The fear of getting test results back from an STD screening can be nerve-racking, but it is better to know if you are infected so you can get the needed treatment. Long-term effects from an STD can be life threatening.
Women can get tested at their primary care doctor’s office or at a clinic like Planned Parenthood. Under the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans are required to cover STD screening and counseling at no cost, so it does not hurt financially to get a test. However, if you are not insured, there are still clinics that offer free or reduced-cost testing. Treatment for STIs can be as simple as getting a shot or may require taking oral medication once diagnosed. If the contracted disease is incurable, there are still ways to treat it that help reduce the symptoms.
One way for women to remain at a low risk of contracting a sexually-transmitted disease is to ask a new partner to get a test. This should be something that is normalized but unfortunately it is not. If your new partner refuses to get a test, you should not engage in sexual contact with them. Your potential partner has just shown no regard for your health or their own. Another way to protect yourself is to ask your partner to wear a condom. If the condom is used correctly, this can reduce the transmission of a sexual disease tremendously.
Practicing monogamy is another way to help put yourself at a low risk for contracting an STD. Having sex with strictly one partner can reduce the risk of contracting a disease because you and your partner are only engaging in sexual contact with each other. However, if that is not desired, limiting the number of sexual partners you have can also help with reducing the risk. The higher the number of sexual partners you have at a time, the more at risk you are to getting an STI. These are only a few ways one can protect themselves from STDs and STIs.
There is currently research being done on vaccines against STDs. Microbicides are also being developed for STD prevention. Microbicides are creams and gels that can be applied topically to help with prevention. Researchers are also studying why women feel little-to-no symptoms from an STD. Women often misdiagnose themselves with yeast or urinary tract infections when in reality it could potentially be an STD. This self-diagnosis delays helpful medical treatment.
The Centers for Disease Control has a national, toll-free hotline anyone can call for more information about STDs and what to do if diagnosed with one: 800-232-4636. Sexual health for women is extremely important. Stay healthy, get tested and educate yourselves on healthy ways to practice safe sex.
About the Author
My name is Leah Drysdale. I’m from Long Island, New York. I’m a senior at St. John’s University and I am a journalism major. I’ve always had a passion for writing and journalism gave me the opportunity to write professionally.
