Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in women

An STI is an infection that usually spreads from person to person through sexual contact. This disease occurs when a bacteria, virus or parasite enters the body through blood, semen, vagina discharge and other bodily fluids.

Often sexually transmitted diseases can be transmitted when engaging in unprotected sex, group sex or sex with many different partners.

Sometimes these sexual diseases can be transmitted without having sex too, such as vertical transmission (passing from mothers to their babies during pregnancy or delivery), through the use of a single needle or blood transfusions.

Some STIs can be cured while others cannot. For those STIs that cannot be cured, medicines are available to manage the symptoms.

Some of the most common STIs in women are:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Genital herpes

The most common STI in women is the human papillomavirus. It is the main cause of cervical cancer. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are common bacterial STIs. Genital herpes is found in 1 in 6 people. Between the ages of 14 and 49 years, one suffers from it sometime or the other.

(Read more: Sexual health)

Some symptoms that can be seen in women with STDs are:

• Itching in vagina
• Getting a rash
• Having abnormal discharge
• Pain

(Read more: Causes of pain during sex)

Women should be aware of all the symptoms of STIs so that they can get tested and treated in time. Following are some to keep in mind: 

• Changes during urination: Pain or burning sensation during urination, frequent urination or bleeding during urination.
• Change in white discharge: It is normal to have white discharge from the vagina. But when it becomes too thick or too white then there may be a yeast infection. If it turns yellow or green in colour, then it can be a sign of gonorrhea or trichomoniasis.
• Itching in the vagina: Itching in the vagina can occur due to many reasons. It is important to get a checkup done in case of excessive itching as it can be a symptom of an STI.
• Pain during sex: It is common to experience some discomfort during sex. But pain during sex can be a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is usually an advanced stage of chlamydia or gonorrhea.
• Abnormal bleeding: Abnormal bleeding can also occur due to several fertility problems caused due to PID or STIs.
• Vaginal rashes or sores: Sores or small rashes around the vagina or on the mouth can be a sign of genital herpes, human papillomavirus or syphilis.
• Many sexual infections or diseases have no symptoms. In such a situation, if they are not diagnosed and treated on time, the risk of infertility related problems and cervical cancer can increase. Not only this, but sometimes sexually transmitted infections can also spread through contact with people who appear healthy and are unaware that they have an STI.

(Read more: How to have safe sex)

More than 1 million sexually transmitted infections are recorded daily worldwide.

Every year, around 376 million new cases of syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis are reported worldwide.

Genital infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is estimated to affect more than 500 million people. (Read more: Herpes Simplex Virus Test)

More than 290 million women have human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

STIs like herpes simplex virus type 2 and syphilis can increase the risk of HIV.

In 2016, 9,88,000 pregnant women were infected with syphilis, due to which 3,50,000 children were not born in good health, including complications like neonatal death.

(Read more: Why sex causes headaches)

If you are sexually active then you should have a pap smear test and talk to your doctor about other STI related tests.

Whenever you have vaginal, oral or anal sex, use a condom.

You should openly tell your partner and doctor about your sexual history.

If symptoms of STI are seen or suspected, do not have sex before getting a checkup and treatment, if required.

(Read more: Things every woman needs to know about sexual health)

Sexually transmitted diseases and infections can cause more serious health problems for women than men. But if you have safe sex and use condoms, then you can avoid sexually transmitted diseases. Also, by getting a check-up from time to time, you can not only avoid venereal diseases but can also get them treated after a timely diagnosis since the symptoms of many venereal diseases and infections are not visible.

(Read more: What to do after and before having sexual intercourse)