STDs have been waging war on the sexual health of millions with countless men and women contracting them on a daily basis. As per research, women are more susceptible to contracting STDs if compared to men. They are more prone to contracting and spreading STDs as well. Therefore, both sexual health screening for women and men is important.
An STI test for women should be a standard procedure during routine health checkups because they are biologically more likely to contract STDs than men. In this article, we have discussed the 7 most common reasons why women are more prone to get infected with a sexually transmitted infection than men.
- Unique anatomy
Women’s unique anatomy makes them more susceptible to STDs than males. The vaginal lining of a female is more delicate and thin compared to the skin on the penis. This makes it easier for venereal pathogens to infect the female genitalia than the male genitalia. The moist and warm environment inside the genitals of females also makes it a perfect nesting site for any STD pathogen to grow and multiply.
- Less likely to have symptoms
Women are least likely to experience any common STD symptoms. The symptoms of STDs like Gonorrhea and Chlamydia often go unnoticed if compared with men. In other cases, symptoms can heal, but the infection may remain dormant and wreak havoc after years of leaving it untreated.
- Delayed Treatment
Women often experience a kind of discharge from their genital regions, unlike men. Since it is a common symptom of most STDs, it is possible to often go unnoticed or be mistaken for a yeast infection. Lesions, ulcers and warts that may grow inside the vulva due to an STD may also be difficult to notice. This may result in delayed treatment which can have detrimental health effects and even result in a higher risk of infecting others.
- Post-childbirth
Pregnant women often experience childbirth complications like post-childbirth anemia, which might result in receiving a blood transfusion post-delivery. Transfused blood from unreliable blood banks where blood supply is not pre-tested for infection can put women at a higher risk of contracting deadly STDs like Hepatitis B and even HIV.
- Socio-economic reasons
Due to social and economic dependence, women are more prone to agreeing to unsafe sex rather than negotiating safer sex. Lack of education might make it difficult for them to obtain any information about STD prevention or to seek proper health care. Women striving economically tend to turn to sex work, which is notorious for STD transmission.
- More risk from HPV
HPV or Human Papillomavirus is more likely to infect women than men and is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Even though HPV is common in males who can risk transferring the infection to women, it is the females who are more prone towards developing serious or even life-threatening problems from HPV.
- Health complications
STDs, if left untreated can cause serious health complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, which is known to cause ectopic pregnancies and infertility in women. Chlamydia is a highly common bacterial STI that is known to affect women more than men. Men, on the other hand, face lesser complications from Chlamydia than women.
How Often Should You Get an STD Test?
The frequency of getting an STD tests depends on various factors, including your sexual activity, the type of sexual partners you have, and your personal risk factors. Here are some general guidelines regarding the frequency of STD testing:
- Sexually active individuals: If you are sexually active, it is generally recommended to get tested for STDs on a regular basis, even if you do not have any symptoms. The specific recommendation may vary depending on your age, sexual practices, and the prevalence of STDs in your community. As a general guideline, it is often recommended to get tested at least once a year.
- Multiple sexual partners: If you have multiple sexual partners or engage in high-risk sexual behavior, such as unprotected sex, it is advisable to get tested more frequently. This can help detect any potential infections early and prevent further transmission.
- New sexual partner: Whenever you start a new sexual relationship or have a new sexual partner, it is a good idea to get tested for STDs. This helps ensure both you and your partner’s sexual health.
- Symptoms or known exposure: If you experience any symptoms of an STD, such as unusual discharge, genital sores, pain during urination, or if you have had unprotected sex with someone who has a known STD, it is important to get tested as soon as possible, regardless of your regular testing schedule.
- Pregnant individuals: Pregnant individuals should be tested for certain STDs, such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, as part of routine prenatal care. Testing may be repeated during pregnancy if there are additional risk factors or concerns.
It’s important to remember that these are general recommendations, and individual circumstances may vary. It is best to consult with a healthcare provider or a sexual health clinic to determine the appropriate testing frequency based on your specific situation and risk factors.
Preventing Common STDs – Potential Ways of Treatment
Are you noticing common signs of STDs? Following are some ways of treatment you should consider:
Safer sex practices – To steer clear of common STDs, it’s vital to practice safe sex. This entails consistent and appropriate use of condoms, limiting partners, and steering clear of risky behaviors, like unprotected sex and sharing needles.
Vaccination – Certain STDs, like Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV), can be prevented through vaccination. The HPV vaccine protects against cervical and other types of cancer, while the HBV vaccine shields against liver disease and cancer.
Antibiotic Treatment: Many common STDs, such as Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia, can be treated with antibiotics. Timely diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are essential to cure these infections and prevent further complications.
Antiviral Medications: Some types of STDs, such as HIV and Herpes Simplex virus (HSV), can be managed with antiviral medications. These medications help control symptoms, reduce viral replication, and slow down disease progression.
Why choose Affordable Rapid Testing for sexual health screening for men and women?
Even though women are more prone towards contracting sexually transmitted diseases, STD testing is a mandate for both men and women who have an active sexual history. It is a more responsible and safer option for both your and your partner’s overall health. There are numerous widely available options when it comes to STI test for men and women. If you are looking for one in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, choose Affordable Rapid Testing. For the quickest and most painless testing experience, Affordable Rapid Testing is your best bet. They offer the most reliable test results along with an extensive recovery plan if you are diagnosed with an STD. To know more, check out their official website.
