Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are becoming much more common. Many STDs can last a long time and interfere with studies and personal relationships. Women often don't have symptoms with many Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or confuse the symptoms with non-infectious conditions. This may have serious consequences. Complications and long term health problems caused by STDs are more severe and more frequent for women than for men.

This article is divided into several sections:
Why are STDs cause for concern?
Preventing STIs
How can I tell if I have a Sexually Transmitted Disease?
- Contains a list of common STDs and their symptoms.
What do I do if I think I may have an STD?
How to prevent STDs
Cervical Cancer
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Why are STDs cause for concern?
Some STDs can spread to the womb and cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which can lead to infertility and other long-term complications. There are STDs associated with cervical cancer.

STDs can be passed from a woman to her baby during pregnancy, during birth or immediately after birth. Other adverse outcomes during pregnancy include spontaneous abortions, low birth weight and premature births. While some infections are not serious for the baby, others may cause permanent damage, disabilities and even death.

Some STDs can increase the risk of HIV/AIDS. Having HIV/AIDS can make a person more susceptible to other infections. Anyone who is sexually active is at a risk of acquiring an infection but knowing the facts about the risks - transmission, symptoms and prevention - can reduce anxieties. When diagnosed early and treated promptly, many STDs can be cured.

FACT: Nearly two-thirds of STDs occur in those under 25 years of age.

Preventing STIs
Here are a few rules to remember:

  Keep other's body fluids out of your body. This means not coming into contact with blood, semen, vaginal fluids and discharges from sores.

  Use a barrier method. Condoms and dental dams offer significant protection.

  Don't have sex if you have symptoms of STIs - to avoid spreading the infection.

  Don't have sex with someone displaying symptoms - but keep in mind that a person may not have symptoms.

  Get a health checkup for STIs if you are sexually active.

How can I tell if I have a Sexually Transmitted Disease?
Following is a list of some common STIs and their symptoms.

Chlamydia
This is the most common bacterial STI. Women may notice an unusual discharge, pain and burning when urinating or during sex or bleeding between periods or after sex. It is common for women to not be aware that they are infected with chlamydia. 20% of men and 80% of women experience no symptoms.

If left untreated in women, it may lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (it is believed that half of all PID is caused by chlamydia). Chlamydia can normally be cured by treatment with antibiotics.

Genital Herpes
Herpes genitalis is caused by a virus similar to those that cause cold sores (the herpes simplex virus). The condition is not curable and the virus remains in the body for life. Herpes is characterised by recurring outbreaks varying in length and severity. Treatment includes antiviral drugs to control the symptoms of outbreaks.

The first symptoms are small painful blisters in the vaginal area which rapidly break to leave small painful ulcers that heal in two to three weeks. Tests to confirm the infection can only be done when sores are active.

Women who acquire genital herpes during pregnancy can transmit the virus to their unborn babies. If left untreated, it can result in mental disabilities and death for the baby.

Herpes is very infectious during outbreaks but the risk of transmission is very low when the condition is inactive. It is spread through genital contact with infected sores and also through oral sex if one partner has a herpes sore.

Genital Warts
Genital warts are caused by viruses and are becoming more common. They are usually sexually transmitted, but may occur from warts on other parts of the body. First symptoms include small hard bumps in the vaginal area. Often, these are painless and may grow in size. There is no test for genital warts. Treatment includes injections and - if the warts are large - removal by surgery.

Genital warts should be taken seriously by women as they are caused by a virus (the human papillomavirus) which is associated with abnormalities in cervical cells - possible sign of cervical cancer, and women who acquire genital warts should have a cervical smear test.

Gonorrhoea
While it usually causes a noticeable discharge from the penis together with pain on passing urine, in women an inflammation of the cervix results perhaps causing only a slight increase in vaginal discharge, so that the condition is often not recognised.

Treatment with antibiotics normally ends in complete cure, but if untreated it may lead to inflammation and blockage of the Fallopian tubes in women and infertility.

Syphilis
Syphilis, now fairly uncommon, can be contracted through sexual intercourse (including oral sex) with an infected person. The most common symptom is the presence of lumps and sores around or in the vagina. Sores may appear on or near the mouth, anus or on the hands.

A blood test can determine the presence of the infection and it can be cured with a course of antibiotics. If left untreated, syphilis can progress to its more advanced stages. Treatment may take years to complete. Eventually, the disease can cause damage to many organs of the body including the heart and central nervous system.

HIV/AIDS
AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is caused by the human immune deficiency (HIV) virus which destroys the body's capability of fighting infection.

HIV usually produces no specific symptoms for some years. The incidence of HIV infections is increasing in the heterosexual population in the UK.

A person can become infected through unprotected sexual intercourse - vaginal and anal, through sharing needles. Transmission is more likely if there is any injury in the genital area or a pre-existing STI. Once the infection has been acquired there is no cure and it is still not known what proportion of those infected will ultimately develop AIDS.

Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a caused by a single-celled organism which causes vaginal inflammation and soreness along with a green/yellow discharge. The condition is mainly sexually transmitted but there are other ways of transmission. Diagnosis usually through examining vaginal fluid for the presence of the organisms.

Trich is easily treated but it is important that the woman's partner is treated at the same time to prevent the cycle of reinfection. Men often harbour the organism without symptoms and remain oblivious to the fact he has an infection. Trich is usually not serious and doesn't have complications.

Thrush
Thrush is a very common fungal condition caused by yeast (candida albicans). Unless the occurrence is frequent, it is more annoying than serious. The most common signs are a white vaginal discharge, soreness and/or itching and irritation around/inside the vagina.

Thrush normally disappears with time. There are various non-prescription remedies (most common being clotrimazole) to ease some of the symptoms and to help eliminate the fungus.

Sexual transmission is possible but more often, other factors contribute to thrush. They include common things such as antibiotics use, chemical irritants such as soap and bubble bath, hormonal changes brought on by oral contraceptive pills, non-cotton underwear, pregnancy and friction caused by activities such as riding a bike.

Other STDs
Other STDs include pubic lice, scabies and hepatitis B.

What do I do if I think I may have an STD?

  Stop having sex.
  Go to your local GUM clinic These are free, confidential and open to everyone.

How to Prevent STDs

Condoms - can reduce the risk significantly when used properly.
Abstinence - 100% effective.

Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is more common in women who have had sexual intercourse from an early age or who have had many partners (or whose partners have had many partners). All women who have suffered from genital warts should have a cervical smear test.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a serious condition which can become life-threatening if not treated properly. PID affects the womb, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and/or surrounding tissues. While a number of micro-organisms might cause PID, STDs are the most common culprits. PID is caused by the spread of infections from the lower genital tract (vagina and cervix) to the upper genital tract.

FACT: Young single women with multiple sex partners make up the majority of cases of PID.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease may occur:
  from untreated sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea
  other infections spreading from the lower genital tract into the cervix, womb and/or fallopian tubes
  after a miscarriage, abortion, or childbirth
  from an IUD (intrauterine device)/coils

What are the symptoms of PID?
The symptoms of PID include one or more of the following:

  pain, bloating and tenderness in the lower abdomen
  heavy vaginal discharge with a strong odour
  irregular or heavy menstrual periods
  pain during sexual intercourse
  flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscular pains, fatigue, back pain, or vomiting

Diagnosis for PID normally involves a pelvic exam, a test for infections and an examination of medical history. PID can be cured with antibiotics. However, in some women, treatment can take a long time. Unfortunately, there may be permanent damage to the organs affected. Sterility, difficulty with getting pregnant and ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the womb, usually in the fallopian tube, and can be fatal) may result.

REMEMBER: Not all STIs are spread the same way!

Unprotected penetrative sex (vaginal or anal) - chlamydia, genital warts, herpes, gonorrhoea, syphilis, hepatitis B, pubic lice, scabies, HIV/AIDS. Unprotected oral sex from a man (fellatio) or woman (cunnilingus) - genital/oral warts, hepatitis B, gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes. Sexual contact without penetration - herpes, genital warts, pubic lice, scabies.