STIs in Women: Symptoms, Testing & Treatment | Sioux City & Le Mars, IA
- Her Health Women's Center
- 48 minutes ago
- 3 min read
STIs: The Basics
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect 1 in 5 people in the United States, with over 20 million new cases in the United States each year. About half of these infections occur in people ages 15-24.
STIs, also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites and are spread during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Some infections are transmitted through infected blood, such as shared needles, or from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) there are more than 20 types of STIs. The most common are chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, HPV, syphilis, and genital herpes.
STIs and Women’s Sexual Health
STI symptoms in women are sometimes non-existent or mild, so someone may be infected and not know. That’s why regular screening is important for early diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, painful sex or urination, low belly pain, increased vaginal discharge, painful or painless sores in genitals or mouth.
Statistics show that women have more serious health problems from STIs than men. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services -Office on Women’s Health
Untreated infections can lead to:
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease PID)
Chronic pelvic pain
Infertility
Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy which may be life-threatening
STI Effect on Pregnancy and Abortion
Pregnancy does not provide women or their babies protection against STIs. Routine STI testing is part of prenatal care. Early detection is key in order to prevent health complications for both mother and baby. Congenital syphilis cases have seen a sharp increase in the U.S.
If you are considering an abortion, STI testing and treatment should be done before a medical or surgical abortion. Untreated STIs can increase the risk of infection post-abortion.
STI Testing and Treatment
Testing for STIs is easy and routine. Most tests are done through urine, blood or swab tests. Regular screening leads to earlier treatment and reduces the risk of infecting a partner. Many STIs are curable with treatment, while others are managed medically to decrease the risk of infecting others. STIs can return if exposure to an infected person occurs.
STI Testing Near Me - in Sioux City and Le Mars, Iowa
Limited STI screening available at Her Health Women’s Center in Le Mars, Iowa. Contact us today to be scheduled.
Tips for the most accurate test results:
Wait two weeks after possible exposure before testing
Come to our center prepared to give a urine sample
Don’t urinate for 1 hour before giving a urine specimen
A full STI panel is available at your provider’s office, Siouxland Community Health Center or Siouxland District Health Department, both in Sioux City, Iowa.
Ways to Lower Your Risk of STIs
The only way to protect yourself completely from an STI is to not have vaginal, anal or oral sex. Other ways to reduce your risk include:
Reduce exposure by limiting the number of partners you have.
Mutually monogamous relationship - After being tested for STIs, be faithful to each other. That means that you have sex only with each other and no one else.
Condom use prevents many STIs. Use them correctly every time.
Get vaccinated. (HPV and Hepatitis B).
Take Charge of Your Sexual Health
STIs are common, but they are also preventable and treatable. Regular testing, open communication, and protective steps can help you stay healthy.
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is meant to be used for informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical care. The sources cited for this blog are found to be reliable, however, Her Health Women’s Center can not endorse or oppose the entire content of the sites listed.
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