Sexually Transmitted Infections: Disproportionate Impact on Females
Although both sexes are diagnosed with STIs at about the same rate, the disease impacts males and females differently. There are a few categories that play an important role in determining these differences including anatomy, lack of symptoms, long-term health effects, and complications during pregnancy and delivery. Everyone should be aware of these differences in order to take preventative or treatment measures.
Disadvantages:
A female’s physical anatomy can put her at higher risk for infection
The thin and delicate lining of the vagina makes it easier for viruses and bacteria to enter the body compared to the relatively tough skin of the penis
The warm, moist environment of the vagina is an ideal place for bacteria to grow
STIs to be passed to babies during pregnancy or delivery
HIV, syphilis, and genital herpes can be passed either during pregnancy or delivery
If passed on, the STI can cause both physical and mental complications for the baby
Females are less likely to show symptoms of an STI
This may occur in STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea
Symptoms of syphilis include painless reddish-brown sores inside the vaginal canal where they cannot be seen or felt
If symptoms from infection do appear, they may go away even if the infection is still present
STIs can affect future reproductive plans
If untreated, STIs can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease which can cause infertility
Females may confuse symptoms of STIs for something else
Females may think that burning or itching is the result of a yeast infection rather than an STI
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STI
HPV can lead to cervical cancer in females
Although males experience fewer health complications from HPV, cancer can potentially develop in the penis, anus, or back of throat
What you can do:
There is a vaccine to prevent HPV and other medication that can help keep symptoms under control
The HPV vaccine should be given to both males and females around the age of 11 or 12 and up to age 26
The vaccine is beneficial for young males who have sex with males, including young males who identify as gay or bisexual
Females often visit their doctor more than males do
This is great and they should keep doing this! However, it is equally as important for males to see a doctor and get tested. This is especially important during pregnancy.
Pap tests screen for cervical cancer, not STIs, which is something to keep in mind
It is important for males to protect themselves and their partners from infection. They can do this by:
Wearing condoms each time they have sex (Sack’s Thrift Store, Cactus Records, Erotique, CHP, and the Co-op by the high school are just a few places you can pick up free condoms in Bozeman)
Getting tested regularly
Being vaccinated against HPV
If you want to get tested or treated for an STI, you can do so at Community Health Partners (CHP), an OB/GYN, Student Health Services or come visit us at Bridgercare! We are your trusted source for sexual healthcare & education! Not only do we provide STI testing and treatment, but we also do wellness exams for men and women, birth control, free pregnancy testing, cancer screenings, and we offer LGBTQ+ services. Approximately 85% of our patients take advantage of our sliding fee scale (based on income) and there’s no need to wait weeks or months for an appointment – we can get you in next week!
By Lucy Erickson, Bridercare 2017 Fall Intern and Psychology Major at MSU
Sources:
https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/
https://www.cdc.gov/STI/health-disparities/STIs-women-042011.pdf