Article by:
Amelia Grant
Some of the most common sexually transmitted illnesses are especially dangerous to women's health. According to the American Social Health Association, more than half of all Americans will contract an STD during their lives (ASHA). That's why it's critical to be aware of lesser-known STDs and STIs. Are you aware of the signs and symptoms, your risk, and what you can do to avoid them?
1. Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. This STI provokes raised lumps or ulcers on the genitals, as well as swelling of the lymph nodes in the genital area.
LGV is sometimes confused with other sexually transmitted illnesses like syphilis or genital herpes, but it's unclear how widespread it is in the United States (it's rare in developing nations, but outbreaks have occurred in the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe).
LGV is less infectious than some other STDs, but if you have sex with someone who has it, you should visit your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Antibiotics can be used to treat STD.
2. Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a complication of some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Bacteria spread from the vaginal canal to the uterus and upper genital tract.
In the United States, more than 750,000 women are diagnosed with PID each year. You may or may not experience symptoms, which include abdominal, pelvic, and low-back discomfort, a discharge or unpleasant odor, irregular periods, exhaustion, stomach distress, and pain or difficulty urinating.
PID must be treated with antibiotics, however, it can cause infertility or an ectopic pregnancy.
3. Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin rash that can be transmitted from one person to another through vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. It can also be transmitted through touching sick people's towels or clothing, or by bathing with infected people. This rash of little red or skin-colored sores can form anywhere on your body, including your eyes, mouth, nose, and genitals.
Molluscum contagiosum can be painful and cause scarring, even if it isn't a serious threat to your sexual health. It typically goes away on its own, but the sores can be removed to help prevent the infection from spreading.
4. Pubic lice
One of the most frequent STDs among sexually active women is trichomoniasis. In fact, according to a recent study presented at the International Society for STD Research's annual meeting, 13% of American women over 50 have trichomoniasis.
Symptoms in men are uncommon, but if they do occur, they include irritation during urinating or ejaculating. Crabs won’t go away on their own, so, it’s essential to treat them with over-the-counter or prescription creams and shampoos.
5. Trichomoniasis
One of the most frequent STDs among sexually active women is trichomoniasis. In fact, according to a recent study presented at the International Society for STD Research's annual meeting, 13% of American women over 50 have trichomoniasis.
However, trichomoniasis can affect both men and women, young and old, and the CDC reports that more than 7.4 million new cases are reported each year. The vagina is infected in women, while the urethra is affected in men. Trichomoniasis is spread by vulva-to-vulva and penis-to-vaginal intercourse.
Symptoms in men are uncommon, but if they do occur, they may include irritation during urinating or ejaculating. A woman might have a smelly yellow-green discharge and genital itching along with discomfort when urinating or having sex. Since trichomoniasis is a bacterial infection, it’s treated with antibiotics.
To prevent getting any of these common STDs, you should use condoms during sex, as well as to limit your number of sexual partners. Be aware of signs or outbreaks and get tested annually if you are sexually active.