Women’s Day 2024: Why Is STD Screening Important? Know Available Tests Women Need To Get Done Regularly

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are prevalent these days but only testing them will determine whether you have it or not. Various factors like indulging in unprotected intercourse or having multiple partners are leading causes of STIs and STDs. STDs and STIs if left untreated can cause major health conditions and diseases which are difficult to cure. Early detection can save you from future consequences of these infections and diseases. 

To get more clarity on the topic, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Jhansi Peddi, visiting consultant gynaecologist, Kauvery Hospital, Bengaluru. 

Regular Testing Is Important

When asked why women should get tested for STDs/STIs regularly, Dr Peddi said, “Getting tested is important because you can have an STD without knowing it. In many cases, there aren't any symptoms. The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can take action to protect your health and the health of your partner.” The Dr further said that untreated STIs can lead to serious health problems like infertility and subfertility. 

STD Testing Is Recommended If 

• You are sexually active and have multiple sexual partners
• You are a woman above the age of 21 and need to keep a check on your cervical health
• You are pregnant and have an active sexually transmitted infection in your body
• You had unprotected sex
• You are a homosexual man, engaging in penetrative sex
• You have been diagnosed with HIV
• You have accidentally shared needles with an unknown person

Besides these instances; you should also consider getting an STD testing done if you are experiencing symptoms like painful urination, pain during sexual intercourse, vaginal discharge or bleeding. 

Also read: HPV vs HSV: Understanding The Differences Between Two Common STIs

STIs Common Among Women

1. Chlamydia: It is one of the most common STDs in women. It can damage the reproductive system of women and make it difficult to get pregnant. Chlamydia can also cause a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy, the pregnancy that occurs outside the womb. 
2. Gonorrhoea: Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria called gonococcus. It causes infertility. 
3. HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) does not need much introduction as it is a long known villain. It attacks the immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS, which currently does not have any cure. 
4. Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A viral infection that can cause genital warts and cervical cancer.
5. Herpes: Caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), it results in painful sores in the genital area.

Tests To Be Done

Regular screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is crucial for maintaining sexual health and preventing the spread of infections. Women have various options for STI testing, including:

1. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Testing: Typically done through urine samples or swabs from the cervix or vagina.
2. HIV Testing: Blood tests or oral swabs are commonly used for HIV testing.
3. Syphilis Testing: Blood tests are used to detect syphilis infection.
4. HPV Testing: HPV tests can be performed along with Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer.
5. Trichomoniasis Testing: This is done through a vaginal swab or urine sample.

Also read: Can You Get Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Without Sex? Doctor Answers

Bottomline

Taking care of sexual health is of utmost importance to save yourself from STIs that may develop into serious diseases in future. For sexually active women, it is advisable to get the tests done annually but those with high risks might need more frequent testing.