Women’s Sexual Wellness: STI and STD Screening Guidance Made Simple

Worldwide, more than one million people acquire a sexually transmitted infection (STI) every day. In the United States, over nine million women are diagnosed with an STI each year. 

Most of these infections don’t cause symptoms. Left undetected and untreated, however, an STI can damage your health and develop into a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that does cause symptoms and undermines your well-being. 

April is STI Awareness Month. For our women’s wellness team at Panhandle Obstetrics and Gynecology in Amarillo, Texas, it’s an ideal time to explain the importance of routine STI and STD screenings for all sexually active women, and offer simplified guidance on what that may mean for you. 

A short tutorial on STIs and STDs

Over 30 different bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can be contracted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and in some cases, heavy petting. 

Just eight common pathogens are responsible for most sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These four STIs, which are caused by bacteria or parasites, are currently curable with antibiotic or antiparasitic treatment: 

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis 

These four, which are caused by viruses, are incurable but manageable with treatment: 

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Hepatitis B and C
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

An STI becomes a sexually transmitted disease (STD) when it causes symptoms (e.g., sores), physical damage, or functional changes within your body. Some sexual infections never turn into a symptomatic disease but can still be transmitted to others. 

How STIs and STDs affect women 

All sexually active people are at risk of contracting STIs, but women have a higher risk of contracting an infection and suffering adverse health effects, compared to men. 

The vaginal canal has thinner mucus membranes and fragile tissue that’s more susceptible to tiny tears (microlesions) during intercourse, making viral or bacterial transmission easier. This also makes women more vulnerable to contracting HIV, compared to men. 

Once a woman is infected with a common bacterial pathogen like chlamydia or gonorrhea, she’s less likely to have symptoms early on. Unfortunately, delayed STI treatment can readily increase your risk of:

• Internal damage and scarring
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• An increased risk of infertility
• A dangerous ectopic pregnancy

HPV, the most common STI, is the primary cause of cervical cancer (and is also linked to oral, vaginal, and anal cancer). Some STIs can also be passed from mother to baby through pregnancy (in utero), childbirth, or breastfeeding. 

STI and STD screening guidance 

Because many STIs don’t cause symptoms early on, testing is a critical part of women’s sexual wellness. Screening recommendations are based on your age and key risk factors:

Universal HIV screening

All sexually active girls and women aged 13-64 should be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime, even if they have a relatively low risk of getting HIV (e.g., having only one partner, always using protection). 

Annual screenings

Sexually active women younger than 25 years of age should be tested annually for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Women 25 or older should continue annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screenings if they have unprotected sex, new and/or multiple partners, or a partner with an STI. 

Increased risk screenings 

Having new sexual partners, multiple partners, or a partner who has sex with other partners greatly increases your chances of contracting an STI. Also, having unprotected sex — whether it’s because you find it hard to negotiate condom use or your partner simply refuses — is another major STI risk factor. 

If you have an increased risk of contracting an STI, your gynecologist may recommend a full-panel screening to check for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, herpes, hepatitis B and C, HPV, and HIV every 3-6 months. 

Pregnancy screenings

At the first prenatal visit, pregnant women are typically screened for infections such as syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, with additional testing for infections like chlamydia based on age or risk factors.

Pregnant women younger than 25, as well as those older than 25 and at an increased STI risk, should additionally be screened for gonorrhea early on. 

During the third trimester, all pregnant women should have repeat testing for syphilis and HIV. High-risk individuals should also have repeat screenings for gonorrhea and chlamydia. 

Beyond routine testing

We recommend scheduling an individually tailored STI/STD screening before you begin a new sexual relationship, if your partner has been diagnosed with an STI, or when you’re having possible STI symptoms. 

Abnormal vaginal discharge, genital sores or itching, and pelvic pain during urination or sex are warning signs that strongly indicate a need for STI testing. 

Schedule your screening today

STI/STD testing is simple: We can get a complete snapshot of your sexual health with a urine sample (gonorrhea and chlamydia), blood sample (HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis), cotton swab test (HPV and herpes), and a visual exam to check for sores. 

Do you need a screening? Call 806-359-5468 to schedule an appointment at Panhandle Obstetrics and Gynecology today.