What Women in Their Reproductive Years Should Know About STIs

Understanding STIs and Why They Matter

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites — and they're more common than many people realize. While sexual contact is the most common route of transmission, STIs can also be spread through childbirth, blood transfusions, or shared needles. Some pathogens can even linger on shared surfaces or objects.

Because of the structure and sensitivity of the female reproductive system, women particularly those in their reproductive years are more vulnerable to both infection and complications if STIs are left untreated.

Signs and Symptoms of STIs

One of the most challenging things about STIs is that many show no early symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may be mistaken for other conditions or dismissed as minor. Symptoms, when present, can include:

• Sores or blisters near the genitals, anus, or mouth
• Unusual vaginal discharge or odor
• Pain or burning during urination
• Painful sex
• Lower abdominal discomfort or cramping
• Fever, rashes, or swollen lymph nodes

But here's the critical part: even if you don't have symptoms, you can still carry and transmit an STI. That's why regular testing is so important.

Types of STIs Women Should Know About

There are several types of STIs that can affect women, each caused by a different type of microorganism:

• Bacterial STIs: Includes chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, mycoplasma, gardnerella, and ureaplasma. These can often be cured with antibiotics when detected early.
• Viral STIs: Includes herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, which are lifelong but manageable.
• Fungal STIs: Like candida infections, which may occur alongside other infections.
• Parasitic STIs: Such as trichomoniasis, which is common and often silent in women.

Why Untreated STIs Are Especially Risky for Women

If left untreated, STIs can lead to serious — and sometimes irreversible — health consequences. For women, these may include:

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Infertility
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Miscarriage or stillbirth
• Preterm birth and low birth weight
• Chronic pelvic pain

Some STIs, such as chlamydia and trichomoniasis, are known to increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. Others, like herpes or syphilis, can be passed to a baby during delivery, leading to lifelong health issues or even neonatal death.

STIs That Can Affect Newborns

Certain infections can be transmitted to babies during childbirth or in utero. These may result in:

• Eye infections (e.g., from gonorrhea or chlamydia)
• Pneumonia
• Brain or neurological damage (e.g., from congenital syphilis or herpes)
• Low birth weight or early delivery
• Oral infections or respiratory failure

This is why prenatal STI screening is a crucial part of maternal health care.

The Importance of Routine STI Testing

A common misconception is: "If I feel fine, I must be fine." But many STIs — including chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, and trichomoniasis — are asymptomatic in up to 70–90% of cases.

Routine testing allows you to catch and treat infections before they cause complications or get passed on to a partner or baby.

When and How Often Should You Get Tested?

• All sexually active women should include STI testing in their health routine.
• Women under 25 should be tested annually for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• Pregnant women should be screened early in pregnancy and possibly again before delivery.
• Those with multiple or new partners may need testing every 3 to 6 months.
• If your partner has tested positive, get tested even if you feel fine.

Testing doesn't need to be complicated. With at-home options like AllrangeKit™, it's easier than ever to stay informed and in control of your health.

Take Charge of Your Sexual Health

Knowledge is power and regular STI screening is a key part of protecting your reproductive health. If you're in your reproductive years, planning a pregnancy, or navigating new relationships, making STI testing part of your routine is one of the best decisions you can make.

AllrangeKit™ makes it easy to get tested from the comfort and privacy of your home with accurate, discreet results you can trust.

Go Beyond. Get Clarity. Live Well.

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Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• About STIs
• STI Testing
• STIs and Pregnancy
• STD Treatment Guidelines
• About PID

Mayo Clinic:

• STD Symptoms and Causes
• STD Diagnosis and Treatment