STDs In Women

In recent years STDs in women have become a serious point of interest for organizations worldwide. Recent studies have revealed that women account for 592 out of every 100,000 reported cases of Chlamydia. The focus of prevention of this STD has shifted to women because their rate of infection more than triples that of men, which account for only 219 of every 100,000 reported cases.

In recent years Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Syphilis have been the subjects of the majority of STD testing undergone in the United States. Among these the most common STDs in women are Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Fortunately these are curable STD’s that may only require one prescription for treatment.

There have been reports of Syphilis since the golden ages of the English Monarchy. Many well to do individuals met their demise through the effects of this infection, King Edward VI being one of the most recognizable. However, its spread would claim the lives of countless well known names through the years. Al Capone, a man who could not be stopped by authorities, was finally slowed down on January 25, 1947 by the effects of Syphilis. However, although there is a greater awareness and an increase in testing, Syphilis is not among the common STD’s actively affecting populations today.

STD symptoms in women are not always apparent. Chlamydia is a silent attacker and more often than not goes unnoticed. Ironically it is the most common STD today. There are some symptoms that may appear within one to three weeks after exposure. Women may experience vaginal discharge and a burning sensation during urination. Treating this disease with time is crucial as it may cause infertility, if the infection spreads to the fallopian tubes.

HIV/AIDS is one of the well known sexually transmitted diseases that have no cure. Herpes also make the list of incurable STD’s. On a global scale HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 18-45. The percentages vary according to the region. In Central, Western, and Eastern Europe women do not account for a large percentage of individuals infected with the disease. However, the numbers surge in areas like Africa and the Caribbean. There have been reports that confirm over 12 million women suffering from HIV/AIDS live in Sub-Sahara Africa. To give a better understanding, this is equal to three quarters of all women infected with HIV/AIDS.

STD testing should always include HIV/AIDS. It is a dangerous and very predominant disease overtaking society. Expectant mothers are highly advised to seek testing even if they are in committed relationships or married. In Africa 90% of all women living with HIV/AIDS are married. Unfaithfulness accounts for over 40% of global infections. Expectant mothers run the risk of passing their disease on to their children. It is because of this that they are encouraged to seek testing.  There are prescription drugs that can reduce the mother to child transmittal by 60% to 98%. If taken with time to spare during the pregnancy, the transmittal can be prevented.

STD’s have become a major source for concern in women’s health. Medical professionals educated in treating women such as gynecologists and obstetricians, actively endorse testing. Free pamphlets of information are provided to their patients and visitors. STDs in women is a topic that is deservingly getting much attention these days. Just hope that if you have an STD that it is one of the curable STDs.