Sexually Transmitted Infection

If we say we are ‘liberal’, ‘educated’, and ‘modern’ then what’s stopping us to have a conversation on Feminine Health with our friends?  Why don’t we start talking about it with our friends & partner? 

Most of you must be sexually active or will be soon. So, have you ever given thought to your sexual health? Do you know how impactful Sexually Transmitted infections can be on your health? If left untreated, they can lead to serious health issues like cancer.

Please don’t be afraid. I don’t want to create fear in your mind, but only awareness.

STIs aren’t being talked about enough and are considered to be a ‘taboo topic’, hence not much discussion. 

As a medical professional, I get to see many female young patients suffering from STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections).  Although most of them belong to the lower socio-economic class, even females from an educated & good background lack basic knowledge. Many of them are not aware that they are infected until they consult their doctors. 

Like them, am sure even you may not know what STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) is & how impactful it can be on women’s health. 

Let’s start! 

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)

STI also known as STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) generally spread via vaginal, oral, or anal unprotected sexual contact with someone who is infected with the disease.

It develops when various bacteria, viruses, or parasites are transmitted by sexual contact & infect your body.

STI is a serious condition that needs treatment, they may or may not be life threatening. 

What are the common types of STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) in women?

There are many common STIs in women, but HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection.¹

Other types include:

1.  Genital herpes

2.  Hepatitis B

3.  HIV

4.  Gonorrhea

5.  Syphilis

Why you should worry about HPV?

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infects around 660 million people worldwide² and is the root cause of almost 5% of cancers globally.³

In India, every 5 mins, nearly one individual loses their life due to HPV-related cancers.⁴

Therefore, you should be cautious & alert.

A sexually active person has a high chance of getting an HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection at some point in their life.⁵ I’m talking about 80% high chances. But the bright side is most HPV infections clear out on their own.

However, if the virus remains in the body and is left undiagnosed, there are chances of it developing into genital warts or growth of pre-cancer cells. A large majority of cervical cancer (more than 95%) is due to the human papillomavirus (HPV).⁷

According to the latest health statistics, cervical cancer is the 2nd most common & frequent cancer among Indian women.⁶

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) can cause the growth of abnormal cells to begin in the cervix which exposes them to the risk of contracting cervical cancer.

HPV can cause cancers or diseases:

1.        Cervical cancer

2.        Anal cancer

3.        Vulvar cancer

4.        Vaginal cancer

5.        Genital warts

The women in your family have a high risk of getting infected. 

So, start talking about it and create awareness, so that no one gets to suffer from such ailments. 

What you should know before getting sexually active: HPV infection and Prevention! 

Prevention is better than Cure! 

Hence, I advise everyone to visit a gynaecologist & undergo a check-up at least once a year. 

Early detection can help save your body from these cancerous growths. 

I often visit a gynecologist and follow their advice. I have told my friends to visit their doctor and go for a regular check-up. It can help to reduce the chances of contracting HPV (Human Papillomavirus) & other STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infection). 

Here are a few ways to protect:

1.  HPV Vaccination: The HPV Vaccine. Kindly consult your doctor about the recommended age and right dosage for the vaccination. 

2.  Always practice safe sex- Use condoms and dental dams while having sexual intercourse and oral sex

3.  Regular Pap smears every 3 years after the age of 21 for women. 

No matter how much you trust your partner, you should check yourself and be stress-free. 

Conclusion:

Start talking! Stay Aware! Stay Protected!

Feminine health is our right and if we don’t normalize talking on this topic, then who else will? We don’t want women including ourselves to suffer from such serious infections.

It is very important to create awareness of sexual wellness & educate ourselves and young adults on sexual health & sexually transmitted infections. 

We need to normalize these conversations so we can reduce such infections. 

So next time you meet your friends or have lunch at your office or home, you know what you need to do- Start a conversation!

You can know more about HPV at letsfighthpv.com and also speak to an expert to learn more about HPV and its prevention. 

 

 

*Disclaimer– This article is meant to help create awareness and spread knowledge. One should consult their healthcare provider for any health-related information.

Issued in public interest with MSD India

References:

1. Centers for disease control and prevention https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5912a1.htm 2022   2)  Report of the consultation on human papillomavirus vaccines: World Health Organization, Geneva, April 2005.
2. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/69150/WHO_IVB_05.16.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y Accessed on 14 Oct 2022
3. https://knowmorehpv.com/hpv-prevention.html
4. Bruni L, Albero G, Serrano B, et al. ICO/IARC Information Centre on HPV and Cancer (HPV Information Centre). Human Papillomavirus and Related Diseases in India. Summary Report 22 October 2021.
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV and cancer. Basic information https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic_info/index.htm Accessed on 7 July 2020.  
6.  HPV Information Center, Human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers, Fact Sheet 2021, https://hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/IND_FS.pdf,
7. World Health Organization, Fact Sheet cervical cancer, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer, accessed on 14 Oct 2022