Men and women are not created equally when it comes to the anatomy of the body especially the reproductive systems. The obvious differences are that men have a penis and scrotum while women have a vagina and a uterus. Women also have ovaries, fallopian tubes, and a shorter urethra. These and other anatomical differences make women more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections.
Women are at an increased risk for STDs because of their anatomy. Bacteria and viruses can travel up the vagina into the urethra and other organs much easily causing various STD symptomatology ranging from itching, burning, sores, to full blown pelvic inflammatory infections. As women age, there are changes in the cervix and the cervical mucus, which can also make women more susceptible to contracting a STD. An astonishing fact about STDs in women is that millions of women have STDs and display NO SYMPTOMS at all, which means that they may not even know they have a STD. and not knowing can lead to bigger problems overtime including infertility. Minority women especially African Americans and Latinas are the highest risk for contracting a STD.
- They should ALWAYS use protection even if they are not planning to have kids anymore or even post-menopause
- Get tested for STDs at least once a year (more often if they have multiple partners)
- Educate themselves about various STDs
- Examine their bodies for sores, itchiness, redness, abnormal discharge, or any other changes
- Have their partner tested for STDs before engaging in sexual activities
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