A study has shown that compared to heterosexual males, heterosexual females are 1.5 times more likely to be infected with HPV; 1.7 times more likely to be infected with chlamydia; 1.8 times more likely to have genital herpes; 2.3 times more likely to be infected with HIV; 2.8 times more likely to have gonorrhea; 4.6 times more likely to have trichomoniasis; heterosexual males are 4.1 times more likely to be infected with syphilis than females; hepatitis B virus infection rates are roughly equal between males and females.
Why are females more likely to be infected with sexually transmitted diseases?
Experts from Hunan Women and Children’s Hospital introduce that this is mainly due to the following reasons:
1. Biological differences in the male and female reproductive tracts
Although sexually transmitted diseases are contagious, due to the inherent differences between males and females. The vaginal mucosa is thinner, more porous, fragile, and moist compared to the skin on the male genitals, making it easier for microorganisms to enter and grow. Females are more passive when it comes to viral infections.
2. Difficult to observe symptoms in the vagina
Since the vagina is an internal organ, it is hard to observe its symptoms with the naked eye. In contrast, males are more likely to notice ulcers and rashes on their genitals. Once symptoms are discovered, males are more likely to seek treatment.
3. Females tend to confuse sexually transmitted diseases with other illnesses
Under normal circumstances, the vagina has normal secretions, and vaginal irritation/itching is usually associated with yeast infections. However, these symptoms are often mistaken for urinary tract infections, leading to the underlying infection being overlooked.
4. Inadequate protection for females in preventing sexually transmitted diseases
Female infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is also common in males, and they can transmit HPV. However, inadequate protection in terms of contraception, sexual health, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases often leads to gaps in diagnosis and treatment between the two.
If females do not seek timely treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, it can lead to ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and even transmit the disease to their babies, causing serious consequences such as brain damage, blindness, low birth weight, stillbirth, and facilitate further HIV infection in the genital tract.
Therefore, protecting the reproductive system health and preventing sexually transmitted diseases in females is a serious and necessary matter.
Sexually transmitted diseases that females are more susceptible to
1. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea, also known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in the urogenital system, is more likely to manifest symptoms in males than in females. Males usually exhibit difficulty urinating, purulent penile discharge, swelling and redness at the urethral opening, fluctuating nodules, superficial necrosis, sinus tracts, etc.
Since the cervix is the primary site of infection in females, most women are asymptomatic after infection. Some may experience difficulty urinating, painful intercourse, vaginal discharge with blood, and intercourse-induced vaginal bleeding. In rare cases, 1-2 mm pustules, fluctuating nodules with tenderness, or small ulcers may appear.
If left untreated, it can lead to severe consequences such as pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic lower abdominal pain, fallopian tube obstruction, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.
2. Trichomoniasis
When women are infected with Trichomonas vaginalis, only 10% of cases exhibit purulent, thin, malodorous vaginal discharge, along with burning sensation, itching, dysuria, frequency of urination, lower abdominal pain, or dyspareunia. Chronic infections have milder symptoms, including itching, dyspareunia, and scanty abnormal vaginal discharge. Such symptoms are easily confused with vaginitis.
Moreover, the asymptomatic infection rate ranges from 66% to 85%, and asymptomatic carriers can sustain for at least three months. In comparison, about 1/4 of men may develop urethral inflammation symptoms after infection, showing clear or mucopurulent urethral discharge, dysuria, and mild penile itching or burning sensation after intercourse. However, male symptoms are usually transient and automatically subside after approximately 10 days.
3. HPV
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is exclusive to humans, and there are over 200 known HPV genotypes. High-risk HPV infections are associated with malignant diseases such as cervical cancer, anal cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer, while low-risk HPV infections primarily cause conditions like genital warts. Malignant diseases such as cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and anal cancers tend to develop many years after initial infection and require gynecological examinations to detect. It is recommended that females undergo regular gynecological screenings to avoid missing atypical symptoms.
4. Chlamydia infection
The most common site of infection in females is the cervix, with most cases being asymptomatic. However, cervical infections can spread to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease and sequelae such as infertility and chronic pain. Some women with cervical infections may develop urethral chlamydia infection, resulting in symptoms like urinary frequency and dysuria, which are often misdiagnosed as cystitis.
How should females protect themselves and maintain healthy relationships
1. Vaccination
It is advisable to complete HPV vaccination before initiating sexual activity, and even if one has engaged in sexual activity or been infected with HPV, vaccination is still encouraged. The vaccine can cover subtypes not previously infected, serving as a preventative measure. Additionally, since hepatitis B can also be transmitted through sexual contact, hepatitis B vaccination is also essential.
2. Maintain personal hygiene and stick to one partner
Both males and females should ensure personal hygiene, as many sexually transmitted diseases result from personal lifestyle choices such as promiscuity, infidelity, or engaging in risky behaviors like multiple partners or prostitution.
3. Undergo STD checks before engaging in sexual activity
Even if someone appears asymptomatic, it is advisable to undergo testing before engaging in sexual activity, as many sexually transmitted diseases have latency periods where symptoms may not be visible, although the person is a carrier of the virus and can potentially infect their partner through intimate contact. Therefore, it is safest to rely on hospital testing to determine whether one has a sexually transmitted disease.
It is recommended to undergo these tests before engaging in intimate activities!
1. HIV antibody testing
Testing for HIV antibodies is crucial to check for HIV infection, as it is the most critical test among all infectious diseases. It is essential to get tested, as contracting HIV is a serious matter with severe consequences unless prompt action is taken.
2. Syphilis antibody
Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted viral infection that is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. The disease is noticeable in its early stages, making detection and treatment relatively straightforward.
3. Genital warts
Genital warts are one of the common sexually transmitted diseases. In the early stages, genital warts appear as papules, later causing foul-smelling secretions. Once infected, even if treated, genital warts can recur like a time bomb. Therefore, it is essential to understand prevention before it happens.
4. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is another common sexually transmitted disease, with an incubation period of 3-5 days. After the incubation period, symptoms become more apparent. The frightening aspect of gonorrhea is its infectiousness even during the incubation period!
5. Genital herpes
The transmission route for genital herpes is solely through sexual contact. The early symptoms are very noticeable, with distinct blistering on the genitals. However, for precaution’s sake, it is still important to undergo testing.
These mentioned tests can identify relevant viruses in the body, potentially including dormant viruses!
Hunan Medical Consultation Special Author: Hunan Women and Children’s Hospital, Wang Zhen
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(Editor: Wx)
