Sexually transmitted or communicable diseases are rampant among women. Today, young women as young as 14 years old already engage in sexual activity without fully understanding its consequences. Communicable diseases can cause irritation, discomfort, and even pain. They can be treated depending on severity while there are some that can lead to more serious ailments like AIDS.
Communicable diseases affect millions of women around the world. They are transmitted through oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Women with multiple sex partners are more prone to communicable diseases compared to those who stick to only one partner.
Further, one can easily acquire this disease by having intercourse with an affected partner. Those who don’t practice safe sex by using contraceptives like condoms are also easy prey to sexually transmitted diseases.
At present, there are approximately 25 communicable diseases common among women. Though they may vary in symptoms and treatments, they’re all equally hazardous to your health. Below are the top 5 most common communicable diseases among women:
1. Bacterial Vaginosis
The vagina contains healthy bacteria. However, hormonal changes, acidity, and the presence of semen can create imbalance in normal bacteria causing the vagina to secrete fluids with very unpleasant smell. Though it is not transmitted sexually, it can infect the fallopian tubes and uterus when not treated right away. Treatment involves taking antibiotics and applying vaginal cream.
2. Pubic Lice
Crabs or pubic lice are parasites resembling crabs. They cling to pubic hair and feed on blood. They are transmitted during sexual intercourse. Communicable diseases like pubic lice can also come from sharing beddings, towels, and even clothes with an infected person. Treatment is easy as you’re only required to use a special shampoo or cream to get rid of lice and their eggs.
3. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a very common sexually transmitted disease that affects the urethra, anus, throat, cervix, and rectum. It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for symptoms to appear. Patients experience having unusual discharge in the anus and vagina and burning sensation during urination. Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat gonorrhea and strictly advice avoiding sexual contact with another person.
4. Candidiasis
Candidiasis or thrush is a yeast infection caused by fungus. Aside from being transmitted sexually, it also results from wearing tight clothes that prevent air circulation, allergies, hormonal imbalance, and using spermicides and tampons. It can be relieved by wearing more comfortable clothes and taking antibiotics. Washing the genital area is also highly recommended.
5. Syphilis
This sexually transmitted disease is caused by bacteria known as Treponema pallidium. Unlike with other communicable diseases, it takes up to 3 months for symptoms to occur like having painless ulcers, flu-like symptoms, and the presence of non-itchy skin rashes. Syphilis can also be transmitted from the mother to her baby. If left untreated, it can also infect other organs in the body and cause death.
Communicable diseases prevent women from living normal lives. In order to save yourself from the troubles caused by these life-threatening diseases, consider doing the following:
- Stick to only one sex partner
- Practice safe sex at all times
- Clean your genital areas regularly
- Live a healthy lifestyle
- Consult your doctor when you notice anything unusual
