STDs Impact Women Differently From Men
Of course, STDs are no fun for anyone - male or female. However, if you happen to be female and...
Of course, STDs are no fun for anyone - male or female. However, if you happen to be female and your goal is to have children, or more children at some point, then be aware that a clean bill of health, a bill free from STDs will help you reach that goal. In fact, STDs are such a big deal when it comes to womens' health, that the CDC has just released a new brochure (pdf) about it, and it's a must read. In this brochure, the CDC covers all the reasons why women, in particular need to practice safe sex at all times, even when pregnant. STDs are a real threat. For example, the CDC points out the following unique risks:
- A woman’s anatomy can place her at a unique risk for STD infection, because the lining of the vagina is thinner and more delicate than the skin on a penis, so it’s easier for bacteria and viruses to penetrate
- STDs can lead to serious health complications and affect a woman’s future reproductive plans. For example, untreated STDs can result in infertility and ectopic pregnancy
- Women who are pregnant can pass STDs, such as genital herpes, syphilis and HIV to their babies. and STDs can trigger early labor. The harmful effects of STDs in babies may include stillbirth, low birth weight, brain damage, blindness and deafness.
