Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). And knowing that you have an STD can help you get timely treatment to protect you and your partner(s).
But too many women don’t get tested because they think they’re not at risk.
Our survey found:
- Only about one in four women believe they are at risk
- Almost three in five are “not worried at all” about getting an STI in the next year
2 out of 5 women have not been tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
Tests are important because they help:
- Ensure timely treatment
- Prevent complications
- Protect partners
Most women seek STI testing because of symptoms
3 out of 5 women had at least 1 vaginal symptom:
- pain
- combustion
- Odor
- discharge
- irritation
- inflammation
The most common symptom: vaginal discharge (46%)
Vaginitis – an inflammation of the vagina – occurs when there is a change in the yeast or bacteria in the vagina. It can cause symptoms similar to sexually transmitted diseases and can also be caused by some sexually transmitted diseases.
STI mythbusters:
21% said all sexually transmitted diseases cause symptoms.
- WRONG: Not all sexually transmitted diseases have symptoms.
- Testing is the only way to protect your health and fertility.
You can get tested for sexually transmitted diseases in many different places:
- Health Care Provider’s Office
- Emergency care
- Community Health Clinic
- Planned Parenthood
- Emergency room
- Medical laboratory
- Pharmacy
- Health Department
Almost 7 out of 10 women surveyed would visit a doctor because of vaginitis.
3 in 5 women identify at least one barrier to STI testing
The most important reasons not to get tested
- “I’m embarrassed or ashamed.”
- “I can’t afford the cost.”
It’s important that concerns such as embarrassment or cost don’t stop you from getting tested.
If you get tested, you can get treatment. And the treatment has many benefits:
- Confirm the STIs
- Relief of symptoms
- Prevent serious complications such as PID
- Reduce the risk of infertility
STI treatments
- Oral antibiotics
- vaginal creams
- Antiviral drugs
- lotions
- Surgical procedures
- Laser treatment
Vaginitis Treatments
- Antibiotics
- Oral medications
- Antifungal cream or suppositories
- Estrogen creams, tablets or rings
- Lifestyle changes (wear loose clothing, change detergent, etc.)
Most women surveyed knew nothing about the benefits of vaginitis treatment – particularly younger women (18-44) and women with lower incomes.
Remember: Not all sexually transmitted diseases show symptoms. So if you have sex, get tested.
This educational resource was created with the support of bioMérieux.