“Once you’ve reached menopause,
just because you can’t get pregnant doesn’t mean
you can’t contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI)”.1
Umbrella
What may the Sexually Transmitted Infections Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Sexually Transmissible Infections
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Venereal Diseases (VD)
Terminology
Are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
In Sexually Transmitted Infections the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov explain:
“Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are also called sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs”.2
Sexually Transmitted Infections
What are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
DotS the definition of STIs may vary. The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition is:
“An STI is an infection spread from one person to another during unprotected sex”.3
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
DotS the definition of STDs may vary. The (United States) MedlinePlus’ definition is:
“Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact”.4
How Many
How many STIs are there?
In Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Overview the World Health Organization (WHO) elaborate on:
“More than 30 different bacteria, viruses and parasites are known to be transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Some STIs can also be transmitted from mother-to-child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. Eight pathogens are linked to the greatest incidence of STIs. Of these, 4 are currently curable: syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. The other 4 are incurable viral infections: hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV)”.5
Cause
What can cause STIs?
In Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Symptoms & Causes – Causes the (United States) Mayo Clinic note:
- Bacteria. Gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia are examples of STIs that are caused by bacteria
- Parasites. Trichomoniasis is an STD caused by a parasite
- Viruses. STDs caused by viruses include human papillomavirus (HPV), the herpes simplex virus, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS”.6
Human Papillomavirus Virus
What is the human papillomavirus (HPV)?
In Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Genital HPV Infection – Basic Fact Sheet: What Is HPV? the (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explain:
“HPV is the most common STI. There were about 43 million HPV infections in 2018, many among people in their late teens and early 20s. There are many different types of HPV. Some types can cause health problems, including genital warts and cancers. But there are vaccines that can stop these health problems from happening. HPV is a different virus than HIV and HSV (herpes)”.7
In Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Key Facts the WHO note:

- “Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with over 311 000 cervical cancer deaths each year”.8
HPV and Cervical Cancer
Can HPV cause cervical cancer and other cancers?
In Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Genital HPV Infection – Basic Fact Sheet: Does HPV Cause Cancer? the CDC explain:
“HPV can cause cervical and other cancers, including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus. It can also cause cancer in the back of the throat (called oropharyngeal cancer). This can include the base of the tongue and tonsils”.9
Common or Not
How common are STIs?
In Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Key Facts the WHO note:
- “More than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide, the majority of which are asymptomatic”.10
Risk
Who can catch an STI?
In Safer Sex & STIs: Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) – STIs Don’t Discriminate the JH explain:
You cannot tell if a sexual partner has an STI. A strong and healthy person may still be infected. Some people may not even know they are infected. You risk getting an STI from any partner who has had, or is having, unsafe sex with another person”.11
Oral Sex
Is oral sex the answer to avoiding STIs?
The JH note:
“Oral sex is not the answer to avoiding STIs as herpes, gonorrhoea and chlamydia can all be transmitted through unprotected oral sex”.12
Menopause
Once women have reached menopause can they still contract a STI?
In Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Reminders and Resources – Safe Sex Rules Still Apply the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) elaborate on:
“Once you’ve reached menopause, just because you can’t get pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI)”.13
In Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Reminders and Resources – Safe Sex Rules Still Apply the NAMS also note:
“Women with severe vaginal atrophy who are sexually active may be at increased risk for STIs since their dry, thin vaginal tissue is susceptible to small tears where infection can begin”.14
Safer Sex
What is safer sex?
DotS the definition of safer sex may vary. In Safer Sex & STIs: What Is Safer Sex? the JH’s definition is:
- Vaginal sex
- Anal sex
- Oral sex
- Oral anal contact
- Fingers or objects in the vagina or anus (if they have these fluids on them)”.15
Condom
Is a condom the only form of birth control which provides some protection against STIs?
Yes. In Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Contraception – You May Need It Longer Than You May Think: Many Choices for the Midlife Woman the NAMS remind us:
“Remember that only one form of birth control—condom use—provides some protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections”.16
Female Condom
What is a female condom?
DotS the definition of a female condom may vary. In Contraception: Coitally-Dependent Barrier Methods — (c) Female Condom the Australasian Menopause Society explain:
“The female condom is a polyurethane sheath inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse. It is less commonly used than other forms of contraception. They are more expensive than male condoms and have a slightly higher failure rate. They can be purchased online at family planning clinics and also at some pharmacies”.17
In Your Contraceptive Guide: Female Condoms the (United Kingdom) NHS also explain what female condoms are.
Testing
Where may STIs testing be available?
DotC (Depending on the Country) STIs testing may be available from your health care provider or your country’s equivalent of a:
- Family Planning Center/Clinic
- Genitourinary Medicine Center/Clinic
- Sexual Health Center/Clinic
- Women’s Community Health Center/Clinic
- Women’s Contraceptive Center/Clinic
- Women’s Health Center/Clinic
Pap Test
Does a Pap test screen for STIs?
In Sexually Transmitted Infections: Does A Pap Test Screen for STIs? Womenshealth.gov explain:
If you want to be tested for STIs, you must ask your doctor or nurse”.18
HIV
Is there an association between the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and STIs?
In HIV/AIDS & STDs: STDs and HIV – CDC Fact Sheet: Why Does Having An STD Put Me More At Risk for Getting HIV? the CDC note:
“If you get an STD, you are more likely to get HIV than someone who is STD-free. This is because the same behaviors and circumstances that may put you at risk for getting an STD also can put you at greater risk for getting HIV. In addition, having a sore or break in the skin from an STD may allow HIV to more easily enter your body. If you are sexually active, get tested for STDs and HIV regularly, even if you don’t have symptoms”.19
Health Care Provider
What if I would like help with safer sex and/or female condoms?
If you would like help with safer sex and/or female condoms it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.
The Mayo Clinic also encourage us to talk to our health care provider explaining:
“Your health has a big impact on your sex life and vice versa. Don’t be embarrassed about discussing sex with your doctor. Your doctor can be a reliable source of information on sexual health. He or she can help you manage chronic conditions and medications that affect your sex life. Your doctor can help you understand how sexual activity may change throughout your life”.20
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Sexually Transmitted Infections?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Sexually Transmitted Infections?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.New or Updated
- Mayo Clinic Minute: ABCs of Hepatitis [27 July 2023] [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Reducing the Risks of Sexually Transmitted Infections [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- WHO Releases New Guidance To Improve Testing and Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Infections [24 July 2023]
- A Rare Infection Makes A Comeback
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
- Cervical Cancer Prevention Week [22 – 28 Jan 2024, United Kingdom]
- Cervical Health Awareness Month [January, United States]
- Chlamydia
- Chlamydia
- Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis
- Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Science Conversation: Science In 5: Episode #96 – Mpox Update
- Female Condom
- Fiveactionsteps.org [Five Action Steps To Good Sexual Health [United States]
- Four Curable Sexually Transmitted Infections – All You Need To Know
- Genital Herpes
- Genital Herpes
- Genital Herpes
- Genital Warts
- Genital Warts
- Get Tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
- Get Tested for HIV
- Get Tested: National HIV, STD and Hepatitis Testing – Frequently Asked Questions
- Gonorrhea
- Gonorrhea
- HIV and AIDS
- HIV and Other STDs
- HIV/AIDS
- HIV/AIDS & STDs
- HIV/AIDS & STDs: STDs and HIV – CDC Basic Fact Sheet
- HPV
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine
- HPV Facts for Women
- HPV Infection May Cause Throat, Mouth Cancer
- HPV and Cancer
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Herpes Simplex
- How Soon Do STI Symptoms Appear?
- How To Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- How To Tell Someone That You Have an STD or STI
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination
- Improving Lives by Detecting Sexually Transmitted Infections Early
- Infectious Diseases A–Z: Sexually Transmitted Infections At A Record High [+ Video]
- Infectious Diseases A–Z: Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine and Why? [+ Video]
- International HPV Awareness Day 04 March 2023
- Mayo Clinic Minute: ABCs of Hepatitis [+ Video]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Reducing the Risks of Sexually Transmitted Infections [+ Video
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Why You Should Come Out As LGBTQ To Your Health Care Team [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic]
- Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: The Importance of HIV Testing [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic]
- Monkeypox
- More Than 1 Million New Curable Sexually Transmitted Infections Every Day
- Mpox
- Mpox (Monkeypox)
- Mpox (Monkeypox) Outbreak 2022
- National HIV Testing Day – 27 June [United States]
- Oral Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- STD Testing: Conversation Starters
- STD Tests
- STDs A To Z
- STI Awareness Week [April 9-15, 2023 United States]
- STIs
- STIs on the Rise In Older Women
- Safer Sex & STIs
- Sex Activities and Risk
- Sex During Vaginal Infection: Is It Harmful?
- Sexual Health
- Sexual Health for Lesbian and Bisexual Women
- Sexual Healthcare In Your-20s and Beyond
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): CDC Fact Sheets
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Diagnosis & Treatment
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Diseases & Related Conditions
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): How Do Health Care Providers Diagnose Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): How You Can Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): STD Risk and Oral Sex – CDC Fact Sheet
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Symptoms & Causes
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Other STDs
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Sexually Transmitted Infections, All You Need To Know – Podcast
- Sexwise.org.uk
- Syphilis
- Syphilis
- Syphilis: A Rising Community Presence
- Treat Me Right
- Trichomoniasis
- Trichomoniasis
- Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
- Video Series-2023
- WHO Releases New Guidance To Improve Testing and Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Webinars: Previous – Pay Attention on Your Way In! The Vulva Is An Important Organ Too
- World Hepatitis Day 2023
- World Hepatitis Day – 28 July
- Your Contraception Guide: Condoms
- Your Contraception Guide: Female Condoms
- Your Safer Sex Toolbox
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Reminders and Resources – Safe Sex Rules Still Apply. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/reminders-and-resources/safe-sex-rules-still-apply Accessed: 19 November 2023
- Sexually Transmitted Infections. Page Last Updated: 29 December 2022. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/sexually-transmitted-infections Accessed: 19 November 2023
- Safer Sex & STIs: Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs). Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Revised: 02 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/safer-sex-stis/ Accessed: 19 November 2023
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Summary – What Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)? Last Updated: 17 February 2023. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sexuallytransmitteddiseases.html Accessed: 19 November 2023
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Overview. 10 July 2023. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis) Accessed: 19 November 2023
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Symptoms & Causes – Causes. 08 September 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240 Accessed: 19 November 2023
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Genital HPV Infection – Basic Fact Sheet: What Is HPV? Page Last Reviewed: 12 April 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm Accessed: 19 November 2023
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Key Facts. 10 July 2023. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis) Accessed: 19 November 2023
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Genital HPV Infection – Basic Fact Sheet: Does HPV Cause Cancer? Page Last Reviewed: 12 April 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm Accessed: 19 November 2023
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Key Facts. 10 July 2023. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis) Accessed: 19 November 2023
- Safer Sex & STIs: Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) – STIs Don’t Discriminate. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed 02 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/safer-sex-stis/ Accessed: 19 November 2023
- Safer Sex & STIs: Safer Sex Practices. Last Updated: 16 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 02 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/safer-sex-stis Accessed: 19 November 2023
- Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Reminders and Resources – Safe Sex Rules Still Apply. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/reminders-and-resources/safe-sex-rules-still-apply Accessed: 19 November 2023
- Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Reminders and Resources – Safe Sex Rules Still Apply. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/reminders-and-resources/safe-sex-rules-still-apply Accessed: 19 November 2023
- Safer Sex & STIs: What Is Safer Sex? Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Revised: 02 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/safer-sex-stis/ Accessed: 19 November 2023
- Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Contraception – You May Need It Longer Than You May Think: Many Choices for the Midlife Woman. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/reminders-and-resources/contraception-you-need-it-longer-than-you-may-think Accessed: 19 November 2023
- Contraception. Coitally-Dependent Barrier Methods — (c) Female Condom. Content Updated: July 2022. Australasian Menopause Society’s https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/280-contraception Accessed: 19 November 2023
- Sexually Transmitted Infections: Does A Pap Test Screen for STIs? Page Last Updated: 29 December 2022. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/sexually-transmitted-infections Accessed: 19 November 2023
- HIV/AIDS & STDs: STDs and HIV – CDC Basic Fact Sheet: Why Does Having An STD Put Me More At Risk for Getting HIV? Page Last Reviewed: 12 April 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/std/hiv/stdfact-std-hiv.htm Accessed: 19 November 2023
- Have Questions About Sex? Ask Your Doctor. 01 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/art-20048805 Accessed: 19 November 2023