“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:

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:

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:

Risk

Who can catch an STI?

In Safer Sex & STIs: Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) – STIs Don’t Discriminate the JH explain:

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:

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:

Pap Test

Does a Pap test screen for STIs?

In Sexually Transmitted Infections: Does A Pap Test Screen for STIs? Womenshealth.gov explain:

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

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Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at: