“Postmenopausal women are especially vulnerable to STIs
because having fragile vulvar tissues
can allow these viruses to enter the body more easily”.1
Umbrella
What may the Sexually Transmitted Infections Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- 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 usually during sex. STIs can be spread through semen, vaginal fluids, anal fluids, blood, skin-to-skin contact and, in some cases, saliva”.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 infections (STIs), or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. They are usually spread during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. But sometimes they can spread through other sexual contact involving the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus. This is because some STIs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skin-to-skin 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 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 Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): About Genital HPV Infection – Overview: What Is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)? the (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explain:
“HPV is the most common STI. There are many different types of HPV. While most do not cause any health problems, some types can cause genital warts and cancers. Vaccines 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, dated 21 May 2024, the WHO note:

- “Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with over 311 000 cervical cancer deaths each year”.8
Common or Not
How common are STIs?
In Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Key Facts, dated 21 May 2024, the WHO note:
- “More than 1 million curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide in people 15–49 years old, the majority of which are asymptomatic”.9
Risk
Who can catch an STI?
In Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): How To Have Safer Sex the JH explain:
It’s important to communicate openly and agree on protection before you have sex”.10
Oral Sex
Does oral sex reduce the risk of getting an STI?
According to the JH:
“Note that oral sex doesn’t reduce the risk of getting an STI. Common STIs such as herpes, gonorrhoea and chlamydia can all be transmitted through unprotected oral sex”.11
Perimenopause and Menopause
During perimenopause and following menopause, is it still possible to acquire STIs?
In Sexual Health: Practice Safe Sex the Menopause Society (formerly the North American Menopause Society) note:

In Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Changes Associated With Menopause the WHO explain:
Safer Sex
What is safer sex?
DotS the definition of safer sex may vary. In Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Safer Sex the JH’s definition includes:
Communication is an important part of safer sex. Whether you’re in a long-term relationship or an open relationship with multiple partners, it’s important to talk about consent, contraception and sexual preferences before you have sex. This is also a good time talk about things like boundaries and STIs”.14
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”.15
In Internal 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”.16
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.
In Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): What To Do If You Have An STI the JH also explains:
It’s also important to tell anyone you’ve recently had sexual contact with so they can be tested and treated too.
If you find this hard, the following websites have tips on how to tell your partner and ways you can send an SMS or text without them knowing it’s from you:
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
- Menopause Increases Your Risk of STIs Due To How Aging Changes Your Body [01 August 2024]
- Q&A: ‘False Sense of Safety’ Contributes To Rise In STDs After Menopause [10 May 2024]
- STI Awareness Week [13-19 April 2025, United States]
- STI Awareness Week [13-19 April 2025, United States]
- STIs & How to Prevent Them [07 April 2025]
- Science In 5: Episode #130 – Syphilis : Protect Yourself and Others [05 December 2024]
- Are STIs and STDs the Same Thing?
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
- Chlamydia
- Chlamydia
- Condoms
- Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Science Conversation: Science In 5: Episode #96 – Mpox Update
- FAQs: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis
- FAQs: Genital Herpes
- FAQs: How To Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- FAQs: Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Infection and Vaccination
- Genital Herpes
- Genital Herpes
- Genital Warts
- Get Tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
- Get Tested for HIV
- Get Tested: National HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis Testing and Vaccines Near You
- Gonorrhea
- Gonorrhea
- HIV
- HIV and AIDS
- HIV and Other STDs
- HPV
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) [Vaccine]
- HPV Facts for Women
HPV Infection May Cause Throat, Mouth Cancer
- HPV and Cancer
- Health Checks for Women
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- HIV
- HIV: Preventing HIV
- HPV Facts for Women
- How To Tell Someone That You Have an STD or STI
- How To Use A Condom
- How To Use An Internal Condom
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): About HPV
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Cancers Caused By HPV
- Improving Lives by Detecting Sexually Transmitted Infections Early
- Internal (Female) Condoms
- International HPV Awareness Day [04 March]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: ABCs of Hepatitis [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Reducing the Risks of Sexually Transmitted Infections [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Syphilis Surge Is Cause for Concern [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: The Link Between HPV and Throat Cancer [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: What Is Hepatitis C? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Why You Should Come Out As LGBTQ To Your Health Care Team [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic]
- Menopause Increases Your Risk of STIs Due To How Aging Changes Your Body
- Mpox
- Mpox
- Mpox
- Mycoplasma Genitalium (Mgen)
- National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2025 [10 March]
- National Women’s Health Week [12-18 May 2024, United States]: Day 2 – May 13: Safe Sexual Health
- New Report Flags Major Increase In Sexually Transmitted Infections, Amidst Challenges In HIV and Hepatitis
- Patient Information Leaflets
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Rising Rates of Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis With Laura H. Bachmann, MD, MPH, FIDSA, FACP
- STI Testing: Conversation Starters
- STI Awareness Week [13-19 April 2025, United States]
- STI Testing: Conversation Starters
- STI Tests
- STIs A To Z
- STIs & How to Prevent Them
- Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Science In 5: Episode #124 – Mpox: What You Need To Know
- Science In 5: Episode #130 – Syphilis : Protect Yourself and Others
- Sex Activities and Risk
- Sex During Vaginal Infection: Is It Harmful?
- Sex and Sexuality
- Sexual Health
- Sexual Health for Lesbian and Bisexual Women
- Sexual Healthcare In Your-20s and Beyond
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Symptoms & Causes
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): About Genital HPV Infection
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): About STI Risk and Oral Sex
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): STI or STD?
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Types
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Fact Sheets
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Getting Tested for STIs
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): How To Prevent STIs
- Sexually Transmitted Infections, All You Need To Know – Podcast
- Syphilis
- Syphilis
- Syphilis
- Syphilis: A Rising Community Presence
- Trichomoniasis
- Trichomoniasis
- Trichomoniasis
- WHO Releases New Guidance To Improve Testing and Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Infections
- What Is HPV?
- World Hepatitis Day 2024 [28 July]
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Sexual Health: Practice Safe Sex. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/sexual-health Accessed: 13 April 2025
- Sexually Transmitted Infections. Page Last Updated: 23 December 2024. 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: 13 April 2025
- Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs). Last Updated: 28 February 2025 | Last Revised: 12 December 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/safer-sex-stis/ Accessed: 13 April 2025
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Summary – What Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)? Last Updated: 26 June 2024. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sexuallytransmitteddiseases.html Accessed: 13 April 2025
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Overview. 21 May 2024. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis) Accessed: 13 April 2025
- 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: 13 April 2025
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): About Genital HPV Infection – Overview: What Is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)? 31 January 2025. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/about-genital-hpv-infection.html Accessed: 13 April 2025
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Key Facts. 21 May 2024. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis) Accessed: 13 April 2025
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Key Facts. 21 May 2024. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis) Accessed: 13 April 2025
- Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): How to Have Safer Sex. Last Updated: 28 February 2025 | Last Reviewed: 12 December 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/safer-sex-stis/ Accessed: 13 April 2025
- Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): How To Have Safer Sex. Last Updated: 28 February 2025 | Last Reviewed: 12 December 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/safer-sex-stis Accessed: 13 April 2025
- Sexual Health: Practice Safe Sex. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/sexual-health Accessed: 13 April 2025
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Changes Associated With Menopause. 21 May 2024. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis) Accessed: 13 April 2025
- Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Safer Sex. Last Updated: 28 February 2025 | Last Revised: 12 December 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/safer-sex-stis/ Accessed: 13 April 2025
- 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: 13 April 2025
- Sexually Transmitted Infections: Does A Pap Test Screen for STIs? Page Last Updated: 23 December 2024. 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: 13 April 2025
- Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): What To Do If You Have An STI. Last Updated: 28 February 2025 | Last Reviewed: 12 December 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/sex-sexual-health/safer-sex-stis/ Accessed: 13 April 2025