Sexually Transmitted Infections

“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:

“Sexually transmitted infections can be caused by:

  • 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:

“Practising safer sex can reduce your risk of getting an STI. Anyone can catch an STI. You can’t tell if a sexual partner has an STI. A strong and healthy person may still be infected. Some people may not even know they have an STI.

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:


“Sexuality doesn’t—and shouldn’t—end with menopause. Still, even with advancing age, safe sex is critical. After menopause and without the risk of pregnancy, it’s easy to let protected sex slide. But anyone who is not in a long-term, monogamous relationship and has unprotected sex is at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You need to be aware of the many infections you can get and take the necessary precautions. Postmenopausal women are especially vulnerable to STIs because having fragile vulvar tissues can allow these viruses to enter the body more easily”.12

In Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Changes Associated With Menopause the WHO explain:

“During perimenopause and following menopause, it is still possible to acquire sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, through unprotected sexual contact, including oral, anal and vaginal sex. The thinning of the vaginal wall after menopause increases the chances of lesions and tears, thereby increasing the risk of HIV transmission during vaginal sex”.13

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:

“Safer sex is not just about protection from unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It’s also about making sure everyone involved feels safe and respected.

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:

“No. Pap testing is mainly used to look for cell changes that could be cancer or precancer. However, your doctor may test you for HPV in addition to doing the Pap test if you are older than 30.

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:

“If you are diagnosed with an STI, it’s important to follow the treatment recommended by your doctor. Take the full course of medicines even if you start to feel better and symptoms disappear.

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:

Health Topics A-Z

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

  1. Are STIs and STDs the Same Thing?
  2. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
  3. Chlamydia
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  5. Condoms
  6. Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Science Conversation: Science In 5: Episode #96 – Mpox Update
  7. FAQs: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis
  8. FAQs: Genital Herpes
  9. FAQs: How To Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  10. FAQs: Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Infection and Vaccination
  11. Genital Herpes
  12. Genital Herpes
  13. Genital Warts
  14. Get Tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
  15. Get Tested for HIV
  16. Get Tested: National HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis Testing and Vaccines Near You
  17. Gonorrhea
  18. Gonorrhea
  19. HIV
  20. HIV and AIDS
  21. HIV and Other STDs
  22. HPV
  23. HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
  24. HPV (Human Papillomavirus) [Vaccine]
  25. HPV Facts for WomenSexually Transmitted Infections
  26. Sexually Transmitted InfectionsHPV Infection May Cause Throat, Mouth Cancer
  27. HPV and Cancer
  28. Health Checks for Women
  29. Hepatitis B
  30. Hepatitis C
  31. HIV
  32. HIV: Preventing HIV
  33. HPV Facts for Women
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  34. How To Tell Someone That You Have an STD or STI
  35. How To Use A Condom
  36. How To Use An Internal Condom
    Sexually Transmitted Infections
  37. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  38. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  39. Human Papillomavirus (HPV): About HPV
  40. Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Cancers Caused By HPV
  41. Improving Lives by Detecting Sexually Transmitted Infections Early
  42. Internal (Female) Condoms
  43. International HPV Awareness Day [04 March]Sexually Transmitted Infections
  44. Mayo Clinic Minute: ABCs of Hepatitis [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  45. Mayo Clinic Minute: Reducing the Risks of Sexually Transmitted Infections [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  46. Mayo Clinic Minute: Syphilis Surge Is Cause for Concern [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  47. Mayo Clinic Minute: The Link Between HPV and Throat Cancer [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic]
  48. Mayo Clinic Minute: What Is Hepatitis C? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic]
  49. Mayo Clinic Minute: Why You Should Come Out As LGBTQ To Your Health Care Team [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic]
  50. Menopause Increases Your Risk of STIs Due To How Aging Changes Your Body
  51. Mpox
  52. Mpox
  53. Mpox
  54. Mycoplasma Genitalium (Mgen)
  55. National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2025 [10 March]
    Sexually Transmitted Infections
  56. National Women’s Health Week [12-18 May 2024, United States]: Day 2 – May 13: Safe Sexual Health
    Sexually Transmitted Infections
  57. New Report Flags Major Increase In Sexually Transmitted Infections, Amidst Challenges In HIV and Hepatitis
  58. Patient Information Leaflets
  59. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
  60. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
  61. Rising Rates of Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis With Laura H. Bachmann, MD, MPH, FIDSA, FACP
  62. STI Testing: Conversation Starters
  63. STI Awareness Week [13-19 April 2025, United States]
    Sexually Transmitted Infections
  64. STI Testing: Conversation Starters
  65. STI Tests
  66. STIs A To Z
  67. STIs & How to Prevent Them
  68. Safer Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  69. Science In 5: Episode #124 – Mpox: What You Need To Know
  70. Science In 5: Episode #130 – Syphilis : Protect Yourself and Others
  71. Sex Activities and Risk
  72. Sex During Vaginal Infection: Is It Harmful?
  73. Sex and Sexuality
  74. Sexual Health
  75. Sexual Health for Lesbian and Bisexual Women
  76. Sexual Healthcare In Your-20s and Beyond
  77. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
  78. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Symptoms & Causes
  79. Sexually Transmitted Infections
  80. Sexually Transmitted Infections
  81. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  82. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  83. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  84. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): About Genital HPV Infection
  85. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): About STI Risk and Oral Sex
  86. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  87. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): STI or STD?
  88. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): About Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Types
  89. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Fact Sheets
  90. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Getting Tested for STIs
  91. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): How To Prevent STIs
  92. Sexually Transmitted Infections, All You Need To Know – Podcast
  93. Syphilis
  94. Syphilis
  95. Syphilis
  96. Syphilis: A Rising Community Presence
  97. Trichomoniasis
  98. Trichomoniasis
  99. Trichomoniasis
  100. WHO Releases New Guidance To Improve Testing and Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Infections
  101. What Is HPV?
  102. World Hepatitis Day 2024 [28 July]
    Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Sexual Health: Practice Safe Sex. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/sexual-health Accessed: 13 April 2025
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. Sexual Health: Practice Safe Sex. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/sexual-health Accessed: 13 April 2025
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
Topic Last Updated: 13 April 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 13 April 2025

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