How Women & Men Respond Differently When Infected With STD

While anybody can contract an STD, the impact differs between individuals, let alone genders. Their incidence rate, signs, and symptoms can be different for men and women. Furthermore, the differences in a country’s socioeconomic situation, age groups, and anatomy all factor in the transmission of STDs.

According to research, it is found that women are more susceptible to STDs as compared to men. In fact, UNICEF’s latest report suggests that HIV affects teen girls the most.

Without further ado, let us dive into how women and men respond differently to an STD infection.

The anatomy of women increases their risk of STD

There are several biological factors that affect women’s risk of contracting STDs.

– The environment of the vagina, which is warm and moist, stimulates the growth of causative bacteria.

– A man’s ejaculation is typically more than what a woman will secrete during intercourse. This discrepancy explains why men are at a lower risk of STD infection despite engaging in similar sexual activities.

– The surface of the female’s reproductive region is significantly larger than the male’s reproductive region, making it more susceptible to viruses and bacteria during intercourse.

– The vulva’s membrane lining is more sensitive and thinner as compared to the skin around the penis. Hence, common STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea are contracted more easily.

Symptoms are usually more apparent in men

Despite the fact that women are generally more detailed when it comes to self-care and hygiene, STD symptoms are usually more apparent in men. STD symptoms in women can easily be confused with something else.

For example, vaginal discharge is common among women but not the case for penile discharge. Hence, a burning or itching sensation in the vagina can easily be mistaken for a yeast infection. In comparison, men do not usually discharge anything except for pre-ejaculation and ejaculation.

Common STDs may often not display any symptoms in women

This is particularly true for common STDs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. In fact, most women found positive for gonorrhoea often do not show any apparent signs. Even if they do display symptoms, they are usually not severe and are mistaken as a vaginal or bladder infection.

As a result, diagnosis is delayed, which often leads to the development of severe complications, such as transmitting the disease during childbirth and pregnancy, infertility, and developing pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID).

Common STD-related symptoms that women usually develop include the following:

– Spotting

Pelvic or abdominal pain

– Vaginal discharge

– Burning sensation while urinating

– Itching

While they are associated with an STD infection, they also, at the same time, are signs of non-STD issues, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections. Additionally, they can also surface due to external factors, such as excessive consumption of spicy food and wearing tight underwear.

Genital lesions and ulcers are more discoverable in men

The difference in anatomy causes women to be at a higher infectious risk than men. Genital lesions and ulcers are generally more visible on penises as compared to vaginas. Discovering lesions and ulcers is more complicated when they develop in the vagina. Furthermore, the vulva has folds that make discovering lesions and ulcers even harder.

Infertility affects both genders but is more probable for women

STDs that are not treated on time can lead to infertility issues regardless of gender. For women, delayed treatment of STDs can manifest in inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg. Typically, delayed treatment of specific STDs can lead to PID, which increases the risk of infertility.

On the other hand, delayed treatment of STDs can affect men’s urethra and epididymis. It is crucial to note that STDs are generally more symptomatic in men as compared to women, which is why men get treated earlier. Additionally, chlamydia does not cause men as much complications as women.

STDs can be transmitted to the unborn child

Pregnant women with existing STDs can transmit the disease to their unborn child during the course of the pregnancy and childbirth. Examples of STDs that can be transmitted in this manner are HIV, syphilis, and herpes. The danger of such transmission is that it can result in the child being born blind, brain damaged, low birth weight, or, in severe cases, stillbirth.

Conclusion

It is our responsibility to be sexually responsible in preventing STDs. While some are not curable, they can be averted. For example, getting an HPV vaccination can help to prevent you and your partner from developing HPV. For individuals with a higher risk of developing HIV, getting an HIV PrEP is highly recommended, while getting an HIV PEP within 72 hours after intercourse is advisable if you suspect a possible exposure to the virus.

All in all, conducting regular STD tests and wearing a condom whenever you have sex is the way to go if you are sexually active and not planning on getting pregnant. Elyon Clinic is an STD clinic in Singapore that offers a wide range of STD-related services apart from other services, such as men’s and women’s health, as well as regular GP services. Contact us to find out how we can help you with your sexual health today!