Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are also called sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs.

STIs are usually spread by having vaginal, oral, or anal sex. More than 9 million women in the United States are diagnosed with an STI each year. Women often have more serious health problems from STIs than men, including infertility. At Midwest Center for Women’s HealthCare, we recognize that many women are exposed to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) — or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and urge them to openly talk to their doctor about any signs and symptoms they may be experiencing so we can help you get treatment. We are here to support you.

• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) — or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) — can be contracted from someone through sexual and non-sexual contact (mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth, blood transfusions, or shared needles).
• STIs and STDs are most commonly passed from one person to another through sexual contact. It’s important to know that it is possible to contract sexually transmitted diseases from people who seem perfectly healthy and may not even know they have an infection.
• Women with signs or symptoms of an STI who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant are urged to get tested, and if needed, treated right away to prevent or reduce the risk of your baby becoming infected.
• Your doctor can use blood tests, urine samples, and fluid samples from open genital sores, to identify STIs.

Signs and symptoms of STIs may appear a few days after exposure, or they may take years before there are any noticeable problems. In fact, one can carry an STI or STD for a long period of time and have it go unnoticed until complications occur, or a partner is diagnosed with it. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area
• Painful or burning urination
• Unusual or odd-smelling vaginal discharge
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Pain during sex
• Sore, swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin but sometimes more widespread
• Lower abdominal pain
• Fever
• Rash over the trunk, hands or feet

• You are pregnant and show signs of an STI
• You are sexually active and may have been exposed to an STI
• You have signs and symptoms of an STI
• You consider becoming sexually active or when you’re 21 — whichever comes first
• Before you start having sex with a new partner