Did you know that women are more likely than men to contract a sexually transmitted disease (STD) but less likely to have or notice symptoms?  Unchecked STDs can lead to numerous health problems, including – for women – cervical cancer.

While having “the talk” can be a stressful task for many parents, it can be especially tense for parents of girls. The physical, social and emotional repercussions of unprotected sex often weigh heavier on females. For many young women, unprotected sexual activity can lead to life-long issues caused by STDs.

Once a woman is infected with an STD, symptoms may be hard to detect. “Many women with an STD may have abnormal vaginal discharge or aches and pains that they mistakenly attribute to their normal menstrual cycle,” says OB-GYN Dr. Katherine Hild-Mosley.

Other symptoms could include an odor, blisters, a burning sensation and flu-like symptoms.

However, a majority will experience no symptoms at all.

Unchecked and untreated, STDs can wreak havoc in the female reproductive system, causing:

• scarring in the reproductive tract
• increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
• cancer
• permanent infertility
• significant risks during pregnancy and delivery, including passing the infection on to the baby

Most STDs can be treated with antibiotics, penicillin or a combination of drugs.

Once a woman is sexually active, an annual visit to a gynecologist is recommended to aid detection of “silent” STDs and help maintain overall health.

– rb/ss