|
How does one know if s/he has an RTI?
|
Many people with RTIs do not experience any visible symptoms. It is very important if an individual suspects s/he has an RTI that s/he consult a medical professional. An infected person can still transmit the infection even if s/he do not exhibit any symptoms. |
|
|
|
Can douching help protect against RTIs?
|
Douching may make women more susceptible to vaginal infections because it often changes the normal balance of flora in the vagina. Douching can also increase the chances for existing vaginal infections to spread into the upper reproductive tract, i.e. the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. |
|
|
|
Can STIs lead to infertility?
|
Yes. Some STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can spread into the uterus and fallopian tubes resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease which is a cause of infertility. |
|
|
|
Can STIs be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby?
STIs can be passed during and post-pregnancy. STIs like syphilis can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta. Other STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and genital herpes can be transmitted during delivery. HIV can be transmitted at both points as well as through breastmilk. |
|
|
|
Is there a link between HPV and cervical cancer?
|
Yes. If HPV infection is not treated, the virus can cause cervical cells to become pre-cancer cells. However, although women infected with HPV are at higher risk for cervical cancer, most women with HPV do not get cervical cancer. |
|
|
|
Are there certain factors that place a woman at a higher risk for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?
|
Certain women may be at increased risk for developing PID. The more sex partners a women or her partner have the greater the risk. Sexually active women who are younger than 25 years old may have an increased risk because their cervix is not fully mature and therefore more susceptible to STIs. Other factors include, a prior PID, douching, and the insertion of an IUD if an STI is present. |
|
|
|
Are all STIs curable?
|
No, some STIs can be treated with antibiotics, e.g. gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and syphilis. However, other STIs that are viral in origin such as hepatitis B, herpes and HIV have no cure. For these infections medicines are available to treat symptoms. |
|
|