STI Prevention and Screening for Women

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common, often have no symptoms, and are usually treatable. The best protection is a mix of condoms, vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B, and testing when you are at risk or planning pregnancy. A test is the only sure way to know.

This guide explains the common STIs, signs to notice, how testing works, ways to prevent infection and why it matters before and during pregnancy. It is written without judgement; STIs can affect anyone who is sexually active.

What are STIs?

WHO says more than 30 bacteria, viruses and parasites spread through sexual contact. Eight cause most infections. Four are curable: syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. Four are viral and cannot be cured but can be managed or prevented: hepatitis B, herpes (HSV), HIV and HPV.

The CDC notes that STIs spread through vaginal, oral and anal sex, and sometimes through close skin contact. WHO also reports that more than 1 million curable STIs are acquired worldwide every day.

Symptoms, and why many people have none

Most STIs cause no symptoms, WHO says, and symptoms, when they appear, are often vague. The NHS lists possible signs:

• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pain or burning when passing urine
• Unusual bleeding between periods or after sex
• Itching, rashes or lumps around the genitals
• Blisters, sores or warts around the genitals or anus
• Pain in the lower belly or during sex

These signs can also come from non-sexual causes such as yeast or bacterial vaginal infections. See vaginal infections for the difference. Only a test can tell. Some untreated infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, can spread to the womb and tubes; read about pelvic inflammatory disease.

Who should get tested and when

• You have new or more than one sexual partner
• A partner has symptoms or has been diagnosed with an STI
• You had sex without a condom and are worried
• You are pregnant, or planning a pregnancy
• You have any symptoms listed above

The NHS advises that after unprotected sex with no symptoms, some infections can take time to show on tests, so ask the clinic when to test. Guidelines on screening schedules vary by country and by risk, so do not rely on a fixed rule. Your doctor will decide which tests apply to you.

Tip: Going for a check does not mean you did something wrong. Many women are tested simply as part of planning a pregnancy or routine gynaecology care, and your visit is confidential.

How testing works

WHO explains that accurate laboratory tests exist for infections without symptoms, but access varies; in many places, quick, low-cost tests are available for syphilis, hepatitis B and HIV. Depending on the infection, the doctor may take a urine sample, a swab from the vagina or cervix, or a blood sample. For HPV and cervical cell changes, a cervical screening test is used; our guide to the Pap smear test explains it.

Prevention that works

1. Condoms: WHO says they are highly effective when used correctly and every time, including against HIV. They do not fully protect against infections that cause sores outside the genitals, such as syphilis and herpes.
2. Vaccines: WHO notes that safe and effective vaccines exist for hepatitis B and HPV. See vaccinations every woman should know and HPV vaccine and cervical screening.
3. Testing and treating partners: WHO says treating partners is key to stopping infection coming back.
4. Talking openly: discuss testing and protection with your partner before sex.
5. Pause after a diagnosis: the NHS advises avoiding sex until you and your partner have finished treatment.

Treatment

WHO says chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and trichomoniasis can generally be cured with antibiotics. Herpes and HIV cannot be cured but antiviral medicines manage them, and hepatitis B antivirals slow liver damage. WHO also warns that gonorrhoea is becoming harder to treat because of antibiotic resistance. Your doctor may prescribe a course that you must finish completely, even if symptoms vanish. Never use leftover or shared antibiotics.

The NHS adds that you should tell recent partners so they can be tested, and that clinics can often notify them without giving your name.

STIs and pregnancy

WHO explains that infections passed from mother to child can cause stillbirth, early baby death, low birth weight, premature birth, infection in the newborn, eye infection and birth defects. It estimates that about 1.1 million pregnant women had syphilis in 2022, with more than 390,000 poor birth outcomes. These risks can often be reduced when the infection is found and treated early, which is one reason blood tests are part of antenatal care. See antenatal check-ups for what is usually covered, and preconception planning if you are about to try.

When to be cautious: If you are pregnant and have unusual discharge, sores, pain on passing urine or fever, do not wait. Untreated infections in pregnancy can affect the baby. Tell your doctor even if you are embarrassed.

When to see a doctor

• Any symptoms in the list above
• A partner has been diagnosed with an STI
• You are pregnant or planning to be, and have never had STI tests
• Severe lower-belly pain, fever or pain during sex, which can signal infection that has spread
• You have been exposed and are worried

What to expect at the clinic

The doctor will ask about symptoms and partners in private; these questions help choose tests and are not judgement. An examination, swab, urine or blood tests may follow. Results may take a few days. If treatment is needed you will be told how to take it and when partners should be seen. Ask about vaccines for HPV and hepatitis B at the same visit.

Talk to a doctor

If you are worried about an infection, need tests before pregnancy, or want to ask about vaccines, you can talk in confidence. You can book an appointment or call +91 944 103 0587. This article is for general awareness and is not a substitute for a doctor's advice.