Talking point: Some STDs have few or no symptoms.
Fact: Women can have gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis, HIV, and syphilis without having any obvious symptoms. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that usually starts out with no symptoms but it is very destructive in the long term, especially to women’s reproductive systems.
Additional advice: Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, an STD specialist at the University of Washington medical school, advises annual chlamydia tests for younger women. “If you have multiple partners, you may want to be screened more often,” she adds. Since chlamydia can be detected with a simple urine test now, a full pelvic exam isn’t necessary. You can also request a gonorrhea test at the same time, if you are concerned that you may have been exposed.
Talking point: If you’re a sexually active adult, you’ve probably contracted several of the 100 different types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) out there—more than 30 of which are sexually transmitted—and you probably had no idea.
Fact: HPV is the number-one cause of cervical cancer and genital warts.
Additional advice: To screen for possibly HPV-caused, potentially precancerous abnormalities in the cells of the cervix, all women should get annual Pap smears. Women under 26 should also consider getting the HPV vaccination, says Dr. Handsfield.
Talking point: The Pill does more than prevent pregnancy.
Fact: The Pill is so safe and effective these days that it is available over-the-counter in some countries. Depending on the formula of the medication, the Pill can:
- Help reduce menstrual bleeding for women at risk of anemia
- Reduce painful periods
- Cut back on the risk of uterine infection and ovarian cancer
- Treat PMS mood swings
- Help clear up mild to moderate acne
Additional advice: Though safer than ever, the Pill still has minor side effects, such as breast tenderness, headaches, and nausea, but they often subside after a few months. But rare, serious side effects include blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.
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