Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections passed from one person to another during sexual contact. They are very common—millions of cases occur each year. Many cause no symptoms at first, but if left untreated they can lead to pelvic pain, difficulty getting pregnant, or problems during pregnancy.
The good news is that most STIs are easy to test for and treat when caught early. Regular screening and safe-sex practices can protect your health and your future or current pregnancies.
Common STIs in Women
The most frequently seen STIs include:
– Chlamydia and Gonorrhea — Often silent but can present with discharge or cause cervical inflammation or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) if untreated.
– Trichomoniasis — A parasite that may cause vaginal discharge and discomfort.
– Syphilis — Starts with a painless sore but can affect many parts of the body if not treated.
– Genital Herpes — Caused by the herpes simplex virus; outbreaks of painful sores can come and go.
– Human Papillomavirus (HPV) — Very common; some types cause genital warts, while others can lead to cervical changes or cancer, if HPV infection is persistent.
– HIV — A virus that affects the immune system; early treatment is important as it can keep people healthy for many years.
How Do You Know If You Have an STI?
Many women have no symptoms. When symptoms appear, they may include unusual vaginal discharge, pain or burning when urinating, pain during sex, bleeding between periods or after sex or lower abdominal or pelvic pain. Some STIs may present with sores, bumps or itching in the genital area.
Because symptoms can be mild or absent, routine screening is important—especially if you are under 25, have new or multiple partners or planning a pregnancy.
Why Early Detection Matters
Untreated STIs can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This can lead to chronic pelvic pain, scarring, ectopic pregnancy, or trouble getting pregnant later. In pregnancy, some STIs increase the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, or passing the infection to the baby.
Prevention is key. It is important to use condoms or other barrier methods during intercourse correctly every time. Limit your number of sexual partners to reduce exposure risk, and talk openly with new partners about testing. If you think you may be at risk, it is also important to get screened regularly so timely treatment can be administered. Additionally, the HPV vaccine can greatly reduce HPV infection which in turn reduced risk occurrence of cervical cancer.
Testing and Treatment
Testing is simple—usually a urine sample, swab, or blood test. Most bacterial STIs are cured with antibiotics. Viral STIs cannot be cured but can be managed well with medication to control symptoms and reduce spread.
Treatment should start quickly. Recent sexual partners usually need testing and treatment too, to prevent reinfection.
If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, tell your doctor right away—some treatments are safe during pregnancy, and screening may be done more often (for example, syphilis screening is recommended multiple times in pregnancy).
When to See Your Doctor
Contact your obstetrician-gynecologist promptly if you notice any symptoms, have had unprotected sex with a new partner, or want routine screening. In our practice we offer confidential testing and up-to-date, evidence-based care.
Early care protects your fertility, your pregnancy, and your overall health.
Take the Next Step
If you have questions about STIs, symptoms, screening, or concerns about pelvic pain, please schedule a visit. We will listen carefully, discuss your personal risks, and create a plan that fits your life.
References
1. Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, et al. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021;70(4):1-187. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1.
2. Berek JS, editor. Berek & Novak’s gynecology. 17th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer; 2025.
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. FAQ071. Washington, DC: ACOG; 2025 Apr [updated 2025 Apr; cited 2026 Apr 6]. Available from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/chlamydia-gonorrhea-and-syphilis.
4. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Committee on Practice Bulletins—Gynecology. Chronic pelvic pain. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 218. Obstet Gynecol. 2020;135(3):e98-e109. Reaffirmed 2026. (For discussion of PID as a complication of untreated STIs).
Maternal–Fetal Medicine Specialist in Bangkok
Dr. Narisra Srikureja Firer (Dr. Niti)
Dr. Niti is a Bangkok-based OBGYN with subspecialty training in Maternal–Fetal Medicine (MFM). She provides comprehensive care for women across all stages of life, including pregnancy care, deliveries, and general gynecological conditions.
She dedicates her time to private practice at Ruamjairak Hospital and Mission Hospital, and serves as a Maternal–Fetal Medicine Consultant at a large government tertiary care center.
To read Dr. Niti’s full bio, click here.
