There is nothing to surprise that a majority of people in the United States are affected by sexually transmitted infections and diseases (STDs).
The fact is that being a woman is no walk in the park from a biological standpoint. Also happening: Sexism exists.
Also, a fact: It’s a social phenomenon. Even when women do have their symptoms, they will not recognize these as STI symptoms.
After all, vaginal discharge is almost normal and not a sign of infection, itching and irritation can be the result of a yeast infection or even a new type of laundry detergent.
Symptoms are never a reliable way to know if someone has an STI or not, and since women so often have no symptoms at all, regular testing is also essential for sexually active women (and men).
Are you wondering why I’m sharing these statements as if they’re groundbreaking or mostly unknown? It’s a fair question. But apparently, this common knowledge is no longer that common, because sexually transmitted diseases– that is, the conditions themselves– are sexist.
Women are more likely than men to experience long-term health complications from STIs, including infertility.
A pregnant woman can also pass an STI along to her baby during pregnancy or even childbirth.
Oh, give me an effing break. We all know having a uterus is bitterly unfair (evidence: menstruation), but it’s NUTS to call that “sexist.” It’s BIOLOGY.
According to Dr. Hunter Handsfield who is a professor emeritus of medicine at the University of Washington Center for AIDS and STDs, Says, STDs are biologically and psycho-socially sexist at all levels.
Dr. Edward Hook agreed, “Women bear the largest burden of these diseases,” Co-director for Social Medicine and Sexually Transmitted Diseases of the Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
It appears that even after a woman has contracted an STD, she still may not notice it.
