Who is Affected: <br />Disparities Among Groups
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Anyone can get an STI. However, some population groups are disproportionately affected by STIs; this disparity reflects gender, age, and racial and ethnic differences. Women are more vulnerable to STI transmission due to a phenomenon known as biological sexism. In essence, women are biologically more susceptible when exposed to STIs. The fluid dynamics of vaginal intercourse make STI transmission more likely. Furthermore, the makeup of the female anatomy increases susceptibility. Because of the warm, moist interior of the vagina and uterus, it is ideal for many organisms to grow. There is also thin, sensitive skin inside the labia and mucus membranes lining the vagina that may be more receptive to infectious organisms.
Women also suffer greater damage to their health and reproductive functioning, and there is an increased likelihood of an asymptomatic infection which delays diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms that women experience from an STI are often mild or absent. Due to a women's reproductive physiology, mainly monthly menstruation, this can make it more difficult to diagnose STI symptoms and delay diagnosis and treatment. Studies have also shown that lesbian and bisexual women as well as men who have sex with men are also an increasingly at risk for STIs. Lesbian and bisexual women often underestimate their risk, have limited knowledge of potential STI transmission, and reported little use of preventive behaviors with female partners including washing hands, using rubber gloves, and cleaning sex toys.