Opening up about intimate topics around Sexual Health may be challenging and embarrassing for many women, but this is an area that should not be overlooked. At Lifestyle Medical Clinic, we understand the importance of respecting and protecting the sensitive nature of information shared about matters relating to Sexual Health.

Why Is Women’s Sexual Health Important?

The importance of women’s sexual health transcends the body’s physical health. It also influences their emotional and mental well-being as well as their social relations. Having good sexual health means that you are educated about your rights to experience a positive and respectful sexual perspective and relationships. The more you know and understand your sexual health empowers you to make well-informed decisions in life. 

What Are The Issues That Affect Women’s Sexual Health?

Women experience many issues that affect their sexual health at different stages in life. These include, but are not limited to:
  • Chronic Gynecological Conditions (E.G. Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (Pcos)
  • Contraception
  • Menstrual And Fertility Disorders
  • Pregnancy
  • Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)

Sti: What Is It?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are over 30 kinds of bacteria, parasites, and viruses that are commonly transmitted through sexual contact, which includes anal, oral, and vaginal sex. This is how sexually transmitted  infections (STI) occur. STIs not only put your sexual health at risk, but also your general health and those of people around you. When left untreated, it can lead to reproductive health complications and even cancers.  

What are the common STIs affecting women?

The common STIs affecting women are:
Chlamydia
Genital Herpes
Gonorrhea
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Chlamydia

  • A bacterial infection that can infect both men and women
  • Passed on through anal, oral, or vaginal sex
  • Often without symptoms, but signs include abnormal vaginal discharges, bleeding in between periods, pain when urinating and during sex and lower abdominal pain
  • Chlamydia is curable with antibiotics

Genital Herpes

  • Caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
  • Can be easily transmitted through abrasions in the skin or mucous membranes as they are present in different fluids produced by the body: saliva, semen and vaginal secretions
  • Symptoms include painful sores in the genital area, which are bumps filled with fluids or pus 
  • There is no permanent cure for genital herpes, but there are treatments available to manage flare ups 

Gonorrhea

  • A type of STD that is asymptomatic and prevalent in women
  • Transmitted through anal, oral, or vaginal sex as well as sharing of sex toys with a person infected with the disease
  • Symptoms are similar to chlamydia and include abnormal vaginal discharges, bleeding in between periods, pain when urinating and during sex and lower abdominal pain
  • Gonorrhoea is curable with antibiotics 
  • If you are pregnant, it is important that you get treatment as this type of STD can be passed on to newborns during childbirth

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

  • An asymptomatic viral infection that is spread through sexual intercourse of skin-to-skin contact
  • Symptoms of a HPV infection include warts on various parts of the body – especially on the face, feet, fingers, hands and genitals 
  • Without proper treatment, HPV can lead to cervical cancer in women
  • Vaccines are available to prevent HPV infections
sexually transmitted infections

FAQs

Why is STI screening important?

There are many reasons why STI screening is important:

  • Timely treatment to cure or control the disease
  • Determine infections accurately, especially asymptomatic STI
  • Prevent spread the disease to others

How often should I undergo STI screening?

For sexually active individuals, the recommendation is to undergo STI testing once every twelve months. If you are involved in high risk sexual activities, such as having unprotected sex and multiple partners, you should undergo more frequent STI screening.

How much does STI screening typically cost in Singapore?

Depending on the type of test needed, the cost for STD screening at LMC ranges from $63-$172. Our tests are available as standalone tests or as add ons to our full body health screenings.

How soon after exposure to an STI should I get tested in Singapore?

If you suspect that you may have contracted an STI, see a doctor immediately. Avoid sexual intercourse to prevent passing on the infection. 

The time that it takes for the signs and symptoms of an STI to manifest is dependent on the type of STI. For example, certain STIs like gonorrhea and herpes appear sooner, usually between 2 days to 3 weeks. Others like syphilis may take weeks to months to show any signs, while HIV infections may even take several years before it becomes apparent. 

Are STI screening tests confidential in Singapore?

Yes, STD screening tests are strictly confidential. All STI tests at LMC are carried out in privacy (including consultation) with appropriate treatment to manage your condition. We are a non-judgemental clinic and welcome everyone.  

UTI: What is it?

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are one of the most common types of infections that affect women and the risk of developing this condition increases with age. The prevalence of UTI doubles among women over the age of 65. UTI is caused by a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary system, such as the bladder, kidneys, ureters and urethra. 

What are the symptoms of UTI?

There are instances when UTI does not show any symptoms. However, you may feel the following when they do:
  • Pain or burning sensation while urinating
  • Frequent urination
  • Blood in the urine
  • Pressure or pain felt in your abdomen or at the lower part of the pelvis
  • Cloudy urine that smells unpleasant
  • Chills and fever
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting

What are the risk factors
for developing a urinary
tract infection in Singapore?

There are a few factors that increase the risks of developing UTI in women, including:
  • Age
  • Abnormal urinary tract structure 
  • Estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women 
  • Inability to completely empty the bladder
  • Sexual Intercourse three or more times per week
  • New or multiple sexual partners 
  • Immunocompromised state: e.g. Diabetes

When should I visit the doctor for a UTI ?

You consult with a doctor as soon as you experience any of the above symptoms. A urine test may be conducted and treatment with medications like antibiotics may be necessary. If you are experiencing infections very frequently, further assessment like imaging may be required, to assess the underlying urinary tract structure.  

Ways to prevent a UTI 

  • Keep hydrated with sufficient water
  • Do not hold in urine to avoid build up of bacteria in the body 
  • After passing urine, wipe yourself from front to back
  • After sexual intercourse, clean yourself such as going to pass urine 

Birth Control Pill: What is it?

Otherwise known as “the Pill”, birth control pills are contraceptive medications taken orally for pregnancy prevention. It includes hormones that help regulate the menstrual cycle.

Birth control pills have two types: combination and progestin-only pills. Both contain hormones that work to prevent pregnancy. Combination pills are the most common type of birth control pills containing estrogen and progestin, while the other kind called “the minipill” solely contains progestin.

How do birth control pills work?

The small amount of  hormones contained in the birth control pills work to prevent the body from producing its natural hormones, which cause pregnancy in a few ways:
  • The pill alters the womb’s lining, making it impossible for a fertilized egg to be implanted.
  • The pill causes changes to the cervical mucus, hindering the sperm cells from accessing the cervix and reaching an egg.
  • The pill impedes ovulation.
Birth control pills are highly effective in pregnancy prevention when it is taken according to the doctor’s prescription. The risk of getting pregnant increases only when the pill is not taken regularly, for example when you miss a dose.
Birth Control Pill

FAQs

Should a condom still be used while on the pill?

Using a condom while on the pill is highly encouraged as this doubles your protection against unwanted pregnancy and contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

Do birth control pills stop your menstrual period?

Birth control pills may cause your menstrual period to stop or get delayed. There are pills that cause hormonal changes in the body and prevent menstrual bleeding. 

What is the morning-after pill?

The morning-after pill is an emergency contraceptive taken to reduce the risk of pregnancy after having unprotected sex or when no birth control contraceptive is used. This pill should be taken right away or within 120 hours following unprotected sex. This should not be used as a substitute for regular birth control pills to prevent impregnation.

The morning-after pill may delay the menstrual cycle for up to 7 days. If the delay extends for more than three weeks, get tested for pregnancy. 

How do I obtain birth control pills in Singapore?

Birth control pills can be obtained with a doctor’s prescription after undergoing a consultation.

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