By Giana Jarrah, Founder CEO With Meraki Co
Let’s talk about sex. April is Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) month and it may surprise you to know that over 1 million STIs are acquired everyday worldwide, the majority of which are asymptomatic. Eight pathogens, or organisms causing disease to the body, are linked to the greatest incidence of STIs. Of these eight, only four are curable including syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. The other four pathogens are incurable viral infections including hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), HIV, and human papillomavirus or HPV.
The contraction stats are bad news for women especially as they have a 45% greater chance of contracting chlamydia from an infected partner during unprotected sex and an 80% chance of contracting gonorrhea. For men, the numbers decrease with a 28% chance of contracting chlamydia from unsafe sex and a 77% chance of contracting gonorrhea.
Because the vagina is moist and has a thin lining, it’s easier for a woman to be infected with an STI than it is for a man, and she is less likely to exhibit symptoms than a man overall. Worse still, untreated STIs in women can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancies and infertility. A woman who is pregnant can pass STIs like genital herpes, syphilis,and HIV to her baby during both pregnancy and delivery.
Keeping the vaginal microbiome, a collective term for the microbes found in the vagina, balanced and healthy, can help prevent bacteria from invading and causing sexually transmitted or urinary tract infections. The vaginal microbiome is very delicate and can be easily disrupted by harmful bacteria by things like penetration or oral sex, sex toys that have not been properly cleaned, douching, or scented lubricants that contain harmful chemicals.
Encouraging news in women’s healthcare shows that the regular use of probiotics as part of women’s sexual health practice can help restore the good bacteria that keeps the vaginal microbiome balanced. Through continued use, the vaginal environment and PH levels can be restored to healthy levels and lower the risk of infections and transmitted sexual diseases. Vaginal probiotics introduce live microorganisms (good bacteria) into the environment to boost both vaginal and urinary health before a problem arises.
Stay healthy, stay happy, stay safe and always consult with your doctor before beginning any health regimine.
Reminder: the best way to prevent STIs is through abstinence or with the use of prophylactics.
Key STI Facts from the World Health Organization:
- Each year there are an estimated 374 million new infections with 1 of 4 curable STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomoniasis.
- More than 500 million people 15–49 years are estimated to have a genital infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV or herpes) (1).
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with over 311 000 cervical cancer deaths each year (2).
- Almost 1 million pregnant women were estimated to be infected with syphilis in 2016, resulting in over 350 000 adverse birth outcomes (3).
- STIs have a direct impact on sexual and reproductive health through stigmatization, infertility, cancers and pregnancy complications and can increase the risk of HIV.
- Drug resistance is a major threat to reducing the burden of STIs worldwide
- Trichomoniasis has an incubation period of around 5 to 28 days, according to the CDC — but it might take way longer for symptoms to show up.
- Mycoplasma genitalium is the only Mycoplasma species recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an STI.
ABOUT GIANA JARRAH
Giana Jarrah is the Founder of With Meraki Co and a biomedical engineer committed to fostering a healthier world. During her undergraduate years, recurrent UTIs led her to explore the realm of vaginal health. Disappointed by the lack of solutions, she immersed herself in research, revealing a significant gap in women’s knowledge about their own bodies. Determined to destigmatize conversations around vaginal health, she conducted experiments in campus laboratories, emphasizing the transformative effects of probiotics. Recognizing the absence of a leading probiotic supplement for female urinary and vaginal health, she trusted both science and intuition, ultimately creating a brand that represents her fierce dedication to advancing women’s health. With Meraki Co. aims to resonate with women on a personal level, ensuring they feel acknowledged, understood, and genuinely cared for. For more information visit https://www.shopwithmerakico.com/
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