Women and sexually transmitted diseases
Leonardo, C.; Chrisler, J.C.
Women and Health 18(4): 1-15
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0363-0242 PMID: 1462599 DOI: 10.1300/j013v18n04_01Document Number: 323164
Society has traditionally viewed women as weak and responsible for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It has also considered women's natural events of pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause as illnesses and proof of their inferior worth. Upper and middle class women were supposed to deny their sexuality to ensure their reproductive health, yet they were supposed to have children. Their husbands were warned not to go to prostitutes, carriers of STDs; yet the prostitutes were reproved, not the men. STDs, in essence, equalled sin. These notions continue today. Health providers still believe that women of lower socioeconomic classes have a higher rate of STDs than those of the middle and upper classes. They also blame prostitutes for transmitting STDs, but a study of syphilis patients shows prostitutes to be insignificant in the spread of STDs. Besides, prostitutes are more likely to use condoms than other women. In fact, the primary sex partner or drug use tend to transmit HIV to prostitutes rather than clients. Indeed, our entire society faces the problem of STDs. The current campaign to prevent STDs neglects gender role socialization and women's inability to safeguard their health in sexual relationships. Most women know about and how to prevent STDs and AIDS; yet, just 17% use condoms. Many women are ashamed of their sexuality, so they do not admit they are sexually active. They, as do many men, cannot believe their partner might have an STD and would transmit it to someone they love. Health educators must consider the unequal power distribution in intimate relationships when designing and implementing STD prevention campaigns; they cannot be too successful as long as women have inferior status on a personal, economical, and political level. In addition, the government needs to increase and adjust funding levels for women-centered STD research.