Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a key reproductive and public health concern worldwide. STIs are pernicious players in the global burden of disease. According to The World Health Organization estimates, each year there are an estimated 357 million new infections of STIs globally. In India, the prevalence of STIs among women in the union of reproductive age remained constant at 11 percentage points from NFHS-3 to NFHS-4. This number highlights the gravity of the unwavering situation of poor reproductive health among women in India.

Methods This study used data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) conducted in 2015–16. It included questions on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of individuals, their sexual behavior, gender relations and whether they had suffered from an STI in the 12 months prior to the survey i.e. self-reported STI. Multiple logistic regression models were fitted to determine the relationship between predictors and the reported STI status.

Results Sexual empowerment was significantly associated with STI status, but odds of reporting STIs were higher among sexually empowered women. Women’s participation in decision-making concerning their own health reduced the odds of contracting STIs. The strongest predictors of reporting STIs, namely sexual violence and the number of lifetime partners, are at direct risk of STIs. STIs was also positively associated with partners’ controlling behaviors. With respect to STIs, sexual empowerment does not appear to protect women in the union who have violent controlling partners. Sexual empowerment is also not protective where a woman having multiple partner.

Conclusion Interventions promoting sexual health must effectively address roles that perpetuate unhealthy sexual behaviors and relations within the union. It is therefore imperative to promote fidelity and better communication between partners in the union and necessary to encourage regular screening and treatment of STIs. Sexual decisions must be subject to joint opinions in order to achieve and secure complete reproductive health and rights.

Disclosure No significant relationships.