Recognizing symptoms of STDs in women can lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment. Common symptoms include pain during intercourse or urination, abnormal discharge, itching, sores or bumps in the genital area, and bleeding between periods. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are bacterial infections treated with antibiotics, while genital herpes and HPV are incurable. Syphilis can cause permanent neurological and cardiovascular problems if left untreated, and HIV can lead to AIDS. It is advisable to get tested for STDs before engaging in sexual activity.
Recognizing the common symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) for women can lead to earlier diagnosis, better treatment and, in some cases, prevention of further complications. The signs and symptoms of STDs vary from person to person and are based on the disease. Many women are asymptomatic. Common symptoms of STDs for women include pain when urinating or during intercourse; abnormal vaginal discharge; itching, sores or bumps in the genital region; and spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods.
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is spread through sexual intercourse. It is treatable with antibiotics. Symptoms for women who have chlamydia include pain when urinating, abnormal vaginal discharge, stomach or abdominal pain, and painful intercourse. Bleeding, pain, and rectal discharge are also possible if a woman with chlamydia is attempting anal intercourse.
Gonorrhea is another bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics. STD symptoms for women who have gonorrhea include spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods, pain or a burning sensation when urinating, and an increase in vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge might be thick, cloudy, or bloody in appearance and texture. Women who have gonorrhea might experience pain during intercourse.
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is incurable, with periodic episodes of symptoms occurring over decades. Symptoms for women experiencing a genital herpes outbreak include pain, severe itching, and the appearance of small, red bumps. These bumps eventually break and become bloody, oozing open sores. Pain, soreness, inflammation, and flu-like symptoms are common indicators of the onset of a genital herpes outbreak.
Human pappillomavirus (HPV) is the virus that causes genital warts. STD symptoms for women suffering from genital warts include gray or flesh-colored bumps on the genital area, cauliflower-shaped clusters of warts, itching, pain, tingling, and bleeding during intercourse. HPV is an incurable disease.
Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted disease treatable in its early stages with antibiotics. Women who have syphilis often have a single swollen, tender lymph node. As the disease progresses, women may experience a rash marked by small red sores all over their body, fever, fatigue, and body aches. These symptoms can come and go. If left untreated, syphilis can cause permanent neurological and cardiovascular problems.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an incurable viral STD. If left untreated, it can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), a life-threatening disease. Symptoms of HIV are similar to the flu and include fever, headache, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and skin rashes. As the virus persists, diarrhea, weight loss, and a productive cough or shortness of breath may be present. Late-stage HIV/AIDS patients may experience chills, fever, and night sweats.
Any woman who suspects that she has an STI or is exhibiting any of the STI symptoms for women should speak to her doctor or other licensed healthcare provider about getting STI testing. It is advisable for both partners to get tested for STDs before engaging in sexual activity if one partner has contracted an STD and has recently undergone treatment. It is possible for someone who is asymptomatic to spread an STD to others.
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