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What are Common STD Symptoms for Women?

Elizabeth Tumbarello
Elizabeth Tumbarello

Recognizing common symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) for women can lead to earlier detection, better treatment and, in some cases, the prevention of further complications. STD signs and symptoms vary from person to person and are based on the disease. Many women are asymptomatic. Common STD symptoms for women include pain while 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 curable with antibiotics. Symptoms for women who have chlamydia include pain while urinating, abnormal vaginal discharge, stomach or abdominal pain and painful intercourse. Bleeding, pain and discharge from the rectum are also possible if a woman with chlamydia is attempting to engage in anal intercourse.

A water blister caused by herpes type 1.
A water blister caused by herpes type 1.

Gonorrhea is another bacterial infection that is curable with antibiotics. STD symptoms for women who have gonorrhea include spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods, pain or a burning sensation during urination and an increased vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge might be thick, cloudy or bloody in appearance and texture. Women who have gonorrhea might experience pain during intercourse.

HIV is an STD that can cause a sore throat.
HIV is an STD that can cause a sore throat.

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is incurable, with periodic episodes of symptoms occurring over a period of decades. Symptoms for women who are experiencing an outbreak of genital herpes include pain, severe itching and the appearance of small red bumps. These bumps eventually rupture and become bloody, oozing open sores. Pain, tenderness, inflammation and flu-like symptoms are common indicators of the onset of a genital herpes outbreak.

It is common to feel depression and/or shame after being diagnosed with an STD.
It is common to feel depression and/or shame after being diagnosed with an STD.

Human pappillomavirus (HPV) is the virus that causes genital warts. STD symptoms for women who are experiencing 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 STD that is curable in its early stages with antibiotics. Women who have syphilis often get a single sore and enlarged lymph nodes. As the disease progresses, women can experience a rash marked with small red sores throughout the body, fever, fatigue and muscle aches. These symptoms can come and go. If left untreated, syphilis can cause permanent neurological and cardiovascular problems.

Women who have syphilis often get a single sore and enlarged lymph nodes.
Women who have syphilis often get a single sore and enlarged lymph nodes.

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 flu-like and include fever, headache, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and a rash. As the virus persists, diarrhea, weight loss and a productive cough or shortness of breath might be present. Later stage HIV/AIDS sufferers can experience chills, fever and night sweats.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are increasingly referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by medical professionals.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are increasingly referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by medical professionals.

Any woman who suspects that she has contracted an STD or is showing any of the STD symptoms for women should speak to her doctor or another licensed healthcare professional about undergoing STD testing. It is advisable for both partners to seek STD testing before engaging in sexual activities 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.

Discussion Comments

discographer

I've read that there are different types of HPV and some don't cause genital warts. In fact, HPV apparently doesn't cause any STD symptoms in women. No wonder HPV increases the risk of cervical cancer. A woman might not know that she has HPV until she gets an abnormal pap smear. It's a very sneaky type of STD.

candyquilt

@ddljohn-- I'm not a doctor and this is just my opinion. You should see a doctor about your mouth sore. If your doctor thinks that it might be caused by an STD, he will surely ask you to get an STD test.

As far as I know, herpes simplex type 2 (the type that's sexually transmitted) usually causes blisters on the lips or around the mouth in addition to genital blisters. Sometimes, it can cause blisters inside the mouth. That's called oral herpes but it's very rare. It usually occurs when a woman has oral sex with a partner who has genital herpes.

But don't jump to conclusions without seeing a doctor. The sore might just be a canker sore which is absolutely harmless.

ddljohn

Are oral sores a symptom of an STD?

I have a sore in my mouth. I have no idea if it's STD related. I don't have any other symptoms.

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    • A water blister caused by herpes type 1.
      By: uwimages
      A water blister caused by herpes type 1.
    • HIV is an STD that can cause a sore throat.
      By: absolutimages
      HIV is an STD that can cause a sore throat.
    • It is common to feel depression and/or shame after being diagnosed with an STD.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      It is common to feel depression and/or shame after being diagnosed with an STD.
    • Women who have syphilis often get a single sore and enlarged lymph nodes.
      By: jarun011
      Women who have syphilis often get a single sore and enlarged lymph nodes.
    • Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are increasingly referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by medical professionals.
      By: Syda Productions
      Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are increasingly referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by medical professionals.
    • Syphilis during pregnancy can increase the risk of stillbirth.
      By: Monkey Business
      Syphilis during pregnancy can increase the risk of stillbirth.