6 warning signs of an STD in women

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a substantial health challenge facing the United States.  Each year, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that nearly 20 million new cases of STDs occur, half among young people aged 15-24.  Young people and women are the most severely affected by STDs with young women facing the most serious long-term health consequences.  It is estimated that undiagnosed STDs cause infertility in more than 20,000 women each year. 

To reduce the number of STDs in women, prevention and treatment is essential to avoid long-term complications.  Besides infertility, STDs left untreated or undiagnosed can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and multiple complications for newborns whose mothers transmit the disease to them.

The best treatment for STDs is prevention.  Below is a list of 6 warning signs of STDs no woman should ignore:

1.  A sore, wart, or rash in the genital area of you or your partner

Any kind of unusual skin rash or lesion not normally present in the genital area needs to be seen by a doctor.  Vaginal bumps are often the first noticeable sign of an STD in many women. Unfortunately, these obvious warning signs can go ignored, particularly when they may disappear in a few days.  Just because the warning sign is gone does not mean the infection itself has gone away too.  These signs could be caused by genital herpes or human papillomavirus (HPV) which are both incurable diseases.  Take notice and have a healthcare professional look at these skin conditions right away for a proper diagnosis.

2.  Painful or frequent urination

Commonly associated and presumed to be a urinary tract infection, painful or frequent urination is a very common sign of an STD, especially for gonorrhea.  Typical home remedies include drinking lots of cranberry juice or other additional fluids.  Just like genital sores, the symptoms of painful or frequent urination can go away leaving a woman still infected and untreated.  Any woman experiencing urgency, pain or burning on urination should schedule an appointment with her doctor.

3.  Abnormal period

Any woman, who has had previous normal periods and then has a period with an increased flow or pain, could be a sign of an STD.  Heavy and prolonged, or painful menstrual cycles or bleeding between periods or during sexual intercourse should not be ignored as they often are a symptom of many conditions.  The best thing for a woman to do is to go see her gynecologist to investigate the source of the problem.

4.  Pelvic pain

Pelvic pain is never a normal symptom whether it is mild or severe.  It could indicate pelvic inflammatory disease which is an infection of a woman’s reproductive system.  It is often a complication cause by some STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea.  Women experiencing this along with any other out of the ordinary symptoms should contact her healthcare provider to rule out if it might be an STD. 

5.  Foul odor

All women will have some discharge but it should have little to no odor associated with it.  Anytime this changes to a noticeable four or unusual odor, it may be cause for concern.  Using feminine hygiene products may cover up the odor but they will not treat the underlying condition.  This is why women need to have it checked out to get a proper diagnosis. 

6.  Abnormal discharge

With many STDs, women will generally notice an increased in vaginal discharge.  This could indicate several reasons from a yeast infection or vaginitis.  It is best not to self-diagnosis but instead to go see your primary care physician to make sure it is not an STD. 

All women should take extra precaution in order to protect themselves from STDs.  Here are several steps women can take to reduce her risk:

·      Have sex with only one uninfected partner

·      Use a latex condom every time for vaginal, anal, and oral sex

·      Talk to your partner about past sex partners and needle drug use.  Don’t have sex with someone who might have an STD.

·      Before having sex with someone, look at them closely for any sign of an STD – a rash, a sore, redness or discharge.

·      Many women frequently have no noticeable symptoms of an STD.  Eighty percent of women with gonorrhea have no symptoms until the disease is advanced.  All women should have annual pap smears including an STD workup at each annual exam.