Each year, an estimated 19 million people in the United States are diagnosed with an STD, or sexually transmitted disease, report health officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, genital warts and trichomoniasis. Talk with your doctor or gynecologist as soon as possible if you develop any of the common STD symptoms in women.
Vaginal Irritation or Discharge
If you have an STD, you can experience abnormal vaginal irritation or discharge as a common symptom, warn health officials at Family Doctor, a website established by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Vaginal irritation can cause the skin of your vagina to appear red, swollen or inflamed and may contribute to sensations of pain or itching. Abnormal vaginal discharge due to an STD may be discolored (white, yellow or green), thick or profuse and may emit an unpleasant odor. These common STD symptoms can also be indicative of an alternate infection and should be immediately reported to your doctor or gynecologist.
Genital Sores or Skin Lesions
Certain types of STDs, such as the herpes simplex virus, can cause skin lesions, sores or warts to appear in your genital region. These skin sores may develop along the outside of your vagina or anus or may develop internally, along the vaginal wall, cervix or rectum. Genital sores can be uncomfortable and can contribute to sensations of pain, tenderness or irritation at the affected site.
Pain During Urination
If you have an STD, you can experience painful or burning sensations during urination, explains the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These uncomfortable sensations result from the presence of bacteria or viruses within your vagina. Vaginal skin lesions and irritation can also lead to small tears along your delicate vaginal skin, which can increase genital sensitivity. Your urine can also appear cloudy or discolored if you have an STD.
Pain During Sexual Intercourse
Irritation and inflammation due to an STD can cause you to experience painful sensations during sexual intercourse, explains Family Doctor. Your vaginal skin can be more sensitive to touch due to infection or skin lesions, making sexual contact uncomfortable. If you engage in anal sex, you may also experience painful sensations within or around your anus if you have an STD.
Sore Throat
You can develop common STD symptoms if you participate in oral sex, warn CDC health officials. You may experience a persistent sore throat or notice the appearance of skin lesions or sores within your mouth or throat. These oral symptoms can cause difficulty swallowing and may lead to a decreased appetite in some women.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Common flu-like symptoms can occur if you have an STD, explains Family Doctor. These flu-like symptoms can include fever, sweating, chills, swollen lymph glands, body aches or excessive fatigue. Seek additional medical care if you experience flu-like symptoms, as these symptoms can be indicative of alternate medical conditions.
Asymptomatic
Many women who have STDs are asymptomatic, which means that they do not experience any noticeable symptoms, explains the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This frequent lack of symptoms makes it even more important for you to be regularly tested for STDs if you are sexually active. You can still transmit an STD to your partner even if you do not show symptoms of the infection.
