Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, present an important health problem in the United States and worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates approximately 19 million new cases of STDs in the country per year, most of which occur in young people between the ages of 15 and 24.
STDs pose a greater problem for women because of possible long-term complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and cervical cancer. The American Social Health Association reports that more than 15 percent of cases of female infertility can be attributable to damage caused by untreated STDs. Pregnant women can also pass infections on to their infants, causing serious congenital and neonatal problems.
Many people with STDs experience no symptoms, and those that do often attribute their symptoms to other conditions such as a yeast infection or a urinary tract infection.
Sores or Bumps in the Vaginal Area
Lesions in the skin around the vaginal area, presenting as sores or bumps, can have multiple causes. The CDC reports, however, that majority of sexually active people presenting with this problem will have genital herpes, syphilis, or chancroid.
Genital herpes can present with small red bumps, blisters or open sores around the vaginal or anal area. These may begin as painful or itchy areas, followed by appearance of small red bumps or blisters within a few days. Bumps or blisters may rupture and form open sores that will later form scabs and heal.
The primary stage of syphilis, which may begin 10 to 90 days after infection, is heralded by the appearance of a single painless sore, called a chancre. The sore appears on the area of exposure, usually the vaginal area, and will go away on its own.
In contrast to the painless chancre of syphilis, chancroid presents with a painful sore accompanied by tenderness or swelling of lymph nodes in the genital area.
Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, infection can also cause lesions or warts in the vaginal area. According to the National Women's Health Information Center, these may appear flat or raised, small or large, and sometimes cauliflower-shaped.
Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
Women normally have some vaginal discharge but any changes in the characteristics of the discharge may signal an STD, such as bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. The discharge may be abnormal in amount, odor or color.
Pain or Burning Sensation
Most women may blame a urinary tract infection for pain or burning sensation during urination or sexual activity. STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and genital herpes, however, can also cause this symptom.
Vaginal Bleeding
STDs can cause vaginal bleeding between periods, bleeding with sexual activity, or bleeding that differs in character from usual menstrual periods. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis may all present with this.
Flu-like Symptoms
Human immunodeficiency virus, herpes, and hepatitis B infections can all cause symptoms resembling the flu. Common complaints include fever, headaches, muscle pain and fatigue. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur.
