Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs occur in more than 20 percent of people who have had at least two sexual partners, report Schiffert Health Center officials at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Women who develop any of the female STD symptoms should seek medical care immediately to ensure receipt of appropriate treatment.
No Symptoms
Many females who have a STD don't know it because they do not develop any noticeable symptoms, reports MayoClinic.com. As a result, females may unknowingly pass on a STD to an intimate partner. To limit the spread of infection, sexually-active women should be tested for STDs on a regular basis, even if they do not have symptoms.
Vaginal Itching or Discharge
STDs can cause females to develop symptoms of vaginal itching or unusual discharge, explains FamilyDoctor.org, a health information website supported by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Vaginal discharge may be yellow or green in color and can emit a foul odor. Females may frequently scratch at the itchy genital region and can develop redness, inflammation or irritation along the vagina or anus. Women who develop vaginal itching or discharge symptoms should seek medical care immediately as these STD symptoms can also be signs of other infections, such as a yeast infection.
Pain During Urination or Sex
Bacteria or viruses that cause STDs can irritate and inflame the delicate vaginal tissue. When this occurs, females can experience sensations of pain during urination or after sexual intercourse as symptoms of a STD, reports the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, certain women may develop lower abdominal or back pain due to an STD. These symptoms can also be indicative of a urinary tract infection. Affected women should contact a medical professional as soon as possible for further evaluation and care.
Genital Skin Lesions
Women who contract certain types of STDs, such as genital herpes, can develop genital skin lesions. These STD symptoms can appear within the vagina, along the outside of the vagina or around the anus or buttocks. Genital skin lesions can be uncomfortable and may blister, burst and scab over, explains FamilyDoctor.org. Females who develop these STD symptoms should seek medical care immediately.
Flu-like Symptoms
A STD can lead to the emergence of flu-like symptoms in certain women. These flu-like STD symptoms can include fever, sweating, chills, cough, fatigue, stomach upset, swollen lymph nodes or headaches, warns MayoClinic.com. Females who exhibit flu-like STD symptoms should speak with a doctor as these side effects can be signs of alternate medical problems.
