STD Symptoms In Females: A Complete Guide

Did you know that each day over one million people worldwide acquire sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or what we popularly call as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Also, in 2020, WHO estimated that there are approximately 374 million new STD infections each year around the world.¹ Stunned right? Yes indeed! It is quite intimidating. So, if you are sexually active, there is always some risk of catching the STIs. Thus, it’s important for you to learn and be aware of the  different types of STDs. This article will take you through all the STD symptoms in females and what should you do if you are diagnosed with one.

What Are Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are the infections passing from one person to another through sexual contact. They can spread via vaginal, oral or anal sex or even through intimate physical contact like heavy petting.²  Following are the three major causes of STDs:³

• Bacteria causing STDs like Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Syphilis.
• Viruses like HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), HPV (Human Papillomavirus), Hepatitis B virus,  Herpes Simplex Virus, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and even Zika.⁴
• Parasites such as Trichomonas vaginalis, or even through insects like scabies mice or crab lice.

Oftenly, STIs or sexually transmitted infections are asymptomatic for a long time which makes their prevention or testing important  to curb spread among sexually active individuals.⁵ It means that you can have an STI without having any visible symptoms. However, there are a few common STD symptoms in females which we will learn about later in this blog. But, before understanding the symptoms, let’s first get insights into female reproductive health.

Understanding The Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system includes both external and internal structures. The main external structure of the female reproductive system includes ‘the vulva’ consisting of the following structures:^6,7

• Inner Labia
• Outer Labia
• Clitoris
• Vaginal & Urethral Opening

The external structure in the female  reproductive system aims to serve twofold functions:  Foremost, it allows the passage of sperms in the female body and also, it protects the genital organs from infectious organisms.

The internal structures includes the following structures:⁶

• Vagina
• Uterus (Womb)
• Ovaries
• Fallopian Tubes

So far, we’ve taken a look at the female reproductive system and the organisms which cause sexually transmitted diseases. Now, let us understand the STD symptoms in females and the area infected with these infections.

The STD Symptoms In Females

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Although the symptoms of Gonorrhea are not very apparent, but some mild symptoms do develop and these symptoms could be mistaken for vaginal or bladder infections.⁸ It is to be noted that a few common symptoms of this infection in women include heavy vaginal bleeding (in-between periods), high vaginal discharge, and dysuria (painful urination).⁸

Chlamydia

It’s caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. In women, it shows symptoms like unusual vaginal discharge, pain during sex, and a burning sensation while urinating.⁹ Also, persistent Chlamydia infection can cause nausea, fever, rectal pain, discharge or even bleeding.⁹ 

Genital & Oral Herpes

Genital herpes is caused by two different genotypes of viruses, Herpes simplex virus 1 and Herpes simplex virus 2. It shows either too mild or no visible symptoms; because of which most females might stay unaware of the herpes infection. Moreover, the symptoms may take 2 days or 2 weeks to develop.¹⁰

Cold sores and blisters are some signs of oral herpes; whereas itchy groin, tiny bumps or blisters around the mouth, anus; dysuria, vaginal discharge; painful ulcers, and discharge from the urethra are other common symptoms of genital herpes. However, during the advance stages of infection, people may also experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes (a small bean-like structure that is part of the human immune system) near the groin, and headaches.^10,11

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is one of the most common STDs in the world.¹² It is caused by a group of 200 HPV genotypes which are responsible for developing genital warts and cancers.¹³ In females, genital warts, that are flesh-colored or gray painless soft growth on the vagina, anus or upper thighs are among the visible symptoms of HPV. They are most commonly caused by types 6 and 11 of Human Papillomavirus, and can cause pain, discomfort and itching  in the infected area.¹⁴ Moreover, women with HIV are 6 times more susceptible to develop cervical cancer as compared to women not having this infection. Type 16 and 18 HPV are responsible for 50% of cervical pre-cancer, which is the most common HPV-related disease.¹⁵

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease which spreads via direct contact with an infected person during anal, vaginal or oral sex. It is not spread by casual contact with objects including swimming pools, doorknobs, public bathrooms, shared utensils and clothes.¹⁶ The initial symptoms of Syphilis consist of fever,  sores, skin rashes, body ache, sore throat, headache, and swollen lymph nodes. If Syphilis remain untreated, it can later develop into serious conditions that can impact the eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, brain, bone, joints, and nerves.¹⁷

Mycoplasma genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium is a bacterial infection caused by Mycoplasma genitalium, also known as Mgen or MG.¹⁸ In females, an Mgen infection rarely causes symptoms, but when it does, they are consistent with abnormal vaginal or anal discharge, bleeding between periods, lower abdomen aches, bleeding during or after sex.¹⁹

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Women  with Trichomoniasis could experience symptoms like abnormal-smelling vaginal discharge, dysuria, and vaginal itching.²⁰

Now that we have understood the causes and symptoms of a few common sexually transmitted diseases in females, let us now understand how these STIs spread.

How Do Sexually Transmitted Infections Spread?

STIs affect the sexual and reproductive health of people worldwide. Over 1 million sexually transmitted infections are acquired every day. Moreover, as per WHO, globally, approximately 374 million new STIs, including gonorrhea (82 million), chlamydia (129 million),  syphilis (7.1 million) and trichomoniasis (156 million).¹

STDs can spread through direct contact with the body fluids, skin, genitals, recturm and mouth. Most often it is shared through oral, vaginal or anal sex. They can spread by intimate physical contact like heavy petting.²

Methods Of STD Diagnosis

All sexually active women are potentially at risk of STDs. Thus, it’s important to be aware of the STD symptoms in females and go for early screening in case you see any symptoms or are at higher risk for infection. Moreover, it is crucial to be honest with your medical professional so that you can get help on time. Doctors may take blood or fluid samples from vagina to detect any persistent infection. Laboratory tests are also undertaken to detect any bacterial or viral STIs.²¹

• Blood Test - It can detect infections like HIV, syphilis and sometimes herpes.²¹
• Urine Test - Urine samples are taken and tested to identify bacterial infection like gonorrhea. It is also used for the detection of  trichomoniasis caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.²¹
• Swab Test - Swab sample from vagina or cervix is used to diagnose HPV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes infections.²¹

Who Should Get Checked For STIs?

Following people should get regular screening for STDs.²²

• Sexually active females under 25 years of age must get tested once a year for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Females above 25 years with certain risk factors (having new or multiple partners or an infected partner) must also be tested regularly.
• Pregnant women are advised to get tested for syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea, especially during the first trimester.
• Gay or bisexuals should also get tested at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

f you have privacy concerns about visiting a clinic for STD testing, you can opt for a discreet at-home testing option. With a self-collection kit, you can easily collect samples from the comfort of your home. These kits use advanced RT-PCR technology to screen for eight common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in women, including Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, HSV-1, HSV-2, HPV, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Trichomoniasis. Additionally, you can consult a healthcare professional for guidance on possible treatment options."

Conclusion

Anyone who is sexually active can get STI, regardless of age or gender. We hope through this article, you are now aware of the STD symptoms in females. So, if you are someone who is encountering any such symptoms, then don’t panic. Remember, STDs affect millions of people around the world and most of them can be cured or treated.² If you are tested positive for any STD, you may order an at-home self-collection STD Test kit and collect samples from the comfort and privacy of your home. And also visit your doctor for further assistance. So, don’t let the STD social stigma add fuel to the fire and become a barrier between seeking on-time tests and treatment.