Understanding Sexually Transmitted Diseases In Women 

UNDERSTANDING SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES IN WOMEN Sep,14,2021

Sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted via sexual contact which can be vaginal, oral, or anal contact. A few of the commonly observed indicators of sexually transmitted diseases in the case of women include the following: 

  • Rashes in the vaginal area
  • Itching
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Pain

 

Many sexually transmitted infections do not display any symptoms at all. When these infections are left untreated, they might increase the risk of cervical cancer and can lead to fertility issues. As many females do not show any symptoms with some of the common sexually transmitted diseases, they may not know that they require treatment. 

 

Common STIs In Women 

Some of the common sexually transmitted infections in women are gonorrhea, genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and Chlamydia. HPV is a typical infection that gets sexually transmitted to women. Furthermore, it is a common cause of cervical cancer. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are bacterial infections and as per the experts in free STD and HIV testing facilities, Chlamydia accounts for the most STI cases in the country. 

 

Some gynecologists in low income health clinics and other treatment centers will automatically check for both Chlamydia and gonorrhea during normal check-ups. However, you will have to request medical screening if you think that you are at risk of these infections. 

 

Symptoms Of STIs In Women 

Women should know about the symptoms of STI so that they will be able to seek medical help when needed. Commonly observed symptoms of sexually transmitted infections in women are discussed below. 

 

Changes In Urination

Burning sensation or pain during urination can be an indication of a sexually transmitted infection. The person may need to pee more frequently and blood might be present in the urine. This may also be due to a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

 

Vaginal Itching

Itching in the vaginal region is a nonspecific symptom and it may or may not be related to sexually transmitted infection. Vaginal itching can be caused due to scabies, yeast infection, allergic reaction to a latex condom, genital warts, etc. 

 

Abnormal Discharge 

The consistency and look of the discharge from the vagina of a woman can change continually through the cycle and if a thick, white discharge is present, it could be an indication of yeast infection. 

 

Pain During Intercourse 

This is an overlooked symptom. However, pelvic or abdominal pain during sex could be caused by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The advanced stage of gonorrhea or Chlamydia could lead to PID. 

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    About the Author

    Dr. Ghassan M. Al-Jazayrly, MD

    A graduate of University of Aleppo Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Al-Jazayrly or, as he is colloquially known: Dr. AJ, is an oncologist and hematologist of a Complete Care Community Health Center (CCCHC) with more than 36 years of experience. In recent years, he’s been involved with a non profit organization known as Every Woman Counts (EWC) which provides free breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to California’s underserved populations in order to eliminate health disparities for low-income individuals.

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