Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are caused by infections transmitted through sexual intercourse from one person to another.

These infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites and can pass from blood, semen, or bodily fluids to other people.

STDs in women may affect the overall sexual, mental, and physical health of women and lead to serious complications without proper treatment.

This article will elaborate on STD in women, their causes, risk factors, tests, treatments, and preventions.

So, let’s learn in detail.

STD symptoms in women

Women with STDs can show the following symptoms:

  • Sores or bristles in the genital area
  • Painful and burning sensation in the vaginal area
  • Vaginal discharge and unusual odor
  • Painful sexual experience
  • Pain in the lower abdominal region
  • Flu-like symptoms, such as fever
  • Frequent and sudden urge of urination
  • Bleeding during the menstrual cycle

Causes of STDs in women

bacteria
Bacteria under microscope

The following pathogens can cause STDs in women:

Bacteria

The bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis.

These infections are caused by bacteria and may be transmitted through sex.

Chlamydia is the most common STI in the US and is common among teenagers.

Virus

The STDs caused by viruses include:

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which causes AIDS
  • Hepatitis B
  • Herpes simplex virus
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
  • Zika virus
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Fact:
HIV is a virus that attacks the human immune system, and if left untreated, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

Parasites

An STD, Trichomoniasis, is caused by a parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis.

The condition resembles the signs and symptoms of Vaginitis, which is inflammation of the vagina.

Risk factors for STDs in women

There can be numerous risk factors associated with the transmission of the infection, such as:

Having unprotected sex

Interaction with latex condoms
Latex condom

Unprotected sex, without condoms, can increase the risks of transmitting STDs from an infected person.

Condoms can block the transmission of STDs by preventing contact between the male genitals and their partner’s skin and secretions.

Moreover, oral sex can also increase the risk of transmission of infections without wearing condoms or dental dams.

A history of STDs

A history of STDs can increase the chances of the next encounter of the infection.

Therefore, you should have routine check-ups to prevent serious complications.

Having sexual contact with multiple partners

The more people get involved sexually, the greater the risks of infection transfer.

Thus, it is essential to involve one partner in sexual activity. Further, you should test for STIs before being involved in a sexual relationship.

Sharing of infected needles

Sharing needles and syringes with an infected person for drug use or tattoos can spread STDs.

This may happen because of the presence of blood in the needle that carries the pathogen.

Warning:
Sharing a used infected needle may carry an infection-causing pathogen and transmit it from an infected person to a healthy person. Beware before sharing a needle. 

Blood transfusion

As stated earlier, STIs are transmitted from bodily fluids, such as semen, vaginal discharge, or blood.

Blood transfusion from an infected person can transmit the infections and may lead to the development of STDs.

It can be seen in the case of HIV and Hepatitis B.

From mother to infant

Sexually Transmitted Infections can pass on from an infected mother to her fetus or infant.

It can cause serious problems for the newborn and can be life-threatening.

What are the STD tests for women

Depending on the type of infection causing STDs, you may get one of the following types of tests:

Blood test

Blood test
Blood test

It involves taking a blood sample from a healthcare practitioner from your vein in the arms.

A small needle will be inserted, and blood will be collected in the test tube.

This test is used to diagnose HIV, Syphilis, and Herpes.

Urine test

Your doctor can also ask you to collect a urine sample in a small sterile container to diagnose the condition.

It is mainly done for the testing of Trichomoniasis and sometimes Gonorrhea.

Swab test

A swab test is used to diagnose HPV, Chlamydia, and Herpes.

In women, the sample can be taken from the vagina or cervix, where a swab is inserted and collects the sample.

Lumbar puncture

It is not a commonly used STD test. 

However, it can only be tested if your healthcare practitioner suspects the advanced stage of Syphilis or Herpes, which has affected your brain and spinal cord.

Your doctor may numb the back with anesthesia and collect samples for diagnosis.

You can also order home test kits for blood and urine samples or oral swabs.

Treatments for STDs in women

The treatment for STDs in women may include the following medications:

  • Antibiotics: The STDs caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics
  • Antiviral: Antiviral drugs can be used to treat Herpes, HIV, and HPV
  • Antiretroviral drugs: Individuals with HIV have to take antiretroviral drugs, also called Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), and can prevent transmission of HIV to others
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Prevention

You can take the following preventive measures to practice safe sex and prevent the risks of infection transfer:

  • Always use barriers, condoms, or dental dams
  • Have safe sex with one partner
  • Avoid infected needles and blood transfusion
  • Always take STD test before having sex with a new partner
  • Get vaccinations

Conclusion

STDs in women are caused by the transmission of viruses, bacteria, or parasites through sex, semen, or other body fluids, such as blood.

These infections can show various symptoms in women, such as vaginal burning, frequent urination, lower abdominal pain, etc.

Further, there are numerous risk factors associated with STD transfer, including having unprotected sex, a history of STD, sharing infected needles, etc.

Fortunately, some STD tests can help diagnose the condition depending on early symptoms and are recommended by your physician.

These are blood and urine samples, swab tests, and lumbar punctures.

You can also take treatment options depending on the pathogen causing STDs. You can take antibiotics for bacterial and
antiviral drugs to treat virus-causing STDs.

Also, you can take some effective preventive measures for safe sex, such as using barriers and getting vaccinations.

Further, it is crucial to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect any signs or symptoms of STDs to prevent serious complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which STD is most common in females?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STD in women. In most cases, HPV is asymptomatic. However, it can show bumps in the genital area. You can consult a healthcare practitioner and seek prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications.

How do I know if I have an STD?

You can notice early symptoms of STDs. The symptoms include sores or bristles in the vagina, painful sexual experience, and vaginal discharge with unusual odor. You may also have abdominal pain, frequent urination, and bleeding between menstrual cycles in some cases.

How do women get tested for STDs?

Women may take a blood test for HIV, Herpes, and Syphilis and urine sample tests for Trichomoniasis. A swab test is used for HPV, Chlamydia, and Herpes, while lumbar puncture is for advanced Syphilis.

What are the five symptoms of STDs in women?

The five common symptoms of STDs in women are sores or bristles in the genitals and vaginal discharge with a distinct odor. Also, painful sexual experiences, frequent urination, and lower abdominal pain are other common symptoms in women. 

Citations:
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