Sexually transmitted diseases- there, I said it. No one likes to talk about it, but it’s not talked about enough. In a way, women need to be more educated about STDs and their symptoms because they’re more susceptible to them. As unpleasant as it sounds, woman’s vagina is the perfect place for infection and bacteria to grow.
The truth is, when it comes to STDs a lot of women don’t experience any symptoms. Or symptoms will usually appear on the onset of infection but disappear a few days later That’s why it’s extremely important to get tested if you suspect something is wrong. But leave it untreated and it can leave you infertile or at greater risk of getting cancer.
Here are some common symptoms of STDs:
Painful urination
If you go to the washroom and it burns, it could be a sign of an STD such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. It could be a urinary tract infection (UTI), but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Get checked out by your doctor.
Rashes, warts or sores
This is one of the most obvious symptoms of STDs. But don’t ignore it or confuse it for allergies. And even if symptoms go away, the actual infection is still there and you need to get it treated. The most common places you’ll find these are your inner thighs, around your vagina, anal area or in or outside your mouth. Common STDs with this symptom are herpes and genital warts.
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Abdominal pain could be a sign of an STD that has gone untreated. This can lead to serious diseases like pelvic inflammatory disease, which could be the cause of your abdominal pain. The pain can range from mild to severe.
Abnormal discharge
If you have any green or cloudy discharge it can be STDs such as trichomoniasis.
Smelly odor
It’s normal for your vagina to have a smell. But if you smell something extremely fishy down there, it could be something a little more serious.
Painful sex
Sex is supposed to be enjoyable. If it starts to become painful, that should be a red flag that you should consult your doctor about.
Unusual periods
If you’re getting your period more frequently or notice you’re spotting in between periods, that could also be a sign of an STD. Of course if you’re taking birth control, that could be the reason for the irregularity. But if you have always had a regular period, this is something you need to check out.
Before you make a self diagnosis, remember just because you show any of these symptoms, doesn’t necessarily mean you have an STD. Just always be aware of the signals your body is trying to give you and always see your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. And of course, always practice safe sex.
