Most Common Symptoms of STDs in Females

Written by Hannah Kingston - Updated on August 2nd, 2021
Medically reviewed by Dr Andrea Pinto Lopez, M.D.

Wondering whether STDs in women differ to STDs in males? Or which STD most commonly affects females? What about the symptoms? Here is everything you need to know.

STDs in women may be contracted via vaginal, oral or anal contact with another person. STDs are also known as STIs (sexually transmitted infections).

STDs can be bacterial, viral or parasitic, meaning that they may be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. STDs are most commonly contracted during unprotected sex (sex without a condom) with an infected partner, however, to understand your risk, it’s important to have an awareness around all of the different ways that you can get an STD.

How are STDs in women and men contracted?

You have unprotected sex with an infected partner.
You come into contact with infected fluids including blood, semen or vaginal fluids.
You come into contact with an infected sore or open wound, for example, mouth to genital contact.
You use a needle that has been used by an infected person for recreational drug use or other purposes.
You come into contact with infected blood or body parts, for example, through a blood transfusion or organ donation.

It is also possible for STDs to pass from mothers to babies during childbirth, this is known as a congenital STD.

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Finding out that you have an STD can be a scary experience, but they are much more common than you think, in fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 20 million STD cases diagnosed in the United States each year, with over half of all cases diagnosed in the 15-24 year old age group.

The incubation period (length of time) it takes to experience symptoms of an STD will depend on the type of STD you have, oftentimes, an STD will be asymptomatic, which means you won’t experience any symptoms. That is why it is so important to regularly get tested and proactively manage your sexual health.

As mentioned, the symptoms of an STD can vary but some of the most common symptoms of STDs in females include:

Pain in the affected area
Itchiness
Lumps and bumps
Changes in vaginal discharge

When it comes to understanding STDs in women, it’s important to know which types of STDs you may be at risk of contracting, as well as what you can do to lower your risk.

STDs in women: Which STDs can affect women?

Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
HIV
Herpes (1& 2)
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis
Ureaplasma
Hepatitis

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Human papillomavirus (HPV) in women

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is so common that almost all sexually active people will contract at least one type of HPV during their lifetime if they do not get the HPV vaccine.

There are over 100 strains of HPV. HPV strains can be classifed as low or high-risk strains. Low-risk HPV strains can lead to genital warts. High-risk HPV strains, on the other hand, can cause different types of cancer, including:

Cervical cancer
Vulvovaginal cancer
Penile cancer
Anal cancer
Oropharyngeal (head and neck) cancer

The HPV strains that cause warts and cancer are different, but a single person can be infected with multiple strains at the same time.

Incubation period: 1 month - 10 years depending on the strain of the virus.

Caused by: A virus -Human papillomavirus

Symptoms of human papillomavirus (HPV) in females may include:

Irregular skin changes on the vagina, cervix or anus
Warts which may appear as lumps or bumps on the vagina, cervix or anus
Warts which may appear as lumps on the back of the throat

HPV is most commonly contracted through vaginal and/or anal sex.

Most people clear HPV infections on their own; however, it’s impossible to predict who will be able to do so and who won’t. HPV infections should always be monitored by a healthcare professional, especially when they’re caused by a high-risk strain. It’s very important to have regular gynecologycal checkups to screen for HPV.

Find out how often you should attend cervical screenings here.

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Chlamydia in women

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD in the world according to the World Health Organisation.

Chlamydia often doesn’t carry symptoms, which is why it is so important, if left untreated, it can cause fertility issues in women due to a condition called pelvic inflammatory disease or (PID).

Incubation period: 7-21 days

Caused by: A bacteria -Chlamydia trachomatis

Symptoms of chlamydia in females may include:

Yellowish, foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Spotting (bleeding) between periods
Pain in the abdomen
Bleeding after sex
Painful or frequent urination
Pain during sex
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Chlamydia is most commonly contracted through vaginal and/or anal sex, however it can also be contracted through oral sex. Chlamydia may have a long-term impact on your sexual and reproductive health if it is not treated. If chlamydia is detected early, it can be easily treated with antibiotics.

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Gonorrhea in women

Gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported notifiable STD in the world according to the World Health Organisation. Gonorrhea most common affects the urethra, rectum, and throat. In women, it may also affect the cervix. Babies can contract gonorrhea during childbirth if the mother is infected, it most commonly affects the baby’s eyes.

Incubation period: 1-14 days

Caused by: A bacteria -Neisseria gonorrhoeae, also known as gonococcus

Symptoms of gonorrhea in females:

More frequent urination
Pain in the lower abdomen
Painful urination
White, yellowish, or green vaginal discharge
Heavier periods
Spotting between periods
A sore throat (in cases of oral gonorrhea)

Gonorrhea is most commonly contracted through vaginal, anal and/or oral sex. Like chlamydia, gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), if the bacteria travels into the uterus and fallopian tubes, it may lead to scarring on the tubes which could lead to fertility issues or complications during pregnancy.

HIV in women

HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) is an autoimmune condition. HIV causes AIDS, a condition which interferes with the body’s ability to fight infections.

Latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showcases that 19% of the total number of people diagnosed with HIV in the United States in 2018 were women.

Incubation period: 14-28 days

Caused by: A virus - Human immunodeficiency virus

Symptoms of HIV in females may include:

Vaginal infections, most commonly yeast and bacterial vaginosis
Irregular periods
Muscle aches or pains
Sore throat and/or swollen glands
Painful mouth sores
Fever
Headache
Body rash
Unexplained fatigue
Muscle aches and pains

HIV is most commonly contracted through vaginal and anal sex. It may also be passed from mother to baby during childbirth. HIV can be managed with antiviral medications, however there is currently no cure for AIDS.

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Herpes (1 & 2) in women

Herpes is a viral STD that can’t be cured, however it can be managed. Did you know that cold sores are a form of herpes?

HSV-1 causes cold sores and can be contracted through kissing and/or oral sex. HSV-I may also cause genital herpes if someone who has a cold sore performs oral sex on a partner.

HSV-2 causes genital herpes and can be contracted through vaginal, anal and/or oral sex.

According to the World Health Organization, An estimated 3.7 billion people under age 50 (67%) have HSV-1 infection globally and an estimated 491 million people aged 15-49 (13%) worldwide have HSV-2 infection.

Incubation period: 2-12 days.

Caused by: A virus - Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Symptoms of herpes 1 & 2 in females may include:

Small, fluid-filled blisters that can appear in the genitals, groin, mouth, or any other area that came into contact with the virus
The blisters will progress into painful ulcers, and then scabs
Painful urination and intercourse
Swollen lymph nodes
Headaches, fever, and fatigue a few days after the initial infection
Intense itching or tingling prior to the development of the blisters

There is no cure for herpes 1 or 2, and in many cases there may be no symptoms, so you could unknowingly pass the virus on to a sexual partner. This is why it is so important to attend sexual health screenings regularly, or take an at home STD test. If you have been diagnosed with herpes, it’s important to know that while the virus is most contagious when symptoms are present, you can still infect a partner during a period of time when you are not showcasing any symptoms.

Syphilis in women

Syphilis is an STD that can be broken into four stages; primary, secondary, latent and tertiary. The symptoms will depend on how early the condition is diagnosed.

The outcome of your syphilis diagnosis depends on how long you’ve had syphilis and at which stage it was diagnosed and/or treated.

Incubation period: 3 weeks - 20 years (the incubation period depends on the stage of the syphilis diagnosis)

Caused by: Abacteria - Treponema pallidum

Symptoms of syphilis in females depend on the stage and severity of the condition.

Primary Syphilis

A sore, also called a chancre is the first sign of syphilis. A chancre is usually firm to touch, round and painless.

Primary syphilis is commonly caused by intimate skin-to-skin contact, specifically, contact with the chancre on the skin.

Usually a chancre is painless, and is not visible. During the primary stage, symptoms are rare, but if they do occur, you will likely locate a chancre.

Secondary Syphilis

Chancres generally take a few weeks to heal. If syphilis goes undiagnosed, and you develop secondary syphilis, a skin rash that can appear anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks after the primary chancre. This rash is usually reddish brown, and it can spread over the entire body, including the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. This skin rash typically heals without leaving scars.

Other symptoms during this stage can include:

Fever
Sore throat
Fatigue
Hair loss
Swollen lymph nodes
Weight loss
Irritability
Neck stiffness

Other symptoms may include headaches, fever, and/or lumps on the vagina.

Latent Syphilis

Latent syphilis, which is sometimes referred to as the hidden stage of syphilis, describes the period of time in which there are no symptoms of the condition, this period occurs 12 months following the initial infection.

This period can last anywhere from 1 to even 20 years. Some people experience a relapse of secondary syphilis during the latent stage.

Tertiary Syphilis

Tertiary syphilis often occurs in the years following infection. If the condition has not been diagnosed, it can affect the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints.

If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious health complications, but if diagnosed, the treatment will involve a fast acting injection which can easily remedy the condition.

Trichomoniasis in women

3.7 million people have trichomoniasis in the United States, however only 30% of people will develop symptoms according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Incubation period: 5-28 days.

Caused by: A parasite - Trichomonas vaginalis

Symptoms of trichomoniasis in females may include:

Itching and/or a burning sensation inside the vagina
Redness inside the vagina
Pain during sex
Irregular vaginal discharge
A fishy smell coming from the vagina
Itching or irritation of the anus
Unusual lumps or bumps around the genitals and/or anus
Pain during sexual intercourse

Trichomoniasis is one of the most common diagnosed STDs in women, it is mainly contracted through vaginal sex with an infected partner, and affects females more commonly than men. If left untreated, trichomoniasis can increase a woman’s risk of contracting HIV. The treatment for trichomoniasis is a course of antibiotics.

Ureaplasma in women

Most women have bacteria in both their cervical and vaginal secretions without experiencing any symptoms or negative side effects, however a bacterial imbalance in the vagina can lead to ureaplasma.

While ureaplasma bacteria naturally occur in the body, and rarely cause symptoms, it can become unbalanced and cause symptoms if left undetected or untreated.

Incubation period: 7 days - several months

Caused by: A bacteria - Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum

Symptoms of ureaplasma in females may include:

Irregular vaginal discharge
Pain during urination and/or sex
Irregular vaginal discharge

Ureaplasma is most commonly contracted through vaginal sexual contact with an infected partner. Typically a course of antibiotics will be prescribed to treat the condition.

Hepatitis in women

Hepatitis B (also known as hep B or HBV) belongs to a group of viruses that attack the liver.

Hepatitis B can be cntracted through unprotected sex, it may also be passed on via contaminated needles and from a pregnant woman to her baby during birth.

Incubation period: 60-150 days

Caused by: A virus - hepatitis b virus (HBV)

Symptoms of hepatitis b in females may include:

Pain in the abdomen
Fever
A change in appetite
Darker urine
Joint pain
Vomiting
Nausea
Fatigue or weakness
Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes (jaundice)

Hepatitis B doesn’t always cause symptoms and can pass in a few months without treatment (acute infection). Those who go untreated with a lifelong infection, and without appropriate treatment and care may experience liver damage and even death.

The above facts are not here to scare you. If you are practicing safe sex and are attending regular sexual health screenings, you are proactively doing what you need to do to protect your sexual well-being.

If you are sexually active, you should get tested once a year. Sexual health screening should become part of your yearly health and well-being routine.

Besides your yearly sexual health screening, there are also some other instances in which you should get tested, which include:

You have had unprotected sex
You are planning on having a family
Your partner has multiple sexual partners
You have multiple sexual partners
Your contraception has failed (the condom has broken or fallen off)

At this point, you may have never attended a sexual health screening, or you may not know how they work yet. Sexual health screenings are nothing to be scared of, and what’s more, now it’s possible to do a sexual health screening from home,the important thing to remember is that it’s not as scary as it seems!

Sexually transmitted diseases can be detected through blood, urine and swab tests.

If prevention methods have failed, early detection is the next best thing. There are a range of at home STD testing options which you can use to get answers from the comfort of your own home.

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How to prevent getting and STD

Always make sure that your partner wears a condom

Always make sure that your partner wears a condom and equally important, ensure that you and/or your partner knows how to put it on correctly.

Speak openly with sexual partner(s)

You may be filled with dread at the thought of speaking about your sexual history with a new partner but it’s important to know that they are being safe when it comes to their sex life so you can stay safe while having fun.

Keep track of your sexual partner(s)

Keeping track of your sex life is important in monitoring your sexual health. Each time you have sex, make a note of it, if you notice signs and symptoms, you will be better able to retrace your steps.

Get screened at least once a year

Whether you’re having a little or a lot of sex, you need to ensure that you are getting screened on a yearly basis. Sexual health screening should be just as regular as going to your physician or dentist for a check up, and once you do get screened on a regular basis, you will have far better peace of mind and confidence in the fact that you have nothing to worry about.

Interested in giving at-home STD testing a try? Read: 6 Best At-Home STD Test Kits in 2020.

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FAQ

When should I get tested for an STD?

The average incubation period for an STD is 3 weeks but when you should get tested for an STD will depend on the type of STD you believe you have contracted. The incubation period as outlined in the above article refers to the length of time it takes for your body to produce antibodies/develop physical symptoms of an STD. This means that if you had unprotected sex on Monday, and take an STD test the following Tuesday, you could receive a false negative. This means that you are still at risk. Refer to the incubation periods in the above article as a guide, but ensure that you visit a health professional if you are concerned about symptoms or a sexual experience.

How do I get tested for an STD?

You can visit a health professional in a healthcare setting or take an at home STD test. The STD that you have, or think you have will determine the type of testing required. Some STDs involve a physical examination and a blood test, others will require a urine sample or a swab test. Your symptoms and/or whether your previous sexual partners are aware of an STD they could be carrying will help to determine the type of testing that you require. In most cases, you can test with blood, urine, or swabs of the mouth or sex organs.

How long do the results of an STD test take?

Depending on the testing route you take, i.e whether you decide to visit your doctor or take an at home STD test, your STD results could take anywhere 2-5 days.

Are at-home STD tests accurate?

With current technology and testing options that exist on the market, you should expect to see the same level of accuracy as an STD test that takes place in a clinic. It is however important to keep in mind that the accuracy of the results of an at-home STD test is going to greatly depend on the accuracy of the samples that you collect.

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