STD Symptoms in Women

Approximately 200 to 400 million people all over the world are affected by STD every year. Studies by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services conclude that almost 13 million people suffer from this disease every year and above 65 million of them are incurable. Almost half of them are from the age group of 15 to 24 years.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are transmitted between humans through sexual contact. This is also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or Venereal Diseases (VDs). There are many diseases that are spread through sexual contact, namely HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, human papillomavirus, hepatitis B, trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis. It has been found that these STDs have severe effects if not treated early, especially in women. Hence, STD screening is very essential before one engages in sexual activities.

Here are some STD symptoms in women that would help you know if a person is infected.

Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
This is one of the diseases that has been traced in abundance in people, and is caused due to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This virus weakens the immune system of an individual, thus making him prone to infections as well as certain cancers. The disease spread is through sexual contact, by sharing needles or congenital. The infected person may not exhibit any particular symptoms but may feel sick after a period of two to four weeks. This sickness may consist of fever, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, sore throat or painful lymph nodes. Serious ramifications include weight loss, unusual infections or cancers, dementia and death. When the infection manifests in the form of severe symptoms, the syndrome is referred to as AIDS.

Gonorrhea
This infection is caused by bacterium known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae and is the second largest STI found in the U.S. This infection grows vigorously in the throat, eyes and rectum. It is also found that over 1 million women are infected by this, out of which few are also prone to Chlamydia (another STD infection). Generally, there are no symptoms detected at the early stages of the disease, in nearly half of the infected women population. Symptoms of this infection may include a burning sensation while urinating, frequent urination, a yellowish vaginal discharge, redness and swelling of the genitals. If this infection is not treated, it could lead to a serious pelvic infection with inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Symptoms of gonorrhea and other signs of abnormal immune function can lead to severe complications, if left untreated.

Chlamydia
This species is pathogenic and are obligate intracellular parasites i.e. genus of bacteria, also known as Chlamydia trachomatis. This is the major causative agent of infectious blindness all over the world. These are similar to gonorrhea, in terms of their contagious nature and symptoms. An approximate figure of 4 million women suffer from these infections. These bacterium are found in the cervix and urethra, and can also settle in the throat or rectum. Majority of the women suffering this, do not show any symptoms, but the uterine cervix infection (cervicitis) is the most common one. While some of them may also experience vaginal discharge or abdominal pain. Urinary tract infection is a common symptom of urethra. This includes symptoms like pain while urinating or an increased frequency in urination. This is generally associated with pre-mature births. In infants, infected birth canals can cause this disease, which may lead to grievous eye damage or pneumonia.

Syphilis
This STD is caused due to spirochetal bacterium, also known as Treponema pallidum, which spreads through sexual contact. However, there are some cases where they are transmitted from a mother to her child (congenital syphilis). This is a highly contagious disease. This infection burrows in the moist, mucous-covered lining of the mouth or genitalia. There are three stages of syphilis:

   1. Formation of ulcer (chancre): These chancre can infect another person if the person comes in contact with that particular part. For example, if the ulcer is present in the mouth, kissing can lead to the transmission of the bacteria in the other person.
   2. Secondary Syphilis: In this stage it can affect many other organs of the body. The symptoms that are most commonly found in these infected people are skin rashes. Other symptoms may also include sore throat, white patches in the nose, mouth and vagina, fever, hair loss, and headaches.
   3. Latent Stage: In this stage the ulcers become non-contagious, and cause many other problems like heart problems, development of large nodules, sight deterioration, problems with sensation or weakness, and deafness.

Genital Herpes
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is the cause of this viral infection i.e. genital herpes, which is transmitted through close contact with the mucous-covered linings. These refer to the linings of the mouth or the vagina or the genital skin. This virus enters through microscopic cuts and travels to the spinal cord, where it may settle permanently. The people infected exhibit lesions, that develops after three to seven days of an incubation period. This is followed by itching or a tingling sensation, and then by redness of the skin resulting in a blister. These blisters and ulcers cause a lot of pain when touched. These are contagious right from the itching phase to the healing of the blister. However, in case of an out break during sexual activities, they can also get transmitted to the sex partner.

Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) and Genital Warts
In this type, the papillomavirus infects the epidermis and mucous membrane of genitalia, and has a total count of almost 130 types. In women, it can cause cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina and anus, while in men it can lead to anus and penile cancer. This is currently considered to be one of the most common infections in the United States, with at least 75% of the reproductive-age population suffering of it. Majority of these infected people develop no symptom or lesion, but can be detected only through genetic material (DNA) of the virus. This kind of infection is not completely curable. It can be diagnosed only if the physician, in further testing, notices an outbreak of the genital warts (small, fleshy, raised bumps).

Ectoparasitic Infections
This type of infection is caused by tiny parasitic bugs like lice, scabies, etc. These parasites affect the skin and hair, causing an itching sensation. There are two basic ectoparasitic infection under this domain.

    * Pediculosis Pubis: This is a genital infection caused by the crab louse (Phthirus pubis). These pubic lice live on pubic or any other hair which cause itching, and are visible to the naked eye.
    * Scabies: These type of infection are caused by a mite, which are not visible to the naked eye. These parasite cause itching after several weeks and cause small bumps in those areas (hands, arms, trunk, legs and buttocks). These itches worsen at night.

There are few other STD symptoms that are traced in women, like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Chancroid (a rare disease in North America). These diseases can be avoided by taking precautionary measures like using condoms during sex, STD testing, etc. Recognizing these symptoms at an early stage proves highly beneficial and can help in reducing the fatality rate.