What are the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in women?

Mar 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, I've been feeling something isn't quite right, and I'm worried I might have contracted a sexually transmitted disease. I would like to know, what are the typical symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in women?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as venereal diseases, are referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in medical terminology. Symptoms vary depending on the type and stage of infection, but several common symptoms generally occur.

Women may experience abnormal vaginal discharge, such as changes in color, odor, or increased volume. Different infections can cause distinct discharge characteristics, including changes in the nature, color, or smell of vaginal discharge, such as yellow or green discharge, or a foul odor.

Persistent itching or burning sensations in the vulvar area may occur, especially noticeable during urination, sometimes accompanied by pain. This discomfort may be caused by inflammatory irritation. Symptoms such as urgency, frequency, and pain during urination may also appear, resulting from pathogen irritation of the urinary system.

Red rashes, pimples, or wart-like growths may appear on certain parts of the body, particularly in the genital area. Pain or bleeding during sexual intercourse may occur, which could be due to contact bleeding caused by cervical inflammation, cervical erosion, or other conditions.

The incubation periods for different sexually transmitted diseases vary in length. Some infected individuals may not exhibit obvious symptoms but are still contagious. Therefore, relying solely on symptoms to determine infection is not reliable. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention for comprehensive gynecological examinations and relevant tests to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.