STD Symptoms in Women

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Trichomoniasis Chancroid Gonorrhea Chlamydia Syphilis Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) & Genital Warts Ectoparasitic Infections Genital Herpes Go to Sections

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 concluded that almost 13 million people suffer from such diseases every year, and above 65 million cases are incurable. Almost half of those are between the ages 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 in women, if not treated early. Hence, STD screening is very essential for women who engage in sexual activities.

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

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

This is diseases is most common STD 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 unsafe 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. These symptoms may include 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.

Quick Advice on HIV Abstain from sex, or indulge in safe sexual behavior Get tested and treated at the earliest stage Avoid injecting drugs Use new and disposable needles and syringes Ensure use of HIV tested blood Eat Protein and Fiber rich foods

Trichomoniasis

This infection is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a single-celled protozoan parasite. In women, the most common site of infection is the vagina while in men it is the urethra. Mostly found in women between the ages of 16 to 35, it is transferred through sexual intercourse or vulva to vulva contact. The symptoms in men and women differ. However the occurrence of any signs and symptoms in men is rare. In case of an infection women may observe frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor, or experience discomfort during intercourse, itching of inner thighs, or vaginal or vulvar itching. In rare cases women may also experience lower abdominal pain. Trichomoniasis in pregnant women can result in premature pregnancy or babies with low weight. Trichomoniasis, if left untreated, can lead to HIV infection.

Quick Advice on Trichomoniasis Abstain from sexual activities Include garlic in regular diet Vinegar douches are extremely helpful Consume oat straw herb (not oatmeal we consume) Herbal teas, milk thistle, goldenseal, echinacea, tea tree oil and probiotic food are very useful

Chancroid

Chancroid is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Haemophilus ducreyi, a fastidious gram-negative coccobacillus. Women with this disease may observe painful sores on the genitalia and is known to spread only through sexual intercourse. Very few cases are diagnosed to bear this disease, but is a risk factor for HIV. This disease is more common in developing countries, low socio-economic groups, associated with commercial sex workers. People diagnosed of this infection are sited to have visited countries or areas where it has often occurred. Small bumps on the genitals are visible within a day to 2 weeks after being infected. However, these bumps transform into ulcers within a day after its appearance. These bumps are soft and painful, and has sharply defined borders covered with gray or yellowish-gray matter at its base. The appearance of these ulcers in women are mostly on the outer lips of the vagina. It may also be seen on the opposite side of the labia (termed as "Kissing ulcer"). In many cases, chancroid does heal on its own, but sometimes may last for months with frequent pain and draining.

Quick Advice on Chancroid Use colloidal silver to reduce pain Consume plenty of water Sitz bath with a mix of tea tree oil Goldenseal also proves to be useful Use vaginal douches with diluted tree tea oil Avoid carbonated beverages, citric juices, dairy products

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 found that over 1 million women are infected in the US alone, out of which few are also prone to Chlamydia (another STD infection). In nearly half of the infected women population, generally, there are no symptoms detected in the early stages of this disease. Symptoms, if detected, 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.

Quick Advice on Gonorrhea Sida Cordifolia is beneficial Intake garlic, viatmin c, zinc, vitamin k Avoid changes in partners Maintain sexual hygiene Wash private parts frequently Use colloidal silver to reduce infection

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. Approximately, 4 million women suffer from this infection in the US alone. These bacterium are found in the cervix and urethra, and can also settle in the throat or rectum. Majority of the infected women, do not show any symptoms, but an uterine cervix infection (cervicitis) is the most common one. While some women may also experience vaginal discharge or abdominal pain. This infection also can lead to pre-mature births in pregnant women. In infants, infected birth canals can cause this disease, which may lead to grievous eye damage or pneumonia.

Quick Advice on Chlamydia Use goldenseal, echinace, garlic, turmeric Saw palmetto berries help in urinary problems Birth control pills increase the risk Olive (Olea Europaea) herb helps fight germs Consume highly concentrated wild oregano Don't indulge in frequent sexual activities

Syphilis

This STD is caused due to spirochetal bacterium, also known as Treponema pallidum, which spreads through sexual contact. However, there are some cases when they are transmitted from a mother to her child (congenital syphilis). This is a highly contagious disease. This infection propagates in the moist, mucous-covered lining of the mouth or genitalia. There are three stages of syphilis: 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. Secondary Syphilis: In this stage syphilis can affect other organs of the body too. The symptom that is most commonly found in this stage of infection is skin rashes. Other symptoms may include sore throat, white patches in the nose, mouth and vagina, fever, hair loss, and headaches. Latent Stage: In this stage the ulcers become non-contagious, and may cause cardiac problems, development of large nodules, vision loss, loss in sensation or weakness, and deafness.

Quick Advice on Syphilis Abstain from sex, or indulge in safe sexual behavior Avoid sharing personal articles Mud baths can be one of the best alternatives Intake of garlic, viatmin b complex, zinc Kelp, astragalus, suma are also beneficial Acupuncture and acupressure can boost immune system

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. 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 from 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, on further testing, notices an outbreak of the genital warts (small, fleshy, raised bumps.

Quick Advice on Genital Warts Have aloe vera juice Consume papaya, pineapple, banana peel, figs Tape sap or papain to the skin Milkweed is also a helpful remedy Eat more asparagus, citrus fruits, eggs, and onions Green tea (4 cups/week) and garlic also helps

Ectoparasitic Infections

This type of infection is caused by tiny parasitic bugs like lice, itch mite, etc. These parasites affect the skin and hair, causing itching. There are two basic types of ectoparasitic infection. Pediculosis Pubis: This is a genital infection caused by the crab louse (Phthirus pubis). These pubic lice live on pubic or any other hair and cause itching, they are visible to the naked eye. Scabies: This type of infection is caused by a mite, which is not visible to the naked eye. These parasites cause itching several weeks after the infection and cause small bumps on those areas (hands, arms, trunk, legs and buttocks). The itching tends to worsen at night.

Quick Advice on Ectoparasitic Infections Disease caused by parasitic bugs Spread through close physical contact or sex Lice killing shampoo is recommended Wash bedding and clothing frequently with hot water Applying garlic oil or tea tree oil also proves beneficial

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 or bruises and travels to the spinal cord, where it may settle permanently. The people infected, exhibit lesions that develop after three to seven days of incubation. This is followed by itching or a tingling sensation, and then by redness or inflammation of the skin, resulting in a blister. These blisters 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 outbreak during sexual activities, they can also get transmitted to the partner.

Quick Advice on Genital Herpes Apply colloidal silver Consume vitamin c, zinc, thyme, liquorice and cayenne Aloe vera, manuka honey, black tea, baking soda prove useful Avoid touching it and maintain hygiene

Besides following a diet, there are some home remedies that can help in alleviating the pain resulting from an infection, however they are not a cure. There are few other STD symptoms that are observed in women, like Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Though the exact treatment for these diseases are unavailable, they 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.