- 1. Burning or itching in the vagina
- 2. Vaginal discharge
- 3. Pain during intimate contact
- 4. Bad smell
- 5. Wounds on the genital organ
- 6. Pain in the lower abdomen
- Other types of symptoms
- How to treat
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), formerly called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections caused by microorganisms transmitted during intimate contact, so they must be avoided with the use of condoms. These infections cause very uncomfortable symptoms in women, such as burning, vaginal discharge, bad smell or the appearance of sores in the intimate area.
When observing any of these symptoms, the woman should go to the gynecologist for a thorough clinical observation, which may indicate the presence of infections such as Trichomoniasis, Chlamydia or Gonorrhea, for example, or order tests. After unprotected contact, the infection may take some time to manifest, which can be around 5 to 30 days, which varies according to each microorganism. To learn more about each type of infection and how to confirm it, check out everything about STIs.
After identifying the causative agent, the doctor will confirm the diagnosis and advise on the treatment, which can be done with antibiotics or antifungals, depending on the disease in question. In addition, it is important to know that sometimes, some of the symptoms mentioned above are not directly related to STI, and may be an infection caused by changes in the vagina flora, such as candidiasis, for example.
Some of the main symptoms that can arise in women with STIs are:
1. Burning or itching in the vagina
The sensation of burning, itching or pain in the vagina can arise either from irritation of the skin due to the infection, or from the formation of wounds, and may be accompanied by redness in the intimate region. These symptoms can be constant or worsen when urinating or during intimate contact.
- Causes: some STIs responsible for this symptom are Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, HPV, Trichomoniasis or Genital herpes, for example.
These symptoms do not always indicate STI, which can also be situations such as allergies or dermatitis, for example, so whenever these symptoms appear it is important to go through the evaluation of the gynecologist who can do the clinical examination and collect tests to confirm the cause. Check out our quick test that helps indicate the cause of itchy vagina and what to do.
2. Vaginal discharge
The vaginal secretion of STIs tends to be yellowish, greenish or brown, usually accompanied by other symptoms such as a bad odor, burning or redness. It must be differentiated from the physiological secretion, common in every woman, which is clear and odorless, and appears up to about 1 week before menstruation.
- Causes: STIs that usually cause discharge are Trichomoniasis, Bacterial Vaginosis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea or Candidiasis.
Each type of infection can present discharge with its own characteristics, which can be yellow-green in Trichomoniasis, or brown in Gonorrhea, for example. Understand what each color of vaginal discharge may indicate and how to treat it.
In addition, it should be remembered that candidiasis, although it can be transmitted sexually, is an infection that is more associated with changes in the pH and the bacterial flora of women, especially when it appears frequently, and conversations with the gynecologist should be made about the conditions. ways to avoid.
3. Pain during intimate contact
Pain during an intimate relationship may indicate an infection, as STIs can cause injury or inflammation of the mucosa of the vagina. Although there are other causes for this symptom, it usually arises from changes in the intimate region, so medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. In infection, this symptom may be accompanied by discharge and odor, but it is not a rule.
- Causes: Some possible causes include, in addition to injuries caused by Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Candidiasis, in addition to injuries caused by Syphilis, Mole Cancer, Genital Herpes or Donovanosis, for example.
In addition to infection, other possible causes of pain in intimate contact are lack of lubrication, hormonal changes or vaginismus. Learn more about the causes of pain during intimate contact and how to treat it.
4. Bad smell
The bad odor in the vaginal region usually arises during infections, and they are also associated with poor intimate hygiene.
- Causes: STIs that can cause a bad smell are usually caused by bacteria, as in bacterial vaginosis, caused by Gardnerella vaginalis or other bacteria. This infection causes a characteristic odor of rotten fish.
Understand more about what it is, the risks and how to treat bacterial vaginosis.
5. Wounds on the genital organ
Wounds, ulcers or genital warts are also characteristic of certain STIs, which may be visible in the vulva region or may be hidden inside the vagina or cervix. These lesions do not always cause symptoms, they can get worse over time, and in some cases even increase the risk of cervical cancer, so periodic evaluation with the gynecologist is recommended to detect this change early.
- Causes: Genital ulcers are usually caused by Syphilis, Mole Cancer, Donovanosis or Genital Herpes, whereas warts are usually caused by the HPV virus.
Learn more about the dangerous HPV infection and how it can cause cancer of the cervix and vagina.
6. Pain in the lower abdomen
Pain in the lower belly may also indicate an STI, as the infection can reach not only the vagina and cervix, but also spread through the inside of the uterus, tubes and even the ovary, causing an endometritis or inflammatory disease. pelvic.
- Causes: This type of symptom can be caused in infections by Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Mycoplasma, Trichomoniasis, Genital herpes, Bacterial vaginosis or infections by bacteria that can affect the region.
Find out more about the worrying pelvic inflammatory disease, and its risks to women's health.
Watch the following video in which nutritionist Tatiana Zanin and Dr. Drauzio Varella talk about STIs and discuss ways to prevent and / or cure the infection:
Other types of symptoms
It is important to remember that there are other STIs, such as HIV infection, which do not cause genital symptoms, and can develop with varied symptoms, such as fever, malaise and headache, or hepatitis, which causes fever, malaise, tiredness, abdominal pain, joint pain and skin rashes.
As these diseases can worsen silently, until they reach severe conditions that endanger the person's life, it is important that the woman periodically undergo screening tests for this type of infection, talking to a gynecologist.
It must be remembered that the main way to avoid being sick is to use condoms, and that other contraceptive methods do not protect against these infections. In addition to the male condom, there is the female condom, which also provides good protection against STIs. Ask questions and learn how to use the female condom.
How to treat
In the presence of symptoms that indicate an STI, it is very important to go to the consultation with the gynecologist, to confirm if it is an infection, after clinical examination or tests, and indicate the appropriate treatment.
Although most STIs can be curable, the treatment involves the use of medications such as antibiotics, antifungals and antivirals, in ointments, tablets or injections, according to the type and microorganism causing the infection, in some cases, such as HIV, hepatitis and HPV, a cure is not always possible. Learn how to treat the main STIs.
In addition, in many cases, the partner also needs to undergo treatment to avoid reinfection. Know how to identify, also, the symptoms of STIs in men.
