Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), formerly known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections caused by microorganisms that are transmitted through intimate contact, so they should be avoided with the use of condoms. These infections cause very uncomfortable symptoms in the woman, such as burns, vaginal discharge, odor or sores in the intimate area.
When observing any of these symptoms, a woman should see the gynecologist for careful clinical observation, which may indicate infections such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia or gonorrhea, for example, or order tests. After unprotected contact, the infection may take some time to develop, which can take between 5 and 30 days, which varies by microorganism. For more information about each type of infection and how to confirm it, see all about STIs.
- Once the causal agent is identified.
- The doctor will confirm the diagnosis and advise on the treatment.
- Which can be performed 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 STIs and may be an infection caused by changes in the vaginal flora.
- Such as thrush.
- For example.
Some of the main symptoms that can occur in women with STIs include
Burning, itching, or pain in the vagina may result from skin irritation due to infection or sore formation, and may be accompanied by redness in the intimate area. These symptoms may be constant or worsen during urination or intimate contact.
Causes: Some STIs responsible for this symptom are chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, trichomoniasis or genital herpes, for example.
These symptoms don’t always indicate STIs, which can also be situations like allergies or dermatitis, so whenever these symptoms appear it’s important to go through the assessment of the gynecologist who can do the clinical examination and collect the tests to confirm the cause. Check out our quick test that helps indicate the cause of the vaginal itching and what to do.
Vaginal discharge from STIs tends to be yellowish, greenish, or brown, usually accompanied by other symptoms such as odor, burns or redness. It should be differentiated from physiological secretion, common to all women, which is transparent and odorless, and appears until about 1 week before menstruation.
Causes: STIs that often cause runoff include trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or thrush.
Each type of infection may have a flow with its own characteristics, which can be greenish yellow in trichomoniasis, or brown in gonorrhea, for example. Understand what each color of vaginal discharge can indicate and how to treat it.
In addition, it should be remembered that thrush, although it can be transmitted sexually, is an infection that is more associated with changes in the pH of the woman and in the bacterial flora, especially when it occurs frequently, so it is advisable to start conversations with the gynecologist about conditions. . ways to avoid it.
Pain during an intimate relationship may indicate infection, as STIs can cause injury or inflammation of the lining of the vagina. Although there are other causes for this symptom, it is usually the result of changes in the intimate area, so medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. In case of infection, this symptom may be accompanied by discharge and odor, but this is not a rule.
Causes: Possible causes include, in addition to injuries caused by chlamydia, gonorrhea, thrush, 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 include lack of lubrication, hormonal changes or vaginismus. Learn more about the causes of pain during intimate contact and how to treat it.
Odor in the vaginal area usually occurs during infections and is also associated with poor intimate hygiene.
Causes: STIs that can cause odor are usually caused by bacteria, such as bacterial vaginosis, caused by Gardnerella vaginalis or other bacteria. This infection causes a characteristic smell of rotten fish.
Learn more about what it is, the risks and how to treat bacterial vaginosis.
Genital sores, ulcers, or warts are also characteristic of some STIs, which may be visible in the vulvar region or may be hidden within the vagina or cervix. These lesions don’t always cause symptoms, they can get worse over time and, in some cases, even increase the risk of cervical cancer, so it’s recommended to make a regular assessment with your gynecologist to detect this change early.
Causes: Genital ulcers are usually caused by syphilis, lunar cancer, donovanosis or genital herpes, while warts are usually caused by the HPV virus.
Pain in the lower abdomen can also indicate an STI, as the infection can not only reach the vagina and cervix, but can also spread within the uterus, tubes, and even the ovary, causing endometritis or inflammatory disease. Pelvic.
Causes: This type of symptom can be caused by infections with chlamydia, gonorrhea, mycoplasma, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, bacterial vaginosis, or bacterial infections that can affect the area.
Learn more about worrying inflammatory pelvic disease and its risks to women’s health.
Watch the video below in which nutritionist Tatiana Zanin and Dr. Drauzio Varella talk about STIs and discuss ways to prevent and/or cure the infection:
It is important to remember that there are other STIs, such as HIV infection, that do not cause genital symptoms and can develop with various symptoms, such as fever, discomfort and headache, or hepatitis, which cause fever, general discomfort, fatigue, abdominal pain. , joint pain and rashes.
Because these diseases can quietly worsen to severe life-threatening conditions, it is important for a woman to be tested periodically for this type of infection while talking to a gynecologist.
Keep in mind that the main way to avoid getting sick is to use condoms and that other birth control methods do not protect against these infections. In addition to the male condom, there is the female condom, which also offers good protection against STIs. Ask questions and learn how to use the female condom.
In the presence of symptoms of an STI, it is very important to go to the gynecologist to confirm whether it is an infection, after examination or clinical tests, and to indicate appropriate treatment.
Although most STIs can be curable, treatment involves the use of drugs such as antibiotics, antifungals and antivirals, in the form of ointments, tablets or injections, depending on the type and microorganism that causes the infection, in some cases, such as HIV. , hepatitis and HPV, cure is not always possible. Learn how to deal with major STIs.
In addition, in many cases, the couple should also undergo treatment to avoid reinfection. Learn how to also identify STI symptoms in men.