What are STDs? Symptoms, testing and what can help

Get the lowdown on STD symptoms, the most common STDs, and why they can be more dangerous for women.

STDs are spreading fast – and women are most at risk 

What is an STD?

Why are STDs on the rise?

Why are STDs a bigger health risk for women?

What women say about having STDs

How to prevent STDs

When to see a doctor for an STD test 

Types of STD

Find out why STDs are spreading, why women are less likely to get symptoms, and how to spot the signs that mean you need a test. Plus how to prevent and treat infections, to cut your risk of long-term health problems.

## STDs are spreading fast – and women are most at risk 

Gonorrhea and syphilis might be conditions we think of as a worry for characters in a historical movie or novel. But there’s a shocking wave of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) sweeping through the US and UK – and more women are getting infected than men. 

“Women need to be extra careful that they protect themselves,” says [Dr Ann Nainan](https://www.livehealthily.com/team/medical/dr-ann-nainan), family doctor and Healthily expert.

Here’s what the latest US research says:

- __most STDs are on the rise, and are now at levels not seen since the 1950s__ – including well-known ones such as [genital herpes](/health-library/conditions/sexually-transmitted-infections/#types-of-std), and ones you might not have heard of, such as trichomoniasis. ([Chlamydia](/health-library/conditions/sexually-transmitted-infections/#types-of-std) seems to be the exception to the increases)
- __even during the socially distanced COVID-19 pandemic, 2.4 million cases__ of [gonorrhea](/health-library/conditions/sexually-transmitted-infections/#types-of-std),
chlamydia, [syphilis](/health-library/conditions/sexually-transmitted-infections/#types-of-std) and congenital syphilis (passed from mum to baby) were reported in 2020
- __early figures for 2021 show cases still rising__ – to 2.5 million


## What is an STD?

Here’s the basic info you need about STDs:

- they’re infections that are passed from person to person during sexual contact
- they can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites
- they're usually transmitted during vaginal, anal or oral sex
- some are passed on through genital contact or skin-to-skin contact
- if you have a certain STD while pregnant, you can pass them on to your baby

### STI vs STD

You may have heard or read the term ‘STI’, and wondered what the difference is between an STI and an STD. 

“STDs are the same thing as STIs,” explains Dr Ann. “STI stands for sexually transmitted infection.” Both terms are used to talk about infections that get passed from one person to another during sex. 

STI is actually more accurate, as it’s an infection that gets passed from person to person, rather than a disease. Many sexually transmitted infections won’t get to the ‘disease’ stage – because they don’t cause symptoms, or can be treated before they cause problems.

But the term STD has been around for longer, so more people have heard of it, and use it. So we use both terms, to help you find the information you’re looking for.


Get help with this

## Why are STDs on the rise?

Experts are still trying to figure out why STDs are rising in the US. But the theories include:

- __lack of awareness and lack of availability of testing__ – due to funding shortfalls and COVID-19. During the pandemic, lots of healthcare staff were redeployed to the COVID-19 response, so people couldn’t get tested and treated for STIs as easily
- __fewer people using condoms__ – the only birth control method that protects against STIs. There are several possible reasons for this. With so many [types of contraceptives](/sexual-health/15-different-types-of-contraception) on offer, some women may forget/not realize they need to use [condoms](/sexual-health/male-condoms) for protection against STIs. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination may lead to some people believing they’re protected against all STDs (they’re not), so they don’t bother with condoms. And women who’ve been through the [menopause](/health-library/conditions/menopause) may be forgetting or ignoring the fact they still need protection against STDs. Men who have sex with men (MSM) may be using condoms less due to the availability of pre-exposure antiretroviral medication – which can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex, but not other STDs 
- __more use of dating apps__ – some studies show that dating apps have increased people’s opportunities to have more sexual partners, and that risky sexual behavior (such as unprotected sex) may be more likely

![Hand holding condom which can be used to prevent STIs which can cause itching after sex](//images.ctfassets.net/iqo3fk8od6t9/wJdcOh0gcvRfFiphhOSYa/86f068bc2c61ea02e2d1f7e0a3a050a6/Hand_holding_condom.jpg)

## Why are STDs a bigger health risk for women?

“Women are often less likely to have STI symptoms than men, and our bodies can also make it more likely that we’ll get an infection,” explains Dr Ann. “Women might be more likely to confuse STI symptoms with other conditions, too.

“Plus, some women might feel there’s more stigma attached to them having an STD than there is for men – which may stop them from seeking testing or treatment. Women are sometimes judged more harshly than men for being sexually active. And STDs are still sometimes seen as a sign of ‘sleeping around’. But – and I can’t stress this enough – this simply isn’t true.”

### Women’s bodies are more easily infected

Here’s why:

- __your vagina is more vulnerable__ – the skin inside your vagina is thinner than the skin on a penis, and can get small tears in it during sex. This makes it easier for an infection to take hold
- __moist, warm environments__ – your vagina and pelvis create the right conditions for bacteria and viruses to breed
- __damage to the skin around your vagina can increase the risk__ – and some skin conditions that are more common in women, such as eczema, can cause this. The same can happen in the menopause, when lower hormone levels mean vaginal skin can become thin, fragile and tear more easily

### Symptoms are less easily picked up in women

“It can be more difficult for women to get tested and treated because they don’t realize they have an infection,” says Dr Ann.

- __you’re less likely to get symptoms__ – several STDs are less likely to cause symptoms in women. And if you don’t have symptoms, you may be less likely to get a test and treatment, and more likely to develop long-term complications
- __it can be harder to spot symptoms__ – you can’t easily see in the folds of your vulva or inside your vagina, while symptoms on a penis can be more obvious
- __you may think symptoms are down to something else__ – such as a [yeast infection (thrush)](/health-library/conditions/thrush). “A change in [vaginal discharge](/health-library/symptoms/abnormal-vaginal-discharge) or [vaginal itching](https://www.livehealthily.com/self-care/what-are-the-best-home-treatments-for-vaginal-itching) can be difficult to identify as a sign you need an STD test, particularly if you have a history of yeast infections or have been feeling itchy due to menopause,” says Dr Ann

### Women are at higher risk of serious health problems

“Because they may have no symptoms or mistake the symptoms for something else, there’s a risk that women will have untreated infections for longer,” says Dr Ann. 

“Sometimes, this can lead to long-term health problems – but if STDs are identified early, treatment can prevent this.”

Potential health problems from untreated STIs include:

- __[pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)](/health-library/conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease)__ – which can sometimes lead to [infertility](/health-library/conditions/infertility) and an increased risk of [ectopic pregnancy](/health-library/conditions/ectopic-pregnancy)
- __[cervical cancer](/health-library/conditions/cancer-of-the-cervix)__ – some types of HPV can cause this. Read more about HPV and how to protect yourself
- __higher risk of HIV__ – having syphilis, genital herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea or trichomoniasis increases your chances of getting HIV

### Pregnant women can pass infections to their babies

If you’re pregnant and have certain STDs – including genital herpes, syphilis and HIV – you can pass them to your baby. 

If left untreated, they can lead to serious complications. But treatments are available. 

Here’s what you need to know about pregnancy and STDs:

- __screening for some STIs is recommended for everyone__ – including syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B and hepatitis C
- __screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea is recommended for some people at risk of infection__ – so if you think you’ve put yourself at risk, ask for a test
- __some STIs can be treated during pregnancy__ – if they show up in screening tests, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomoniasis can all be treated and cured with antibiotics that are safe to take while you’re pregnant
- __others can be managed to reduce the risk of passing them on__ – viral infections such as herpes, hepatitis B and HIV can’t be cured, but in some cases can be treated with antiviral drugs to reduce the risk of the infection being passed to your baby



## What women say about having STDs

Despite being common, STDs can still have stigma attached to them. When diagnosed, some women say they feel embarrassed, shocked or ashamed. If they haven’t had symptoms, they may also be worried of the possible long-term effects of untreated infections.

### “Manageable and curable”

Sara*, now a medical professional, talks about the stigma after she was diagnosed with chlamydia and HPV when she was 20. 

“I had little to no information and felt very ‘dirty’ and that I had acted ‘slutty’… My then-partner dumped me, even after he tested negative.
“I hadn’t screened for HIV at the initial [doctor’s] visit, so I went to my university clinic – where the nurse raised her eyebrows at me and gave me a lecture. 
“As a medical professional myself years later, I realize that she was wrong to judge and should have encouraged me and my friends to screen regularly… stigma around STIs is harmful. I never say ‘clean’ or ‘dirty’. I want everyone to know that all STIs are manageable, and most are curable.”
Watch [this video from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dvmb9eUu0p4) to hear more women’s thoughts on sexual health and STDs.

## How to prevent STDs

“The best advice is not to have sex with a new partner without using a barrier method of protection – either a condom or a dental dam [a thin sheet that you place between your mouth and a vagina or bottom (anus) during oral sex],” says Dr Ann. 

“If you’re in a relationship where you no longer want to use condoms or dental dams, you could both get tested to check for STIs, and have a conversation about not having any other partners.”

Here are some simple rules to help you stay safe:

- __discuss STIs with your partner before having sex__ – this may not sound romantic, but neither is an STI
- __use a condom or dental dam every time you have sex__ – this won’t protect you against all [types of STD](/health-library/conditions/sexually-transmitted-infections/#types-of-std) as some can also be spread through skin-to-skin contact, but it will greatly cut your risk of infection
- __have fewer sexual partners__ 
- __get vaccinated against HPV if you’re eligible__ – read more about the HPV vaccine
- __get tested__ – and ask your partner to [get tested](/health-library/conditions/sexually-transmitted-infections/#when-to-see-a-doctor), too – especially if you think you’ve been exposed
- __see a doctor straight away if a partner tells you they’ve been infected__ – and don’t have sex until you’ve both been treated and the infection has gone

### Risk factors for STDs

You’re more likely to get an STD if:

- You have unprotected sex with multiple sexual partners 
- you have a sexual partner who has been treated for an STI
- you’re sexually active and under 25 – in the US, half of all STIs happen in people in this age group
- you’re a sex worker, or have had sexual contact with a sex worker


## When to see a doctor for an STD test 

If you don’t have symptoms, but any of the following apply:

- you’ve had unprotected sexual contact with someone new, or multiple partners – this includes vaginal, anal and oral sex, and also intimate skin-to-skin contact, as some STDs can be passed on in this way
- a condom has broken during vaginal or anal sex 
- a current or previous sexual partner has symptoms of or is diagnosed with a STD

If you have any of these symptoms:

- unusual discharge from your vagina, anus or penis
- pain or burning when you pee
- unusual vaginal bleeding
- lumps, skin growths, blisters, sores or a rash around your vagina, anus or penis
- warts on your vagina, anus, penis, mouth or throat

### STD testing

If you’ve got symptoms, your doctor may want to examine you.

What tests they do will depend on your symptoms and/or the type of STD they’re checking for. These tests can include:

- vaginal swab
- blood test
- pee (urine) sample in men

In some cases, you’ll get the results right away. But other samples need to be sent off to a lab and may take a few days to come back.

### STD treatment

Treatment will depend on which type of STD you have, but will usually include [antibiotics](/health-library/drugs/antibiotics-penicillins) or antivirals.

Your doctor will advise you about when it’s safe to have sex again – and the importance of telling partners, so they can get treated, too.

You can read more treatments for different types of infections in our STD guide.

![Antibiotics in pill capsule form against pink background](//images.ctfassets.net/iqo3fk8od6t9/1mYpQmXg9Ni31mPIPFk3Bn/8700fac8b1c9cd142ba137bdb9e326ff/Antibiotics.jpg)



## Types of STD

There are more than 20 types of STD, including:

### Chlamydia
- the most common STD in the US, it’s caused by bacteria
- for most women it doesn’t cause any symptoms
- that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get tested, as it can lead to long-term health problems if left untreated

Read more about [chlamydia](/health-library/conditions/chlamydia) including the risks for women and how it’s treated.

### Genital herpes

- another common STD, it’s caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV)
- it often causes no symptoms, or symptoms so mild you don’t notice them 
- if you do get symptoms, these are typically small bumps or blisters around your vulva, vagina or anus

Find out more about genital herpes, including how you catch it and how it can be managed.

### Genital warts

- you can get genital warts if your body doesn’t clear certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV)
- they’re another very common STD
- they can be single or multiple bumps in your genital area

Read more about [genital warts](/health-library/conditions/genital-warts) including what they look like and how they’re treated.

### Gonorrhea

- rates of gonorrhea are rising fast in the US, and women are more likely to get it
- if left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues, including fertility problems
- it can be treated with antibiotics, but drug resistance is growing – watch [this CDC video about antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea
](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=00--epqpVps)
Read more about gonorrhea, including symptoms to look out for and getting tested.

### HIV
- the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) weakens your immune system – if untreated, it can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- it’s spread by sharing infected needles, as well as through unprotected sex
- there’s no cure, but treatments can effectively manage it

Read more about [HIV and AIDS](/health-library), including symptoms, prevention and treatment.

### Human papillomavirus (HPV)

- this is a large group of viruses that can affect the moist membranes in your body, including in the entrance to your womb (cervix), anus and throat 
- it’s extremely common, but doesn’t usually cause any symptoms
- some types of HPV can cause genital warts and, more rarely, certain types of cancer

Read more about HPV, including how to protect yourself with vaccination and regular screening.

### Pubic lice 
- also known as ‘crabs’, these tiny insects are usually spread through sex, but can also be passed on through close body contact
- they can live on your pubic hair, armpit hair, eyebrows and eyelashes
- they cause itching and can lay eggs, so need treatment with lotion from a doctor or pharmacist

Read more about [pubic lice](/health-library/conditions/pubic-lice) including how to get rid of them.

### Syphilis
- although syphilis affects more men than women, cases in women are rising
- symptoms can be similar to several other health conditions, so it can be hard to spot
- there are different stages, each with its own symptoms, and late stages can cause serious health problems

Read more about [syphilis](/health-library/conditions/syphilis) including treatment and prevention.

### Trichomoniasis
- you may not have heard of it, but it affects a lot of people – and it’s much more common in women
- it’s caused by a parasite called trichomonas vaginalis
- if left untreated, it can sometimes lead to long-term health problems

Read more about trichomoniasis, including symptoms and how it can be treated with antibiotics.

*Name has been changed. Quotes are the views of the authors of these statements, and aren’t necessarily the views of Healthily, its medical team or writers.


Your health questions answered

error

 There was an error when submitting your feedback – have a screen break then try again in a few minutes.

Oh no, something’s gone wrong

ANY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS?

initial

This isn’t helpful

This isn’t relevant

Something is wrong

This isn’t accurate

Please select one.

loading

success

We're listening – we use your feedback to improve your experience, and make our content more helpful.

Thank you for your feedback

References

Jo Waters

Colette Harris

Susie Parker

Dr Ann Nainan

Dr Aleem Qureshi

Article information

All of Healthily's articles undergo medical safety checks to verify that the information is medically safe. View more details in our <a href="/safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">safety page</a>, or read our <a href="/legal/editorial-policy-principles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">editorial policy</a>.

Find out why common STDs can lead to long-term health problems if left untreated – and what you can do to protect yourself.