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Do I Have an STD? (STD Symptoms in Women)

April 21, 2018

How much do you know about STDs and their symptoms?


According to the Centers for Disease Controls (CDC), 15-24 year olds make up half of all new STD infections in the United States and 1 in 4 sexually active women has an STD. These numbers can seem scary, and you may be worried that you have an STD.


The good news is that most STDs can be treated. But to be treated, you first have to know you have an STD. So what are the symptoms of an STD in women?


According to the CDC’s fact sheets about STDs, these are the most common symptoms for STDs in women:

  • Unusual discharge from vagina
  • Pain, itching or burning in vaginal area
  • A strong fish-like odor, especially after sex
  • Burning or pain when going to the bathroom
  • Rectal pain or itching
  • Rectal discharge or bleeding
  • Blisters or sores around the vagina or rectum
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods
  • Genital warts


Very often, though, women with an STD have no signs or symptoms or they mistake the symptoms for some other common problem (like a urinary tract infection or a yeast infection). So the STD goes untreated.


When STDs go untreated, women can develop something called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). The symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) are:

  • Pain in lower abdomen
  • Fever
  • An unusual discharge or bad odor coming from the vagina
  • Pain or bleeding when you have sex
  • Burning when you pee
  • Bleeding between periods


If PID is diagnosed early, it can be treated. But the longer you have PID without knowing it, the more damage it can do to your reproductive system, and that damage can’t be undone. So it’s really important to identify STDs and treat them as quickly as possible.


If so many women don’t have any symptoms of STDs, then how are you supposed to know you have one?

That’s a really good question, and this is why it’s so important to get tested. The only way to completely prevent STDs is to be in a mutually monogamous sexual relationship – that means you both only have ever had any kind of sex (oral, vaginal, anal, or mutual masturbation) with each other. If you or your partner has had any kind of sexual contact with more than one person, then you may be at risk for an STD. The only way to know for sure is to be tested.



At Collage, we care about you and want you to have all the information you need to take care of yourself and your sexual health. If you’re at risk for an STD, please know that we test and treat for some STDs at no cost to you. Call us and we’ll schedule a time for you to come in so we can answer your questions about STDs.

Has Nebraska Banned Abortion Completely After the 2024 Election?

January 2, 2025
Following the 2024 election, many people have questions about Nebraska's abortion laws and whether the state has enacted a complete ban. Abortion is not entirely banned in Nebraska. A proposed measure to add abortion to the state constitution failed during the 2024 election, while a separate measure that enshrined the current 12-week ban passed. What is the Law? The state currently allows abortion up to 12 weeks but with specific exceptions for certain circumstances. These exceptions include: Cases of rape or incest. Medical emergencies where the life of the mother is at risk or where continuing the pregnancy would result in irreversible physical harm. The legislation aims to balance restrictions with considerations for the health and safety of women under exceptional circumstances. What Does This Mean for Women in Nebraska? For women facing an unexpected pregnancy, Nebraska’s current abortion laws mean you have to be aware of the status of your pregnancy, especially for those who may not meet the legal exceptions. It’s important to seek timely medical confirmation of your pregnancy to understand your options. If you are unsure about how far along you are or have concerns about your pregnancy, seeking an ultrasound and professional advice can help clarify your situation and determine your next steps. Looking for Pregnancy Support? If you’re navigating an unexpected pregnancy and need support, Collage is here to help. We offer no-cost pregnancy services, including pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, and information on your options in a compassionate and confidential environment. Our team is dedicated to empowering women by providing accurate information and resources tailored to your needs. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can give you medical-based details on this option and others. You don’t have to face this alone. Contact Collage today to schedule your appointment and get the support you need during this time. * All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

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