Out of all the diseases that have affected women’s health, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most rampant. STDs are scary because their symptoms appear slowly, and by the time you realise you have contracted it, chances are that you would have already spread it to someone else unknowingly. Even if you have no symptoms, that does not eliminate you from having STDs. Here are 5 of the most common STDs among women:
1. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common STD found among women. It is a bacterial infection that can be pretty hard to detect due to its symptoms. The symptoms for this would typically be pain when urinating, vaginal discharge, and pain during sexual intercourse. This can often be overlooked to be a yeast infection, a fungal infection that causes itch, unusual discharge and irritation of the vagina. Therefore, those with chlamydia have the possibility of spreading STD to their sexual partners unknowingly.
2. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhoea is said to be the oldest known STD around, and it is very similar to chlamydia. The symptoms would be pain during sexual intercourse, lower abdominal pain and unusual vaginal discharge that is either green or yellow. It can also affect the throat and be passed through oral sex. Furthermore, it can also affect the anus and the eyes, causing some conjunctivitis. For this condition, there is an inflammation or infection of the thin layer lines inside an eyelid.
3. Genital herpes
Herpes can be categorised into two types, HSV1 and HSV2. HSV2 is more known for its symptoms, including genital sores, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms and headaches. Herpes can be spread through genital-to-mouth contact and vice-versa, and women can infect their partners even if they are not going through a breakout due to genital herpes.
4. Hepatitis
Hepatitis comes in many different types, and hepatitis B is most commonly linked to sexual contact. Many symptoms entail due to it, including fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting and dark-coloured urine. It is also highly harmful to the liver and can cause scarring and even liver cancer in severe cases.
Conclusion
The effects of STDs are not to be played around with, as they are severe and can significantly affect your overall physical health. Therefore, practising safe and cautious sexual intercourse through contraceptives is essential to protect yourself.
There is usually a stigma regarding STDs whereby people might feel ashamed or embarrassed even to declare that they have contracted it and being reluctant to seek treatment. However, if you think you have contracted an STD, you must approach a professional healthcare provider and get it tested quickly, as its long-term effects can be detrimental to your health. Elyon Clinic provides facilities and services for patients who want to do an STD test in Singapore. Contact us at 6802 7208 to book your appointment today.
