2 STD Signs In Women That Are Often Mistaken For Other Health Problems

Many people think that the signs of STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, are always obvious and have unique symptoms. The truth is that some STDs have absolutely no symptoms, and some some have similar symptoms to other health problems, which leads to incorrect at-home treatment. If you are sexually active or have been in the past, watch out for these STD symptoms that are often mistaken for other health conditions.

1. Bladder Pain or Pain During Urination

If you have had urinary tract infections in the past, often called UTIs, then you likely know the symptoms, which include burning during urination and pain in your urinary tract even when not urinating. If you had success in the past using a home treatment, such as drinking cranberry juice, then you may immediately try this tactic at the first sign of bladder pain. 

Be careful when self-diagnosing your bladder pain, because it could signal an STD and not the urinary tract or bladder infection you suspect. STDs that cause bladder pain include gonorrhea and chlamydia. Both are treatable and have the best chance of being eradicated easily without complications if they are diagnosed and treated before the infections become out of control. 

2. Increased Vaginal Discharge or Discharge with an Unusual Texture

Women who are prone to developing yeast infections may mistake unusual vaginal discharge for yet another yeast infection. They may then visit the local drugstore to purchase one of the many over-the-counter yeast-infection medications that are available today. 

Before you immediately diagnose yourself with a yeast infection, ask yourself the following questions: Are you taking antibiotics or did you just finish a course of them? Did your doctor examine your last episode of unusual discharge and declare it was definitely a yeast infection? Is the discharge thick and similar in texture to cottage cheese? If your answer is "no" to any of these questions, then you shouldn't assume that your discharge is being caused by a yeast infection. 

Some STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis, cause vaginal discharge that has an unusual texture, smell, or color. This means that what you suspect is a bad yeast infection could really be one of these serious STDs that need to be diagnosed and treated properly with prescription medication. Untreated STDs can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and even affect your fertility by damaging your reproductive organs. 

If you ever have bladder pain or unusual discharge, then never just assume it is a urinary tract infection or a yeast infection, even if you have experienced one of these health problems in the past. If you don't think you can afford an STD screening, then look for one of the many clinics that provide anonymous and free STD testing.