The tissue lining the vagina generally secretes fluids that keep the vagina moist and clean. A thin, white discharge from the vagina may be indicative of such secretions. This normal discharge may become more intense during times of sexual excitement, during pregnancy, and in women using the birth control pill or intrauterine device (also known as the IUD). It may also vary in quantity and consistency depending on when in your menstrual cycle it occurs. An infection may be present in a discharge that appears odd, especially if it is accompanied by discomfort during sexual activity, itching, or burning around the vagina. Consult this PDF if you detect an increase in discharge or a change in its color or consistency.
STDs: SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
Sexually transmitted diseases are infections that spread from one person to another during sexual contact, including anal or oral sex and sexual intercourse. Consult your doctor or go to an STD clinic where you will be treated in confidence if you believe you have contracted a sexually transmitted disease and/or if your partner has. Even when symptoms are mild, it is crucial to seek medical treatment right once because many of these disorders have a risk of significant damage to your reproductive systems. In addition, if a sexually transmitted disease is discovered in you, you will be required to tell any recent sexual partners because you could spread the condition to them.
AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome)
Up to 15 years
Symptoms
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the cause of AIDS. There could be a few symptoms at first. Other symptoms appear after a period of several years; these include recurring fever, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, fatigue, weight loss, swollen glands, skin blotches, and tumors. Confusion, forgetfulness, and concentration problems can occur occasionally.
Treatment
3–6 months following contact, a blood test will reveal the presence of HIV. To determine the extent and seriousness of the sickness, investigations will be conducted. Depending on the results, you may need to receive antiviral medication to stop the spread of the illness. Complications will be treated with antibiotics, antifungal, and antitumor medications. The prognosis for AIDS patients is getting better as additional medications are created.
Herpes
10 days or less
Symptoms
Usually, there is an itching sensation in the vaginal region, which is followed by a cluster of tiny, uncomfortable blisters. These can occasionally be seen on the thighs and buttocks as well.
Treatment
The antiviral medication acyclovir speeds up the healing of the sores and blisters. For as long as the blisters last and possibly after, you remain infectious to others.
Gonorrhea
2-10 days
Symptoms
Possibly symptomless in females. It could occasionally result in painful urination, abnormal vaginal or urethral discharge, or both. Lower abdomen pain may result from an untreated infection that is persistent and spreads to the uterus and fallopian tubes.
Treatment
An antibiotic course is the main form of treatment.
Syphilis
9-90 days
Symptoms
A highly infected, painless sore known as a chancre appears in the vaginal region or inside the vagina in the early stages. After a few weeks, this goes away. In the second stage, the palms and soles of the feet and the entire body develop a non-itching rash. Infectious wart-like masses around the mouth and/or anus as well as painless lymph gland swelling are other potential symptoms.
Treatment
Blood testing and sore sample collection are used to diagnose the condition. A series of antibiotic injections are the standard course of treatment. For two years following therapy, you will require routine blood tests to ensure that the disease has not returned.
Public ice
0-17 days
Symptoms
Most of the time, especially at night, there is a severe itching in the pubic area. Lice are brown and 1 to 2 mm long; you might be able to see them.
Treatment
The lotion or cream your doctor prescribes will kill lice and their eggs. Wash your clothing and bedding thoroughly.
Chlamydia
14-21 days
Symptoms
Usually causes few or no symptoms. An unusual vaginal discharge might be present. The fallopian tubes could get infected if the condition is left untreated. If you have a sexual partner who has non-specific urethritis, which is typically brought on by the chlamydia bacterium, you should be suspicious of the illness.
Treatment
Antibiotics are typically used as a treatment.
Trichomonas vaginitis
Variable
Symptoms
A greenish-yellow vaginal discharge that looks infected and frequently irritates the area around the vagina. Although painful, this infection is not harmful.
Treatment
An examination of a sample of vaginal discharge is used to confirm the diagnosis. Antiprotozoal drugs is the standard course of treatment.