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.

My Friends Are Telling Me to Abort, But I'm Not Ready

June 4, 2025
An unexpected pregnancy can leave you with more questions than answers. Especially when friends are urging you to choose abortion, you may be more confused than ever. While their advice might come from care or fear, it’s essential to remember this is your pregnancy, future, and choice. At Collage, we’re here to help you navigate this pressure and find a path that feels right for you so that you can feel informed and confident about your decision. Reach out to us today for no-cost support. Listen to Your Instincts Your friends might be an important part of your life, but your instincts matter most. If abortion doesn’t feel right, take a moment to ask: What’s holding me back? Maybe you’re picturing parenting your child or are curious about adoption. It’s also important to keep in mind that abortion is a serious procedure that your friends may not fully grasp the details of. Physical and emotional risks are involved, making it a more complex decision. Your hesitation is a sign to slow down and explore, not to rush into a choice you’re not ready for. Talk It Out If your friends keep pressing, try a gentle conversation. Let them know you understand they’re worried, you’re not sure about abortion yet. Ask what’s driving their advice. Maybe they’re scared about your finances or future. Maybe they’re simply telling you what they’d do in your situation, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Understanding their side can ease tension without giving in. If they won’t respect your space, set boundaries and let them know you need time to think. You don’t owe them an immediate answer. Find Your Support Surround yourself with people who’ll lift you up, not pull you down. Write down your thoughts or talk to someone neutral. You can find a counselor or even online spaces where you can share your heart with those who won’t push one option over another. Even a trusted family member, a mentor, or a place like Collage can offer perspective without strings. You deserve to make this decision with clear facts and a steady heart, not under pressure. Help is Available If your friends are pushing abortion but you’re not ready, Collage is here with no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, and pregnancy options education to help you decide what’s next. Our trained team offers confidential support to explore parenting, adoption, or abortion without pressure. Contact us for a no-cost appointment today. You deserve to choose your own path.

Hiding My Pregnancy: Would Abortion Be an Option?

May 21, 2025
An unexpected pregnancy can flip your world upside down, and the urge to keep it under wraps might hit hard. Maybe you’re thinking abortion could erase the situation quietly.

What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025
What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty.  Schedule a confidential appointment today.
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