Common STI symptoms in women

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can present themselves in a variety of ways in women, and sometimes do not cause any symptoms at all. Symptoms that do appear can be vague or easily confused with other conditions, like urinary tract or yeast infections. Despite having fewer noticeable symptoms, untreated STIs in women can have serious health effects, such as chronic pain or infertility. That is why regular STI testing is an important part of women’s health, even if you are experiencing mild or no symptoms. If detected in a timely manner, most STIs are easily treatable and have no long-term health effects. This article summarizes the most common STI symptoms in women. 

Table of Contents

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Trichomoniasis
• Syphilis
• HIV
• Hepatitis B
• Herpes

Chlamydia 

Chlamydia is the most common STI in the Netherlands, especially among people under 25. For women, chlamydia often causes no symptoms. In women, when symptoms occur, they may include:

• Pain or burning when urinating
• Pain or bleeding during or after sex
• Bleeding between periods
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Lower abdominal pain, sometimes with fever
• Inflammation of the pelvic area with fever
• Anal itching, pain, discharge, or bleeding
• Rarely, a throat infection after oral sex
• Joint problems

Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics. Untreated chlamydia can spread to the fallopian tubes and increase the risk of infertility or ectopic pregnancy.

Source: NVDV, 2026

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Gonorrhoea 

Gonorrhoea is a common bacterial STI caused by a bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. In women, gonorrhoea may cause no symptoms. In woman, possible signs include:

• Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Bleeding between periods
• Pain or irritation when urinating
• Irritation or itching around the anus
• Mucous or pus-like discharge during stool
• Sore throat

It is easily treated with antibiotics. Untreated gonorrhea can increase the risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancy, premature birth, and infection in the baby during delivery.

Source: NVDV, 2026

Trichomoniasis 

Trichomoniasis is a common STI caused by a parasite. In women, it may cause no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:

• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Greenish or frothy discharge
• Redness or irritation of the vagina or labia
• Pain when urinating

Trichomoniasis can be treated with antibiotics. Serious complications are rare, but it may increase the risk of HIV transmission and pregnancy complications, including premature birth. 

Source: NVDV, 2026

Syphilis 

Syphilis is a bacterial STI caused by Treponema pallidum. It is an STI that develops in stages, and symptoms may not always be noticeable. Possible signs include:

• A painless ulcer on or around the genitals, anus, or mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever, muscle pain, and fatigue
• A non-itchy rash, including on the palms and soles
• Patchy hair loss
• Vision loss, hearing loss or facial paralysis
• White-grey, wart-like skin lesions on the penis, anus, or vagina
  

Without treatment, syphilis can remain in the body for years and may eventually damage the heart, brain, spinal cord, bones, and other organs. Syphilis is treated with antibiotics.

Source: NVDV, 2026

HIV 

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that weakens the immune system and can lead to AIDS if untreated. While some people have no symptoms for a long time, possible symptoms include:

• Flu-like symptoms shortly after infection
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Fever or night sweats
• Diarrhea
• Shortness of breath
• Skin rash

It cannot be cured, but effective medication can suppress the virus and protect your health. Without treatment, HIV can severely weaken the immune system and lead to serious infections or certain cancers. 

Source: NVDV, 2026

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. Many people have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite or nausea
• Fever
• Pain in the upper right abdomen
• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine
• Pale stools
• Itching

Acute hepatitis B often clears on its own within six months. If the infection lasts longer then six months, it becomes chronic and can lead to long-term liver problems. Hepatitis B can be treated with medication that slows down the virus.

Source: NVDV, 2026

Herpes 

Herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV-1 usually affects the lips and face, while HSV-2 more commonly affects the genital area. Many people have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:

Herpes on the lips

• Burning or pain before blisters appear
• Small, painful blisters
• Scabs as the blisters heal
• Sometimes swelling or significant pain

Herpes of the penis, vagina, or anus

• Painful, burning blisters
• Possible severe pain during a first outbreak
• Recurring outbreaks are usually milder

Herpes on other parts of the body

• Blisters can appear on areas such as the buttocks or fingers
• With eczema, herpes may spread and cause fever or feeling unwell
• Eye herpes may cause redness, tearing, light sensitivity, and blurred vision

Once infected, the virus remains in the body and can become active again, for example during stress, illness, menstruation, or strong sun exposure. There is no cure for herpes, but medication can reduce symptoms and shorten outbreaks.

Source: NVDV, 2026

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