Quality Care for Women’s STDs in Southern California

An STD is a sexually transmitted disease (also referred to as a sexually transmitted infection or STI). The disease is caused by a bacteria, virus, or parasite that is transmitted sexually.

Left untreated, some STDs cause serious health problems such as infertility or cancer. They can even be life-threatening. It’s important to seek treatment, especially if you are a woman. Women are more likely than men to develop serious complications from STDs.

Dignity Health Southern California doctors provide expert diagnosis and treatment for women’s STDs at convenient locations in Long Beach, Northridge, Downtown LA, Glendale, and in Inland Empire cities, San Bernardino, Fontana, and Highland. Find a Doctor near you today.

Common Women’s STDs & STD Symptoms

Common STDs include:

  • Genital warts (HPV, or human papillomavirus)
  • Chlamydia
  • Herpes
  • Gonorrhea
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Hepatitis
  • Scabies
  • Syphilis
  • HIV/AIDs
  • Chancroid
  • Trichomoniasis

You may have an STD with no signs or symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they may include:

  • Unusual vaginal discharge, including green, gray, white, yellow, and foul-smelling discharge
  • Rash
  • Pain, itching or burning in the genital region
  • Sores or unusual lumps or bumps in the genital area
  • Pain during sex
  • Painful urination
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Enlarged lymph nodes

Symptoms can vary depending on the type of infection.

Causes of Women’s STDs

You can get an STD from oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex, and sexual touching. Women who become pregnant may pass an STD to her child during pregnancy and at birth.

Treatment for Women’s STDs at Dignity Health Southern California

Don’t hesitate to seek treatment for an STD before it can cause long-term complications. Regular annual exams and STD screenings can also help catch STDs when you don’t have any symptoms.

Your doctor will talk with you openly, answer your questions, and help you weigh your treatment options. 

Some STDs, such as gonorrhea or syphilis, can be cured with antibiotic treatment. There is currently no cure for herpes, HPV, or HIV, but prescription medications can control symptoms and slow the progression of the infection. Because STDs are transmitted through sexual contact, your sexual partners may need treatment, too.

Vaccination can prevent some STDs such as hepatitis and HPV (human papillomavirus), which causes cervical dysplasia, genital warts, and cervical cancer. 

To help prevent STDs: 

  • Practice safer sex, including using barrier protection (such as latex condoms or dental dams) every time you have sex and limiting the number of sexual partners
  • Maintain a monogamous sexual relationship with someone who does not have any STDs
  • Practice abstinence, not engaging in any sexual activity with another person 

Your doctor at Dignity Health Southern California will work with you to create a personalized plan for treatment that meets your needs and preferences. Our goal is your optimal wellbeing.

Dignity Health is a leader in women’s health, offering comprehensive care and treatment for women’s STDs in Southern California.