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STD Symptoms in Women: Signs, When to Test and Where in Salt Lake City

Updated · Sources are cited in the text

STD Symptoms in Women: Signs, When to Test and Where in Salt Lake City

This page is general health information, not medical advice. It cannot tell you whether you have an infection. A clinician can, and the testing options on this site are a good place to start.

Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cause no symptoms at all. Others cause signs that look a lot like a yeast infection, a urinary tract infection or a normal change in your cycle. That is why symptoms alone are an unreliable guide, and why testing is the only way to know what is going on.

This guide explains the symptoms of STDs in females, which ones are worth getting checked, how infections can affect the reproductive system, and when to see a clinician the same day. It also lists free and low-cost places to get an STD test for women in Salt Lake City.

Key takeaways

  • Many STIs in women cause no symptoms. The CDC says chlamydia and gonorrhea often have none, so a lack of symptoms does not tell you what a test would show.
  • Unusual discharge, burning when you urinate, pelvic pain, pain during sex, bleeding between periods, sores or bumps are all reasons to talk with a clinician.
  • The CDC and the USPSTF recommend yearly chlamydia and gonorrhea screening for sexually active women under 25, and for older women with risk factors.
  • Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can affect future fertility. Bacterial STIs are curable with treatment from a clinician.
  • Severe pelvic pain, fever with pelvic symptoms, or any symptoms during pregnancy deserve same-day care.
  • Salt Lake City has several low-cost options, including the Salt Lake County Health Department STD clinic and sliding-scale health centers.

In this guide

  1. Why many STIs show no symptoms
  2. Signs that may point to an STI
  3. Pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility
  4. When to see a clinician the same day
  5. What an STD test for women involves
  6. Where to get tested in Salt Lake City
  7. Privacy, partners and next steps
  8. Sources

Why Many STIs Show No Symptoms

The most important fact about STD symptoms in women is that there often are none. The CDC states that most people with chlamydia have no symptoms, and the same is true for many people with gonorrhea. The CDC also reports that about 70 percent of people with trichomoniasis have no signs or symptoms.

For women, this happens partly because infections can sit in the cervix, where nothing is visible or felt. Mild signs are also easy to explain away. A change in discharge may be blamed on hormones. A little burning may be blamed on a urinary tract infection.

This does not mean something is wrong with you for missing it. It means the body does not always send a signal. Screening exists for exactly this reason.

Why this matters for your health

An infection without symptoms can still be passed to a partner. It can also still cause harm over time. The CDC notes that untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea in women can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, covered below.

The good news is that finding an infection early usually means simpler care. The CDC says chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomoniasis can be cured with treatment from a clinician.

What is common in Salt Lake County

Utah IBIS-PH, the state health data portal, reports 2022 rates for Salt Lake County of 479.7 chlamydia cases per 100,000 people and 166.4 gonorrhea cases per 100,000 people. Statewide, the 2022 rates were 328.7 and 91.2 per 100,000. For primary and secondary syphilis, the county rate was 13.7 per 100,000, compared with 7.0 for Utah overall.

These numbers count reported cases. They do not describe any one person's risk. They do show that testing is a routine part of health care in this community.

Signs That May Point to an STI

Symptoms of an STD in a female body vary by infection and by where the infection is. Many of the signs below also have common non-STI causes. Only a clinician and a test can tell the difference.

Changes in vaginal discharge or odor

Discharge that looks, smells or feels different from your usual can be linked to trichomoniasis, chlamydia or gonorrhea. It can also come from bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection, which are not classed as STIs in the same way. Because they overlap, guessing and self-treating can delay the right care.

Burning or pain when you urinate

Pain with urination is a common sign of a urinary tract infection. The CDC also lists it among possible signs of chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. If it comes with new discharge or pelvic pain, mention both to your clinician.

Bleeding between periods or after sex

Spotting between periods or bleeding after sex can be linked to cervical infection with chlamydia or gonorrhea. It can have many other causes, including hormonal birth control and cervical changes. It is worth raising with a clinician rather than waiting.

Pelvic or lower abdominal pain, and pain during sex

A dull ache or tenderness in the lower belly, or pain during intercourse, can be a sign that an infection has moved higher in the reproductive tract. The CDC lists lower abdominal pain and pain with sex among the signs of PID. These symptoms deserve prompt attention.

Sores, bumps, blisters or itching

Several infections can cause changes on the skin of the genitals, anus or mouth:

  • Genital herpes: The CDC describes painful blisters or sores that may break open. Many people have mild signs or none.
  • Syphilis: The CDC describes a first sore, called a chancre, that is usually firm, round and painless. It can be easy to miss, especially inside the vagina or anus. Later stages can cause a rash, including on the palms and soles.
  • Genital warts: The CDC says some types of HPV cause warts, which are small bumps or clusters of bumps.
  • Pubic lice and scabies: These cause itching and are treated by a clinician or pharmacist.

Flu-like symptoms or a rash

The CDC says some people notice fever, tiredness, swollen glands or a rash in the weeks after an HIV exposure, though many have no symptoms. These signs are not specific to HIV. A test is the only way to learn more.

Throat and rectal symptoms

Gonorrhea and chlamydia can infect the throat and rectum. The CDC says these infections often cause no symptoms. When they do, signs can include a sore throat, rectal pain, discharge or bleeding. Testing is based on the kinds of sex you have, not only on genital symptoms. Tell your clinician which sites may have been exposed so they can choose the right swabs.

If you have no symptoms

Having none of these signs does not tell you anything about whether a test would find an infection. Screening recommendations are based on age, sexual history and pregnancy rather than on symptoms. They are explained in the testing section below.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and Fertility

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries. The CDC says it often happens when bacteria, including those that cause chlamydia and gonorrhea, travel up from the cervix. Not every case of PID comes from an STI, but untreated STIs are a recognized cause.

What the CDC says about long-term effects

The CDC states that PID can cause lasting problems, including chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus) and difficulty getting pregnant. This is a possibility, not a certainty. Many people who have an untreated infection never develop PID.

The CDC also says that PID can be mild or have no clear signs, so damage can occur before someone realizes anything is wrong. Early treatment lowers the chance of complications.

What this means in practice

If you want to protect your future fertility, regular screening and prompt care for symptoms are the tools the CDC points to. A clinician prescribes the treatment for PID. If you have been treated for an infection, follow the clinician's instructions about finishing treatment and about when to retest.

If you are worried about fertility after a past infection, a clinician can talk through what is known and what evaluation might help. Past treatment for chlamydia or gonorrhea does not mean you cannot have children.

When to See a Clinician the Same Day

Most STI concerns can be handled with a routine appointment. Some situations call for faster care. Contact a clinician the same day, or go to urgent care or an emergency department, if you have:

  • Severe or sudden pain in your lower belly or pelvis.
  • Fever or chills together with pelvic pain, unusual discharge or pain during sex.
  • Nausea or vomiting along with lower abdominal pain.
  • Pelvic pain, bleeding or new symptoms while pregnant, or if you might be pregnant.
  • Painful sores together with fever, trouble urinating or severe pain.
  • Fainting, dizziness or heavy bleeding.

The CDC advises that anyone with possible PID symptoms be evaluated promptly, because early treatment matters. If you cannot reach your usual clinic, urgent care can begin an evaluation. In an emergency, call 911.

If you were recently exposed

If you think you were exposed to HIV in the past 72 hours, the CDC says post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) works best when started as soon as possible, within that window. A clinician decides whether it is appropriate and prescribes it. Call a clinic, urgent care or an emergency department promptly.

The CDC's 2024 doxy-PEP guidance, which covers a preventive antibiotic taken after sex, applies to men who have sex with men and transgender women who have had a bacterial STI in the past 12 months. The CDC says there is not enough evidence to recommend it for cisgender women. A clinician can talk through what is right for you.

What an STD Test for Women Involves

An STD test for women is usually simple. Depending on what you and your clinician decide, it may include a urine sample, a swab of the vagina, throat or rectum, and a blood draw. The CDC says a vaginal swab is the preferred sample for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing in women, and you may be able to collect it yourself in the clinic.

Who the guidelines say should be screened

  • Chlamydia and gonorrhea: The CDC (2021 STI Treatment Guidelines) and the USPSTF recommend yearly screening for sexually active women under 25. They also recommend screening for older women with risk factors, such as a new partner, more than one partner, or a partner with an STI.
  • HIV: The CDC recommends that everyone ages 13 to 64 be tested for HIV at least once, and more often if they have ongoing risk.
  • Syphilis in pregnancy: The CDC recommends syphilis screening for all pregnant people at their first prenatal visit. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services says Utah Code 26B-7-216 requires syphilis screening for pregnant patients within 10 days of their first exam. The CDC and state guidance may call for more screening later in pregnancy, so ask your prenatal clinician.
  • Hepatitis B and C: The CDC recommends hepatitis B testing at least once for adults and hepatitis C testing at least once for adults, plus during each pregnancy for hepatitis C. A clinician can tell you whether more testing applies.
  • Herpes: The CDC does not recommend routine herpes blood testing for people without symptoms. If you have sores, a clinician can test the sore directly. Ask a clinician whether a blood test makes sense in your situation.
  • HPV and cervical cancer: Cervical cancer screening, with Pap tests, HPV tests or both, is recommended by the USPSTF for ages 21 to 65. This is separate from STI testing, and an HPV test is not a general STI check. Ask whether you are due.

Window periods

A test taken too soon after exposure may not detect an infection. For HIV, the CDC says a lab antigen and antibody test using blood from a vein can usually detect HIV 18 to 45 days after exposure. A finger-prick antigen and antibody test can take 18 to 90 days. A nucleic acid test can detect HIV 10 to 33 days after exposure.

For other infections, the CDC does not publish one simple window that fits every test. A clinician can advise when to test and whether to retest. If you test early because you have symptoms or a recent exposure, ask about repeat testing later.

What to expect from results and treatment

A negative result means the test did not detect that infection at the time it was done. A positive result means a clinician can talk with you about next steps. The CDC says chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomoniasis can be cured with treatment prescribed by a clinician. HIV and herpes cannot be cured, but both are treatable, and HPV is often cleared by the body and has manageable effects. A clinician will explain your options.

Where to Get Tested in Salt Lake City

You do not need symptoms, a referral or a reason to ask for testing. For a full local list with more detail, see our guide to STD testing in Salt Lake City and where to get tested. You can also use the CDC's GetTested locator to find sites by ZIP code.

Salt Lake County Health Department STD Clinic

The Salt Lake County Health Department runs an STD and infectious disease clinic at 610 South 200 East (enter from 200 East) in Salt Lake City. The county lists the phone as 385-468-4242, with the STD Prevention Program at 385-468-4185. Hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the clinic opens at 1:00 PM on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Details are on the county clinic page.

According to the county's testing page, testing is available to anyone 14 or older, and walk-ins are accepted when possible. Appointments shorten the wait. The published fees are:

  • Office visit: $60 for Salt Lake County residents, $80 outside the county. There is no office visit fee if you are testing only for HIV.
  • Chlamydia or gonorrhea: $40 per site tested.
  • Syphilis: $40.
  • HIV blood test: $50.
  • Rapid HIV test: free to high-risk individuals while grant funds last.

The county says the clinic cannot bill health insurance, so plan to pay the listed fees. The clinic also lists PrEP and doxy-PEP among its services. Ask a clinician whether they apply to you.

Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, Salt Lake Health Center

This center is at 654 S 900 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, phone (801) 322-5571. The CDC GetTested listing says an appointment is required, that insurance and Medicaid are accepted, and that fees are on a sliding scale. It lists testing for HIV, hepatitis B and C, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, plus HPV vaccination and PrEP navigation. The listing does not give hours, so check with the center.

Community Health Centers, Inc.

Community Health Centers, Inc. is a federally qualified health center network with two Salt Lake City sites on the CDC GetTested directory:

Both listings say insurance, Medicaid and Medicare are accepted, fees are on a sliding scale, and eligibility should be confirmed with the organization. Both list testing for HIV, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. Hours are not listed, so call first.

University of Utah Health, Redwood Health Center

The Redwood Health Center HIV PrEP Program is at 1525 W 2100 S, (801) 213-9900. The CDC listing shows testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, PrEP navigation, and HPV and hepatitis vaccines. It says insurance is accepted and PrEP is available for people without insurance. Hours are not listed, so check with the clinic.

University of Utah Student Health Center

The Student Health Center is at 555 Foothill Dr, Level 1, phone 801-581-6431. It offers HIV and STI testing by appointment, with or without symptoms, and says a visit fee and lab charges apply. It also says Campus Wellness mobile clinics offer free HIV, gonorrhea and chlamydia testing for people without symptoms. The page does not say whether people who are not students can use the center, so call to ask.

Utah Naloxone (Andy's Wellness Center)

Utah Naloxone is a harm reduction program at 525 East 100 South, Suite 4400, phone (385) 495-9050. A directory listing says it offers HIV and hepatitis C testing, STI testing and treatment, and other services. It lists hours of Monday, Thursday and Friday, 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The listing does not state costs or whether walk-ins are accepted, so call before you go.

Using the health department hotline

The Utah 211 directory lists 385-468-4225 for the Salt Lake City Public Health Center. It says walk-ins are permitted, but calling ahead for an appointment is preferred.

Testing if you are a teen

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services reports that, under Utah Code 26B-7-214, people 14 and older can consent to STI care without a parent. If you are younger than 14, or have questions about what this covers, ask a clinic or the health department.

Privacy, Partners and Next Steps

Talking with a clinician

You can be direct. Clinicians are used to questions about sex, symptoms and testing, and they ask so they can choose the right tests. It helps to share:

  • Any symptoms and when they started.
  • The types of sex you have, so the right sites can be tested.
  • Whether you are or could be pregnant.
  • Any medicines you take and any past STI treatment.

Your gender identity, orientation and relationship status do not change your right to respectful care. If a clinic does not feel right, you can try another one.

Telling partners

If you test positive for an infection, partners may need testing and treatment too, which also helps prevent getting the infection again. Utah DHHS says expedited partner therapy, where a clinician can provide treatment for partners, is available in Utah for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Ask your clinician how this works and whether it is right for your situation.

Your next step

If you have symptoms, call a clinic this week, and sooner if any same-day signs apply. If you have no symptoms, a routine screening visit is still reasonable and common. Testing is a normal part of caring for your health.

Pick a clinic from the list above, confirm hours and fees by phone, and book a visit. Use gettested.cdc.gov to find more locations.

Sources