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.

Most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cause few or no signs. That is true for people of every gender, and it is especially common in women. So the symptoms of an STD in a female patient are worth knowing, but they are only part of the picture. Testing is the only way to find out what is going on.

This guide covers the signs each common infection can cause, the symptoms that are good reasons to get tested, the link between untreated infections and pelvic inflammatory disease, and the signs that call for care the same day. It ends with where to get an STD test for women in New York City, including free and low-cost options.

Key takeaways

The CDC says many STIs, including chlamydia, often cause no symptoms. Not having symptoms does not tell you what a test would show.
Unusual discharge, burning when urinating, pelvic pain, bleeding between periods, sores, bumps or a new rash are all good reasons to see a clinician.
Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can affect fertility. Bacterial STIs are curable with treatment from a clinician.
Severe pelvic or belly pain, fever with pelvic pain, or a possible exposure to HIV in the last 72 hours means getting care the same day.
NYC Health Sexual Health Clinics offer STD and HIV testing on a sliding scale, and the NYC Health clinic page says no one is turned away for inability to pay.

In this guide

Why many STIs cause no symptoms
Symptoms of STDs in females, infection by infection
Signs that are worth a test, and look-alike conditions
Pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility
When to see a clinician the same day
The STD test for women: what to expect
Where to get tested in New York City
Sources

Why many STIs cause no symptoms

The CDC STI Treatment Guidelines (2021) are clear on one point: many STIs have no symptoms, or symptoms so mild they are easy to miss. Chlamydia is the best-known example. The CDC says most people with chlamydia have no symptoms, and many women with gonorrhea have none or only mild ones.

There are anatomical reasons for this. Much of the reproductive tract is internal. An infection of the cervix, for example, may cause nothing you can see or feel. Mild changes can also look like everyday variations, such as a slight change in discharge before a period.

This is why screening exists. Screening means testing people who feel fine. The CDC and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) both recommend screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in sexually active women under 25, and in older women who have risk factors such as a new partner or a partner with other partners. A clinician can help you work out what applies to you.

Silence is not a sign of anything wrong with you. It is how these infections often behave. Testing is a routine part of health care, in the same family as a blood pressure check.

The numbers in New York City

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) STI Surveillance Annual Report for 2024 counted 62,774 reported chlamydia cases in the city, a rate of 760.16 per 100,000 people. It counted 32,889 gonorrhea cases, a rate of 398.27 per 100,000. For primary and secondary syphilis, it reported 1,467 cases, or 17.76 per 100,000.

These are reported cases, which means they are the infections that were tested for and found. The true number is likely higher, because so many infections go unnoticed without testing.

Symptoms of STDs in females, infection by infection

The signs below come from the CDC. Each infection can look different from person to person, and several can look alike. A symptom cannot tell you which infection is present. Only a test can do that.

Chlamydia

When chlamydia causes symptoms in women, the CDC lists unusual vaginal discharge, a burning feeling when urinating, and sometimes pain during sex or bleeding between periods. Lower belly pain can also occur. Again, most people have none of these. Chlamydia is curable with antibiotics prescribed by a clinician.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea can cause more vaginal discharge, burning when urinating, and bleeding between periods. The CDC notes that symptoms in women are often mild and may be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. Gonorrhea is curable with treatment from a clinician. Your clinician may also ask about throat or rectal exposure, because gonorrhea can infect those sites too.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite. When it causes symptoms, the CDC describes itching or irritation in the genital area, a change in discharge that may have an odor, and discomfort with urination or sex. Many people have no symptoms. Trichomoniasis is curable with treatment from a clinician.

Syphilis

Syphilis happens in stages. The first sign, per the CDC, is usually a firm, round, painless sore. It can appear inside the vagina, on the outside, or in the mouth or rectum, so it is easy to miss. Later stages can bring a rash, often on the palms and soles, along with fever, swollen glands, or patchy hair loss. The sore and the rash can fade on their own even though the infection remains. Syphilis is curable with treatment from a clinician, and early treatment matters.

Genital herpes

Herpes can cause blisters or open sores, tingling or pain, and sometimes flu-like feelings during a first outbreak. The CDC notes that many people with herpes have mild symptoms or none, and that sores inside the vagina or on the cervix may go unseen. Herpes is not curable, but it is treatable and manageable. A clinician can prescribe medicine to ease outbreaks and lower the chance of passing it on.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and clear on their own, according to the CDC. Some types cause genital warts, which are small bumps or raised areas. Other types can cause cell changes on the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer over many years. That is why cervical cancer screening matters even when you feel well. The USPSTF recommends regular screening for cervical cancer for women from age 21, and a clinician can explain which test and schedule fit your age.

HPV is not curable, but the body clears most infections, and warts and cervical changes are treatable. The HPV vaccine is a way to prevent infection with the types it covers.

HIV

Some people have a flu-like illness, with fever, sore throat, rash or swollen glands, about two to four weeks after HIV infection, per the CDC. Others have no early signs at all. The only way to know is a test. HIV is not curable, but it is very treatable. With treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives, and the CDC says people who keep the virus at undetectable levels do not pass HIV to partners through sex.

Quick reference

Infection	Signs that can occur	Often no symptoms?	Curable?
Chlamydia	Discharge, burning urination, pelvic pain, bleeding between periods	Yes	Yes
Gonorrhea	Discharge, burning urination, bleeding between periods	Often	Yes
Trichomoniasis	Itching, discharge, discomfort with urination or sex	Often	Yes
Syphilis	Painless sore, later a rash	Signs can fade or be unseen	Yes
Herpes	Blisters, sores, tingling	Often	No, but manageable
HPV	Warts, or none; cervical changes found on screening	Usually	No, but most infections clear and complications are treatable
HIV	Flu-like illness early, or none	Often	No, but very treatable

Signs that are worth a test, and look-alike conditions

You do not need to wait for a dramatic symptom. Any of the following is a good reason to be seen by a clinician and tested:

A change in vaginal discharge in color, amount or smell
Burning, stinging or pain when urinating
Pain during sex
Bleeding between periods or after sex
Lower belly or pelvic pain
Itching, irritation or swelling in the genital area
A sore, blister, bump or wart anywhere in the genital, anal or mouth area
A new rash, especially on the palms or soles
A partner who tells you they have been diagnosed with an STI

Testing also makes sense without any symptoms. Reasons include a new partner, a partner who may have had other partners, a past STI, the start of a new relationship, or simply wanting to know your status. If you are not sure, a clinician can help you decide what to be tested for.

Conditions that look alike

Several common problems that are not STIs can cause symptoms very similar to those above. Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, skin irritation and hormonal changes can all cause discharge, itching or burning. A clinician can tell the difference with an exam and tests.

This is also why guessing is risky. An over-the-counter treatment for a suspected yeast infection will not treat chlamydia, and it can delay the right care. Getting checked is the faster route.

Pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries. The CDC says it often happens when bacteria from untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea travel up from the cervix. Other bacteria can also cause it.

PID may cause lower belly pain, fever, pain during sex, unusual discharge, bleeding between periods, or pain with urination. It can also cause mild signs or none, which is part of why it is sometimes found late.

The CDC states that PID can cause lasting problems, including long-term pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus), and difficulty getting pregnant. Not everyone with an untreated infection develops PID, and not everyone with PID has these problems. But the risk rises with delay.

The good news is that PID is treatable, and the earlier it is treated, the lower the chance of lasting harm. This is the main reason health agencies encourage routine testing and prompt treatment of chlamydia and gonorrhea. Finding and curing the infection early can prevent PID from developing at all.

If you are hoping to become pregnant, or are unsure, a clinician can talk through your history and testing. Many people who had an STI in the past go on to have healthy pregnancies.

When to see a clinician the same day

Most STI concerns can be handled with a regular visit. These situations call for same-day care at an urgent care center or emergency department. Call 911 if you cannot get there safely.

Severe pelvic or belly pain, especially if it is sudden, one-sided or comes with dizziness or fainting. Pregnancy outside the uterus is one cause that needs urgent care.
Fever with pelvic pain, unusual discharge or pain during sex, which can be a sign of PID.
Heavy bleeding or pain while pregnant, or possible pregnancy with any of the symptoms above.
Vomiting or being unable to keep fluids down along with pelvic pain.
Possible HIV exposure in the last 72 hours, including after sexual assault. The CDC says post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) works best when started as soon as possible and within 72 hours. NYC Health lists a 24/7 PEP Hotline at 844-373-7692.

If you have experienced sexual assault, you deserve care without judgment. An emergency department can provide testing, treatment, and support at your pace, and can connect you with counseling. Seeking care is your choice at every step.

The STD test for women: what to expect

An STD test for women is usually quick and not as uncomfortable as many people expect. What is tested depends on your history, symptoms and the kinds of sex you have. A clinician will ask about these in a private, nonjudgmental conversation, and you can ask questions at any point.

Common tests

Chlamydia and gonorrhea: Per the CDC, a vaginal swab is the preferred sample for women. A urine sample can also be used. In clinics, you can often collect the vaginal swab yourself in private. Throat or rectal swabs may be added depending on exposure.
Trichomoniasis: Often tested using a vaginal swab or urine sample.
HIV: A blood test or a finger-prick test. The USPSTF recommends HIV screening for people ages 15 to 65, and the CDC recommends everyone ages 13 to 64 be tested at least once.
Syphilis: A blood test. The USPSTF recommends screening people at increased risk, and all pregnant women.
Herpes and HPV: A swab of a visible sore can test for herpes. A routine blood test for herpes without symptoms is generally not recommended by the CDC, so talk with a clinician about whether it fits your situation. HPV is checked as part of cervical cancer screening for the right ages.

A Pap test is a cervical cancer screening. According to the CDC, it does not check for chlamydia, gonorrhea or other STIs unless those tests are ordered separately. If you had a Pap test, you may still want to ask about STI testing.

Window periods

A window period is the time between an exposure and the point when a test can reliably detect an infection. A test taken too early can come back negative even if an infection is present.

For HIV, the CDC says a nucleic acid test can usually detect HIV 10 to 33 days after exposure. A lab antigen/antibody blood test can usually detect it 18 to 45 days after exposure. A rapid antigen/antibody finger-prick test can take 18 to 90 days. Antibody-only tests take longer, generally 23 to 90 days. For other infections, window periods vary by test. Ask the clinician when to test, and whether to retest.

Treatment and results

If a test is positive for a bacterial STI or trichomoniasis, a clinician prescribes treatment, and these infections are curable. Your clinician will tell you how long to wait before having sex again and whether to be retested later. Follow their instructions exactly rather than stopping when you feel better.

For chlamydia, gonorrhea or trichomoniasis, partners need treatment too, or you can be infected again. New York law allows expedited partner therapy (Public Health Law § 2312), which lets a clinician provide treatment for partners in some cases. NYC Health lists chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis as the infections for which the CDC recommends it. Ask your clinician whether it applies to you.

If you are pregnant

Some STIs can affect pregnancy and newborns. The NYS Department of Health says providers must test pregnant patients for syphilis at least three times: at the first prenatal visit, in the third trimester (at 28 weeks, and no later than 32 weeks), and at delivery. NYC Health Code § 11.33 also requires a syphilis blood test at 28 to 32 weeks. NYC DOHMH reported 37 congenital syphilis cases in the city in 2024. Tell your prenatal clinician about any symptoms or past infections.

Reporting and privacy

Per NYC Health, clinicians and labs must report chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis cases to the Health Department within 24 hours. New York State law also requires HIV reporting (Public Health Law § 2130). This reporting is a public health function used to track infections and link people to care. You can ask your clinician how your information is handled.

Where to get tested in New York City

You have several options, and many are free or low cost. A full list of places to go is in our guide to where to get tested for STDs in New York City. The CDC's own locator at gettested.cdc.gov can also search by ZIP code. Here is a summary of what the city offers.

NYC Health Sexual Health Clinics

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene runs Sexual Health Clinics that provide STD and HIV testing, treatment, PrEP, PEP, doxy-PEP and the HPV vaccine. According to the NYC Health sexual health clinics page, services are low to no cost. Adults 19 and older are asked for insurance or a sliding-scale fee, no proof of income is required, no payment is collected at the clinic, and no one is turned away for inability to pay. Most services are walk-in only, and clinics may close early once they reach capacity. The HPV vaccine is offered only to patients receiving other sexual health services.

Chelsea Sexual Health Clinic and Chelsea Express Clinic: 303 9th Avenue, First Floor, Manhattan, NY 10001. Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Express Clinic runs Monday and Wednesday to Friday 8:30 to 3:30, and Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The main clinic does not offer rapid results and says to expect results in seven days. The Express Clinic's Quickie Lab offers rapid chlamydia and gonorrhea results.
Central Harlem Sexual Health Clinic: 2238 Fifth Avenue, First Floor, Manhattan, NY 10037. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Fort Greene Sexual Health Clinic and Express Clinic: 295 Flatbush Avenue Extension, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (clinic on the 2nd floor, Express on the 1st floor). Clinic hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Express runs Monday and Wednesday to Friday 8:30 to 3:30, and Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., with Quickie Lab rapid chlamydia and gonorrhea results.
Morrisania Sexual Health Clinic: 1309 Fulton Avenue, Second Floor, Bronx, NY 10456. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Jamaica Sexual Health Clinic: 90-37 Parsons Boulevard, First Floor, Queens, NY 11432. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Corona Sexual Health Clinic: 34-33 Junction Boulevard, First Floor, Queens, NY 11372. Monday to Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.

NYC Health lists a Sexual Health Clinic Hotline at 347-396-7959, open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It does not list a separate number for each clinic. NYC Health also notes that the Crown Heights and Riverside clinics are closed until further notice, and its list of open clinics does not include one on Staten Island. If you live on Staten Island, call the hotline or check the clinics page for the nearest option.

Callen-Lorde Community Health Center

Callen-Lorde is an LGBTQ+ community health center that offers STD and HIV testing, PrEP, PEP, doxy-PEP, HPV vaccination, hepatitis C testing and treatment. Its Chelsea site is at 356 W 18th St, New York, NY 10011, phone 212-271-7200. Callen-Lorde says sexual health care is by appointment Monday to Friday with limited walk-in, and Saturday walk-in runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., first come, first served. It says it provides services regardless of ability to pay, with a sliding fee for people who are uninsured or underinsured and visit co-pays of $0 to $100. Callen-Lorde also lists a Bronx site (555 Bergen Ave, 4th floor, 718-215-1800) and a Brooklyn site (40 Flatbush Ave Ext, 3rd floor, 718-215-1818). Check with those sites about which sexual health services they offer.

Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center

For people ages 10 to 26, the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center is at 312-320 East 94th Street, New York, NY 10128, phone 212-423-3000. The center says its services are completely free, with walk-in hours Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and scheduled appointments. It offers STI testing and treatment, and HIV testing including same-day rapid tests.

Testing for young people

New York Public Health Law § 2305 allows a licensed physician to diagnose and treat a person under 21 who has or may have been exposed to an STD without parental consent or knowledge. NYC Health also says its Sexual Health Clinics serve anyone age 12 or older without parental consent, regardless of immigration status. Teens can get PrEP at these clinics without a parent's permission.

Free HIV self-test kits and PrEP help

NYC Health says NYC residents can get free HIV self-test kits through Community Home Test Giveaway partner agencies listed on the NYC Health Map. You can also call 311 or text TESTNYC to 55676. NYC Health's pages do not list a free at-home kit program for other STIs, so for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, see a clinic.

If you are interested in PrEP and are uninsured or your insurance does not cover some PrEP services, the NYS Department of Health runs the PrEP Assistance Program (PrEP-AP). It covers PrEP-related health care and lab costs but not the medication itself. You can call 1-800-542-2437, and you must use a participating provider.

Making the most of your visit

Go early in the day. Walk-in clinics can close early once they reach capacity.
Say plainly what you are worried about, including any symptoms and when they began.
Mention the kinds of sex you have, so the right sites are tested.
Ask when you will get results and how you will be contacted.
Ask whether you should retest later, and whether a partner needs care.
Check with the clinic or the health department for current hours before you go, since schedules can change.

Getting tested is a normal, responsible part of caring for your health. Whatever the result, there are clear next steps, and most common STIs can be cured or managed well.

STD Symptoms in Women: Signs, When to Test and Where in New York City