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 women who have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) never notice a thing. Others notice a change in discharge, a burning feeling, or a sore, and wonder what it means. Both situations are common, and both are good reasons to talk with a clinician.

This guide covers the symptoms of STDs in women, what each sign can and cannot tell you, and which tests exist. It also explains when to get tested, when to be seen the same day, and where to find free or low-cost care in Columbia, South Carolina.

The words STI and STD are used interchangeably here. The facts come from the CDC STI Treatment Guidelines (2021), later CDC updates, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH).

Key takeaways

The CDC says most chlamydia and gonorrhea infections in women cause no symptoms, so a lack of symptoms is not a reliable guide.
Common signs that deserve a visit include unusual discharge, burning with urination, bleeding between periods, pelvic pain, pain during sex, and sores, bumps or blisters.
Only a test can show whether a symptom is caused by an infection. Many other conditions look similar.
The CDC notes that untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can affect the ability to become pregnant.
Bacterial STIs and trichomoniasis are curable with treatment from a clinician. HIV, herpes and HPV are not curable but are treatable or manageable.
Columbia has several clinics that offer free or lower-cost testing, and SC DPH offers a free in-home HIV test kit to eligible residents.

In this guide

Why many women notice no symptoms
Symptoms by infection
Signs that are easy to mix up with other conditions
Pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility
When to get tested, and which tests to ask about
When to see a clinician the same day
Where to get tested in Columbia

Why many women notice no symptoms

The CDC states that most women with chlamydia have no symptoms. The same is often true of gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, HPV and early syphilis. HIV can also be present for years without obvious signs.

This is why the symptoms of STDs in females are an unreliable way to decide who needs a test. An infection can be present and passed to a partner while a person feels completely well.

There are anatomical reasons too. Many infections start at the cervix, inside the body, where discharge or a small sore may go unseen. Infections in the throat or rectum can also cause no symptoms. A person may have a mild sign, such as slightly more discharge, and reasonably assume it is normal for them.

Because of this, national guidance relies on screening, which means testing people who feel fine. The USPSTF and the CDC recommend:

Yearly chlamydia and gonorrhea screening for sexually active women under 25.
Screening for women 25 and older who have risk factors, such as a new partner or a partner with an STI.
Screening for pregnant women, based on age and risk.
HIV screening at least once for everyone in the age ranges the CDC and USPSTF list, with more frequent testing when a clinician advises it.

Ask a clinician which of these applies to you. A screening test is routine health care, not a sign that anything is wrong.

Symptoms by infection

The signs below are the ones the CDC describes most often. Having one does not mean you have a particular infection. Not having one does not mean you do not have an infection. A test is the only way to find out.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by bacteria. When women have symptoms, the CDC lists an abnormal vaginal discharge and a burning feeling when urinating. Some notice bleeding between periods or after sex, or lower abdominal pain. Symptoms, if they appear, can take weeks to show up after exposure.

Chlamydia is curable. A clinician prescribes the treatment that fits your situation.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is also bacterial. The CDC says women may have increased vaginal discharge, burning with urination, or bleeding between periods. These signs are often mild and can be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection.

Gonorrhea can also infect the throat and rectum, often with no symptoms. It is curable with treatment from a clinician. The CDC notes that some strains have become harder to treat, which is one reason to see a clinician rather than guess.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite. The CDC says many people have no symptoms. When symptoms appear, they can include itching or irritation in the genital area, discomfort with urination, and a change in discharge, sometimes with an odor. It is curable with prescription treatment.

Genital herpes

Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. The CDC says many people have no symptoms or very mild ones that go unnoticed. When signs do appear, they can include blisters or open sores on or near the genitals, rectum or mouth, often with itching, tingling or pain. A first outbreak can come with fever, body aches or swollen glands.

Herpes is not curable, but it is treatable. A clinician can prescribe medicine that shortens outbreaks and lowers the chance of passing the virus to a partner.

Syphilis

Syphilis is bacterial and moves through stages. The CDC describes the first sign as a firm, round sore, often painless, where the bacteria entered the body. Because it does not hurt and can be inside the vagina or rectum, it is easy to miss.

Later signs can include a rash, often on the palms or soles, along with fever, swollen glands, patchy hair loss or tiredness. These signs can fade without treatment even though the infection remains. Syphilis is curable with treatment from a clinician, and early treatment matters.

HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is very common. The CDC says most infections cause no symptoms and clear on their own. Some types cause genital warts, which are small bumps or clusters of bumps. Other types can cause cell changes on the cervix that are found through screening.

The USPSTF recommends regular cervical cancer screening for women in the age ranges it lists. Your clinician can tell you which test and how often. HPV is not curable, but it is manageable, and a vaccine is available. Ask a clinician whether it is appropriate for you.

HIV

Some people have a flu-like illness, with fever, sore throat, rash or swollen glands, about two to four weeks after HIV enters the body. Many have no early symptoms at all, and these signs have many other causes.

That is why the CDC recommends testing rather than relying on symptoms. HIV is not curable, but modern treatment is very effective. People who take it as prescribed can live long, healthy lives, and the CDC says those who reach and keep an undetectable viral load do not pass HIV to partners through sex.

Signs that are easy to mix up with other conditions

Most genital symptoms in women are not caused by an STI. Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections, skin irritation from soaps or shaving, and hormone changes can all cause itching, discharge or burning.

Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are not classified as STIs by the CDC. They can cause discharge, odor or itching that looks much like trichomoniasis or chlamydia. A person can also have more than one condition at once.

Because the signs overlap, guessing is risky in both directions. Over-the-counter treatment for a yeast infection will not treat an STI. It may also hide or delay the signs a clinician needs to see.

A few details are worth noting before an appointment:

When the symptom began and whether it has changed.
Whether you have had a new partner, or a partner who has symptoms or a diagnosis.
The date of your last period and whether you could be pregnant.
Any medicines you take, including birth control.

Clinicians ask about all of this routinely. The questions are about choosing the right tests, not about judging anyone.

Pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries. The CDC says it often develops when bacteria from the vagina or cervix, including those that cause chlamydia and gonorrhea, travel upward.

PID can cause lower abdominal or pelvic pain, fever, unusual discharge, pain during sex, pain with urination, or bleeding between periods. Some women have only mild symptoms, or none at all.

The CDC explains that PID can scar the reproductive tract. That scarring can lead to long-term pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus) and difficulty becoming pregnant. Not everyone with an untreated infection develops PID, and not everyone with PID has these complications.

The CDC also says that prompt treatment lowers the chance of lasting problems. This is a strong reason to get tested and treated early, and to finish all of the treatment a clinician prescribes. If you are told you have PID, a clinician will decide on treatment and follow-up.

If you are hoping to become pregnant, or are worried about past exposures, a clinician can talk through testing and what it means for your plans. Many people who have been treated for chlamydia or gonorrhea go on to have children.

When to get tested, and which tests to ask about

Consider testing in any of these situations:

You have a new symptom in the genital area, or a symptom that does not go away.
You have a new partner, or more than one partner.
A partner tells you they have an STI or have symptoms.
You are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
You are in a group for whom guidelines recommend regular screening, such as sexually active women under 25.
It has been a while since your last test and you are not sure when it was.

What an STD test for women usually involves

An STD test for women is often simple and quick. Depending on what you ask about and what a clinician recommends, it may include:

A urine sample or a swab of the vagina for chlamydia and gonorrhea. The CDC says a vaginal swab is a preferred sample for women, and clinics may let you collect it yourself.
Additional swabs of the throat or rectum, if those areas were exposed.
A blood draw or finger-stick for HIV and syphilis.
A swab of a sore or blister for herpes, when one is present.
A cervical screening test (Pap test, HPV test or both) according to USPSTF age guidance.

A routine checkup or pelvic exam does not automatically include STI tests. You may need to ask for specific ones.

Timing and window periods

A test can miss a recent infection if it is done too early. This is called the window period. For HIV, the CDC gives these general ranges after a possible exposure:

Nucleic acid tests (NATs) can usually detect HIV 10 to 33 days after exposure.
Antigen/antibody tests done on blood from a vein can usually detect it 18 to 45 days after exposure.
Rapid antigen/antibody tests done on a finger-stick can take 18 to 90 days.
HIV self-tests, which detect antibodies, can take 23 to 90 days.

For other infections, ask the clinician how long to wait after an exposure for each test to be dependable. If you were tested soon after an exposure, a repeat test later may be advised.

The CDC also recommends retesting about three months after treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea or trichomoniasis, because reinfection is common. No test is perfect, so a clinician can help you read your results in the context of your own situation.

If you were exposed recently

For HIV, the CDC says post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is medicine that must start within 72 hours of a possible exposure to be effective. Sooner is better. If this applies to you, seek care right away at a clinic or emergency department.

CDC guidance from 2024 on doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP) recommends it be considered for gay and bisexual men and transgender women who have had a bacterial STI in the past year. The CDC says there is not enough evidence at this time to make a recommendation for cisgender women. A clinician can talk through what fits your circumstances.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a prescribed way to lower the chance of getting HIV. It is available to women too. SC DPH has a PrEP page with a provider directory and navigation resources, and most insurance plans and Medicaid cover it.

When to see a clinician the same day

Most STI symptoms are not emergencies, but some signs call for care the same day. Contact a clinic, urgent care or emergency department promptly if you have:

Severe pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, especially with fever or vomiting.
Fever with unusual vaginal discharge or pelvic pain.
Sudden, sharp one-sided abdominal pain, or dizziness and fainting, particularly if you could be pregnant. These can be signs of an ectopic pregnancy.
Heavy vaginal bleeding that is not a normal period.
Painful sores with fever, or a first outbreak that is very painful or makes urinating difficult.
A possible HIV exposure in the last 72 hours.
Symptoms during pregnancy.
Sexual assault. Hospitals can offer care and evidence collection, and you decide what to do and when.

If you are not sure whether something is urgent, call and describe what you are noticing. Clinic staff can advise on timing. For the most severe symptoms, call 911 or go to an emergency department.

Where to get tested in Columbia

Several Columbia clinics offer STI and HIV testing, and some are free or sliding-scale. The list below uses information published by each organization or by CDC directories. Hours, services and fees can change, so call before you go. You can also look up more locations at gettested.cdc.gov, the CDC's testing locator.

For a fuller comparison of what testing costs and how to choose, see our guide to STD testing in Columbia, where to get tested and what it costs.

Clinics and what they publish

Clinic	Address and phone	What is published
Richland County Health Department (SC DPH)	2000 Hampton St., Columbia, SC 29204. Appointments: DPH Care Line 1-855-472-3432	DPH lists STD, HIV and hepatitis C services at this site. DPH does not list a clinic phone number, hours or fees on that page, so check with the Care Line.
CAN Community Health	1911 Hampton St., Columbia, SC 29201. (803) 849-8430	Tests for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and trichomoniasis, with treatment on site. Its clinic page lists free rapid and home HIV testing, sliding-scale fees, and most insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. Regular hours are Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted during regular hours.
PALSS (Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services)	2638 Two Notch Rd, Ste 108, Columbia, SC 29204. (803) 779-7257	The CDC listing shows free HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and STI tests, with insurance and Medicaid accepted. Walk-in testing is listed on Tuesday 3 to 8 p.m. and Thursday 3 to 7 p.m. Confirm hours by phone, since the CDC's GetTested listing says appointment required.
Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, Columbia Health Center	2712 Middleburg Dr, Ste 107, Columbia, SC 29204. (803) 256-4908	The CDC listing includes chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, herpes, rapid HIV and syphilis tests. Insurance and Medicaid are accepted, and cost depends on eligibility, so ask when you call. It says appointment required, and you can walk in during open hours to book or ask about same-day openings.
Cooperative Health, Five Points Walk-In Center	1228 Harden St, Ste A, Columbia, SC 29204. (803) 722-1565	CDC GetTested lists HIV, hepatitis C, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis tests, with sliding-scale fees, insurance, Medicaid and Medicare. It is listed as no appointment required. Hours are not listed there, so call first.
Cooperative Health, Waverly Family Practice	1228 Harden St, Ste C, Columbia, SC 29204. (803) 748-1181	CDC GetTested lists HIV, hepatitis C, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis tests, with sliding-scale fees. Appointment required.
AHF Healthcare Center, Columbia	4100 N Main St, Suite 102, Columbia, SC 29203. (803) 223-9895	CDC GetTested lists a free HIV test along with chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis tests. Appointment required. For other tests, contact the organization.

Clinic details above come from SC DPH, the clinic's own page, or CDC directory listings. Where a clinic does not publish a price or hours, call and ask. You can also reach the state through the DPH STD/HIV Hotline at 1-800-322-2437.

Free in-home HIV testing

SC DPH runs an In-Home HIV Testing Program. It offers a free OraQuick HIV self-test to South Carolina residents age 17 or older, one kit every 90 days, requested through an online survey. For questions, DPH lists [email protected] and 1-800-322-2437. Remember that a self-test only checks for HIV and has its own window period, as noted above.

Cost, insurance and privacy

Costs vary by clinic and by test. Several Columbia clinics publish sliding-scale fees or free HIV testing, and many accept Medicaid, Medicare and most insurance. If a price is not posted, ask for it before you are tested. You are allowed to ask what each test costs.

On privacy, SC law lets health care providers treat minors without parent or guardian consent when the provider considers the service necessary. This is in S.C. Code Ann. § 63-5-350. The statute does not mention STDs by name, but the Guttmacher Institute lists South Carolina as a state where minors can consent to STI testing and treatment. If you are under 18 and worried about privacy, ask the clinic how billing and notices are handled.

South Carolina law also requires physicians to report certain infectious diseases to the county health department (S.C. Code Ann. § 44-29-10). That reporting is for public health tracking, and the health department also helps with notifying partners.

Pregnancy and testing

South Carolina law (S.C. Code Ann. § 44-29-120) says a physician attending a pregnant woman must take a blood sample at the first examination, or within three days after, and have it tested for syphilis, rubella, Rh factor and hemoglobin. The law allows an exemption by sworn affidavit on religious grounds. The CDC also advises that pregnant women be screened for several infections, so talk with your prenatal clinician about what is right for you.

What the local numbers show

Sexually transmitted infections are common in South Carolina. America's Health Rankings, using CDC data, reports a 2023 statewide chlamydia rate of 612.1 per 100,000 people. For Richland County, a Stacker analysis of CDC county data reported 1,344.2 chlamydia cases per 100,000 people in 2021. This is a secondary source, and official county tables could not be confirmed.

Rates like these reflect how many infections are found and reported, which depends partly on how much testing is done. They are a reason to treat testing as ordinary care, not a reason for alarm.

What to expect after testing

Many clinics can give rapid HIV results the same day. Others take days for lab results, and clinics will tell you how they share them. If a result is positive, a clinician explains the options. Bacterial STIs and trichomoniasis can be cured with treatment from a clinician, and HIV, herpes and HPV can be managed.

Partners may need testing or treatment too. Without it, reinfection is possible. The South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners interprets state law to allow expedited partner therapy for chlamydia and gonorrhea, which means a clinician may be able to treat a partner without seeing them first. The CDC page on the legal status of expedited partner therapy in South Carolina notes that the board's current wording could not be confirmed, so ask your clinician what is available.

Whatever you notice, or even if you notice nothing, a test is a practical next step. Pick the clinic that fits your schedule, call ahead about hours and cost, and bring a list of the details above.

STD Symptoms in Women: Signs, When to Test and Where in Columbia