STDs are more common than you think and while many people carry them without symptoms, others have a range of warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored. Knowing the symptoms of common STDs is key to early detection, treatment and preventing transmission to others. The following is a guide to help you recognize potential symptoms and know when to get medical help.

What are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites and can affect anyone who is sexually active. STIs can be transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral sex and in some cases from a pregnant person to their baby during pregnancy or childbirth. Some STIs can be treated and cured while others can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. Knowing how STIs are transmitted and the symptoms is key to sexual health and preventing transmission.

Types of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

There are over 20 known sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) each with its own set of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options. Here are some:

  • Bacterial STIs: Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are common bacterial infections that can be treated with antibiotics.
  • Viral STIs: Infections like HIV, herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV) are caused by viruses. These can’t be cured but can be managed with medication.
  • Parasitic STIs: Trichomoniasis and pubic lice are examples of parasitic infections that can be treated with specific medication.
  • Other STIs: Genital warts, hepatitis and genital herpes fall into this category and require different management and treatment approaches.

Each STD requires specific medical attention so knowing the differences is key to treatment and prevention.

How are Sexually Transmitted Infections Passed On?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be transmitted through:

  • Vaginal or anal sex: STIs can be spread through the exchange of bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal fluids and blood during vaginal or anal sex.
  • Oral sex: Oral sex with an infected person can transmit STIs through oral contact with the genitals or anus.
  • Skin-to-skin contact: Some STIs like herpes and HPV can be spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person’s genitals or anus.
  • Mother-to-child transmission: Some STIs like HIV and syphilis can be passed from a pregnant person to their baby during pregnancy or childbirth.

Knowing these transmission methods is key to safe sex and reducing the risk.

10 STD Symptoms to Keep an Eye on

Unusual Discharge: A Sign of Sexually Transmitted Infections

In Men: Discharge from the penis which may be white, yellow or green can be gonorrhea or chlamydia.

In Women: Unusual vaginal discharge which may be white, yellow, green or have a strong odor can be trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections or STDs like gonorrhea or chlamydia.

Pain or Burning During Urination

This symptom is common in both men and women and can be gonorrhea, chlamydia or a urinary tract infection (UTI). If the pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms see a doctor.

Genital Sores, Bumps or Blisters: Could It Be Genital Herpes?

Genital Herpes: Painful blisters or sores around the genital or anal area are usually caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2).

Syphilis: Painless sores or ulcers, called chancres, may appear on the genitals, anus or mouth. These sores will heal on their own but the infection will remain.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Can cause genital warts which appear as small bumps on or around the genitals or anus.

Itching or Irritation

Itching in the genital area can be a symptom of many things including yeast infections, pubic lice, trichomoniasis or other STDs.

Pain During Sex

Pain or discomfort during sex can be caused by chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women. See a doctor if you have this symptom.

Lower Abdominal or Pelvic Pain: PID Symptoms

In women this can be PID, a serious complication of untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea. PID can lead to chronic pain, ectopic pregnancy and infertility.

Unexplained Fever or Flu-Like Symptoms

Fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes or sore throat can occur with initial HIV infection (acute retroviral syndrome), syphilis or herpes.

Rashes

A rash on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet or other parts of the body can be a secondary stage of syphilis. Other STDs like HIV can cause skin changes.

Rectal Symptoms

STDs like gonorrhea, chlamydia or herpes can cause symptoms in the rectum including pain, discharge, bleeding or itching. This is especially relevant for those who have receptive anal sex.

Unusual Bleeding

Women may bleed between periods or after sex which can be a sign of chlamydia, gonorrhea or cervical changes caused by HPV.

Complications of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can lead to:

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): This bacterial infection can cause infertility and chronic pain in women if left untreated.
  • Cervical cancer: Certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer in women, so regular screenings and vaccinations are important.
  • Infertility: STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause infertility in both men and women if not treated.
  • Increased risk of HIV transmission: Having an STI can increase the risk of transmitting or contracting HIV so it’s important to manage and treat any infections promptly.
  • Other complications: STIs can also cause other health issues like genital warts, anal cancer and liver disease.

Asymptomatic Infections: The Silent Spreaders

Many STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV and HIV don’t show symptoms in the early stages. That’s why testing is important especially if you have multiple partners, starting a new relationship or having unprotected sex. Asymptomatic infections can still cause long term health issues and spread to others unknowingly.

When to Get Tested

If you have any of the symptoms above, see a doctor as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine, consider getting tested if:

  • You had unprotected sexual contact.
  • You have a new partner or multiple partners.
  • You or your partner is non-monogamous.
  • You were notified that a partner has an STD.
  • You are in a high risk group, such as men who have sex with men or individuals who use IV drugs.

Preventing STDs: Avoid Unprotected Sex

While recognizing symptoms is important, prevention is better. Here’s how to protect yourself:

Use Protection: Condoms and dental dams reduce the risk of most STDs.

Get Vaccinated: Vaccines are available for some sexually transmitted diseases like HPV and Hepatitis B.

Get Tested: Regular testing catches infections early even if you don’t have symptoms.

Communicate with Partners: Open communication about STIs is key to making informed decisions about your sex life. Open communication with your sexual partner about sexual health and history is important.

Limit Sexual Partners: Fewer sexual partners means lower risk.

Bottom Line: Be Informed and Proactive

Recognizing STD symptoms is part of being sexually healthy. But symptoms aren’t always present so std testing is key. Remember, there’s no shame in asking for help—early detection and treatment can prevent serious health complications and protect you and your partners.

You are in control—get informed, get tested and take care of your sexual health!