STD concerns can quickly arise after unprotected sex. Do you have any unusual symptoms? Are you afraid that you have an STD? For most STDs, early treatment is crucial. Whether you have a treatable problem or a chronic infection that you will need to manage for the rest of your life, early diagnosis and treatment will give you the best possible outcome. Learning to recognize the early signs and symptoms of an STD will help you know when to visit your doctor.
Genital herpes
The herpes virus is usually caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2. Although there are some treatments for herpes, there is no cure. Treatment is especially important around pregnancy, because you can infect your baby if you have an outbreak around delivery. Early symptoms of herpes may include:
- Fluid-filled blisters that occur in localized areas. Depending on the area of infection, you may have sores around your genitals or anus.
- The area of skin may tingle, itch or burn shortly before a blister breaks out.
- Pain and burning sensation during urination.
- Flu-like symptoms including muscle aches, body aches, headache and fever.
Herpes can also cause an oral infection that leads to sores around the mouth. Oral herpes is caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2, the same viruses that cause genital herpes. It is important to avoid oral sex and potentially spreading the viral infection during an outbreak.
HPV/genital warts
Human papillomavirus, or HPV, causes genital warts. Although the most obvious sign of several common symptoms associated with genital warts:
- Bleeding during sexual intercourse
- Itching in the genital area
- Persistent discomfort or a feeling of rawness in the genital area
Sometimes genital warts are small, flat and difficult to see at a glance. If you experience discomfort or bleeding during intercourse, it could be a warning sign that you have a problem and need treatment.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs in the United States, likely because it often shows up without obvious symptoms. In fact, 75 percent of women and 50 percent of men can be completely asymptomatic. When symptoms occur, they may include:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge in women, including discharge with a strange or unexpected odor, thickness, or discoloration
- Vaginal bleeding between periods in women
- Pain or significantly increased discomfort during sex
- Stomach ache
- Fever
- Itching or burning sensation
- Pain when urinating (both men and women)
- Clear or cloudy discharge from the penis in men
- Swollen or painful testicles in men
Because chlamydia is often asymptomatic, regular STD testing is extremely important if you have recently had sexual contact with a new partner. Left untreated, chlamydia can cause infertility, pelvic infection, inflammation and scarring in the reproductive system, resulting in discomfort.
Syphilis
With early treatment, syphilis can be easily cured and treated, often with a single antibiotic treatment. Unfortunately, if left untreated, syphilis can cause a host of ongoing problems, including damage to organs such as your heart and brain. Syphilis can cause early death. Early symptoms of syphilis Involving:
- A small ulcer (schancre) or ulcers where the infection enters the body. This is the first sign of syphilis. Unfortunately, many people do not notice this pain because it is often painless and heals on its own within a few weeks.
- A non-itchy rash that starts on your torso and spreads to the rest of your body
- Hair loss
- muscle strain
- Fever
- A sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
Like chlamydia, syphilis may not show symptoms immediately. In some cases, it remains dormant in the body for years before it starts to cause problems. Early testing and treatment for STDs can help prevent future problems with your health and the health of any future children if you become pregnant.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that can be spread through any form of sexual intercourse, including oral, vaginal and anal. Gonorrhea can be treated and cured with proper antibiotic treatment. Gonorrhea, if left untreated, can cause infertility. Unfortunately, like many other STDs, it often goes untreated because there are no obvious symptoms. If gonorrhea shows symptoms, these include:
- Vaginal discharge that is yellowish or greenish in color
- Painful or burning urination
- Bleeding between periods, especially after intercourse
- Stomach ache
- Painful intercourse
- Pain or swelling in one testicle
- Pus-like discharge from the tip of the penis
When should you be screened?
Each STD has its own signs and symptoms that may not be obvious. Regular screening is crucial to protect yourself and your partner(s). Anytime you start having sex with a new partner, consider STD screening for both of you. You may discover potential problems before they become serious problems and keep you both healthier! You should also be screened for an STD if:
- You notice unusual changes in vaginal discharge or discharge from the tip of the penis. If something seems abnormal to your body, don’t be afraid to get it checked out!
- You notice pain during intercourse, especially pain without any other obvious explanation.
- You experience pain or swelling in or around your genitals or anus, without injury or an obvious cause.
- As a woman, you may notice changes in your menstrual cycle, including increased pain and discomfort or bleeding at odd points in your cycle. This includes bleeding during intercourse.
- You notice pain or a burning sensation during urination.
- You notice sores, warts or growths on your genitals, especially any sores or growths that you are not familiar with or have not noticed before.
- You notice changes in your genitals that are not related to puberty, including swelling or unknown discomfort.
- You have itching or burning in your genital area or itching and burning in your anal area.
Many STDs can be transmitted through oral and anal intercourse, as well as through vaginal intercourse. In these cases, symptoms may first appear around the areas involved in sexual contact.
Are you afraid that you have an STD? Do you recognize some of the signs and symptoms described here? If you think you have an STD, contact us today for a simple STD test. You deserve to have the right information that will help you control and manage your overall health. Our simple diagnostic test can help.