STD Symptoms
Common symptoms which are caused by STDs may include:
For men
- Discharge from the penis / urethra / anus
- Pain when passing urine
- Blisters or sores on the penis / pubic region / anus
- Rash on the penis / pubic region
- Itch or pain in the urethra
- Aching, pain or swelling in the testicles
- Blood in the semen / ejaculate
- Growths or lumps around the penis / anus
- Swellings at the groin
For women
- Discharge from the vagina / urethra / anus
- Pain when passing urine
- Blisters or sores on the vagina / pubic region / anus
- Rash on the vagina / pubic region
- Itch or pain in the urethra or vagina
- Pain during sex
- Bleeding during sex
- Growths or lumps around the genitalia / anus
- Swellings at the groin
Occasionally, symptoms which are non-specific, such as fever, tiredness, bodyaches, rash over the body, including the palms and soles or neck swellings, may be present. These symptoms may happen 1 or several weeks after the sexual encounter.
However, we believe the most important message on this issue is that most STDs can be totally asymptomatic or symptom-less for a long period of time.
STDs can be passed on to sexual partners even when they are not causing any symptoms. The consequences of sexually transmissible infections can include cancer, problems with fertility, prostate irritation and inflammation (in men), pelvic inflammatory disease (in women) and damage to other organs such as the liver, kidney, heart, spinal cord and brain.
This is why preventive strategies and going through screening tests (with timely treatment of any infection detected) are crucial in protecting your loved ones from infection.
