People with sexually transmitted infections can often not even know they have one, as some conditions don’t have any symptoms.
Some live with STIs for years without knowing it, and although some STIs don’t have obvious symptoms, they can still cause lasting damage.
Untreated STIs can cause:
- increase the risk of infertility
- cause certain types of cancer
- be transmitted to sexual partners
- damage an unborn baby
- make a person more susceptible to contracting HIV
It is important to be aware of physical changes and seek medical help if you think you may have an STI.
Some of the most common symptoms of STIs include the following.
Changes in urination
A burning sensation or pain during urination can be an indication of an STI. However, it may be a symptom of a different condition, such as a urinary tract infection or kidney stones.
STIs that can cause burning or pain during urination include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Trichomoniasis
- Genital herpes
Discharge
Discharge from the penis is usually a symptom of an STI or another type of infection or condition.
STIs that can cause discharge include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Trichomoniasis
These are treatable with antibiotics. However, you should see your doctor if your symptoms don’t improve or if they come back.
Abnormal vaginal discharge can be a symptom of a number of conditions.
Some discharge is normal throughout the menstrual cycle. However, it shouldn’t be strangely coloured or smell bad.
These can be symptoms of an STI. For example, discharge due to trichomoniasis is often green, frothy, and foul-smelling. Gonorrhoea discharge may be yellow and tinged with blood.
Bleeding between periods combined with discharge can also be a sign of cancer.
Burning or itching in the vaginal area
STIs aren’t always the cause of burning or itching in the vaginal area. For example, a non-STI bacterial or yeast infection can also cause vaginal burning or itching.
Bacterial vaginosis and pubic lice can also cause itching and require treatment.
Pain during sex
Occasional pain during sex can be common in women. Unfortunately, this can make it one of the most overlooked symptoms of an STI.
If you experience pain during sex, you should discuss it with your doctor. Especially if the pain:
- is new
- has changed
- started with a new sexual partner
- began after a change in sexual habits
Bumps
Bumps and sores may be the first noticeable signs of STIs, including:
- genital herpes
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Syphilis
- Molloscum contagiosum
Talk with your doctor if you have strange bumps or sores on or near your mouth or genitals.
Just because a sore has healed doesn’t mean the condition has gone away.
Pain in the pelvis
Pelvic Pain can be a sign of a number of conditions. However, if the pain is unusual, discuss it with your doctor.
One cause of severe pelvic pain in women is pelvic inflammatory disease, which occurs when asymptomatic STIs have gone untreated.
