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Understanding STD Symptoms
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections that spread primarily through sexual contact. While many STDs can cause noticeable symptoms, it’s important to understand that many infected individuals experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. This “asymptomatic” nature of many STDs means that the only way to know for certain if you have an STD is through testing.
This overview provides information about common STD symptoms, but it’s crucial to remember that symptoms alone cannot diagnose a specific STD. If you notice any unusual symptoms or have concerns about potential exposure, call (866) 566-8711 to discuss confidential testing options.
Common STD Symptoms by Gender
While many STD symptoms can affect anyone regardless of gender, some symptoms are more commonly experienced by specific genders due to anatomical differences.
Common STD Symptoms in Women
- Abnormal vaginal discharge (changes in color, consistency, amount, or smell)
- Unusual vaginal bleeding (between periods, after sex, or after menopause)
- Pain or burning during urination
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Lower abdominal pain or pelvic pain
- Itching, burning, or irritation in or around the vagina
- Sores, bumps, or blisters on the vulva, vagina, or cervix
- Rash on the body, including palms of hands and soles of feet
- Genital warts or growths
Common STD Symptoms in Men
- Discharge from the penis (clear, white, yellowish, or greenish)
- Pain or burning during urination
- Pain and swelling in one or both testicles
- Sores, bumps, or blisters on the penis, testicles, or around the genital area
- Rash on the body, including palms of hands and soles of feet
- Genital warts or growths
- Itching or irritation inside the penis
- Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding (if infection is rectal)
Gender-Neutral STD Symptoms
- Sore throat (from oral infections)
- Fever, chills, and body aches
- Swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the groin
- Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding (from rectal infections)
- General fatigue or feeling unwell
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
STD Symptoms by Specific Infection
Different STDs can cause varying symptoms. Below is a breakdown of common symptoms associated with specific STDs.
Many people with chlamydia (up to 90% of women and 50% of men) have no symptoms.
Women:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Bleeding between periods
- Lower abdominal pain
Men:
- Clear or cloudy discharge from the penis
- Burning or painful urination
- Pain or swelling in the testicles
- Burning or itching around the penis opening
Timing: Symptoms typically appear 1-3 weeks after exposure, if they appear at all.
Up to 80% of women and 10% of men with gonorrhea may be asymptomatic.
Women:
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Painful urination
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Sore throat (if infection is in the throat)
Men:
- Yellow, white, or green discharge from the penis
- Painful or burning urination
- Painful or swollen testicles
- Sore throat (if infection is in the throat)
Timing: Symptoms usually appear 1-14 days after infection.
Many people with herpes never develop visible symptoms.
Common symptoms:
- Painful blisters or open sores in the genital area, anus, or mouth
- Flu-like symptoms during first outbreak (fever, body aches, swollen glands)
- Itching, tingling, or burning feeling before outbreak
- Pain in the legs, buttocks, or genital area
- Pain when urinating (if sores are nearby)
- Unusual discharge
Timing: Initial symptoms typically appear 2-12 days after exposure. Recurrent outbreaks can occur periodically throughout life.
Early symptoms of HIV are often similar to those of flu.
Acute HIV (2-4 weeks after infection):
- Fever
- Chills
- Rash
- Night sweats
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Mouth ulcers
Chronic HIV (without treatment):
- Rapid weight loss
- Recurring fever
- Extreme fatigue
- Prolonged swelling of lymph glands
- Diarrhea lasting more than a week
- Pneumonia
- Memory loss, depression, neurological disorders
Timing: Early symptoms typically appear 2-4 weeks after exposure and last for a few weeks. Then the infection may be asymptomatic for years without treatment.
Syphilis progresses through stages with different symptoms.
Primary stage:
- Painless sore(s) or ulcer(s) at the infection site (chancre)
- Typically appears on genitals, anus, or mouth
Secondary stage:
- Skin rash, often on palms and soles
- Fever
- Swollen lymph glands
- Sore throat
- Patchy hair loss
- Headaches
- Weight loss
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
Latent stage:
- No visible symptoms
Tertiary stage:
- Damage to internal organs
- Neurological problems
- Blindness
- Paralysis
- Heart abnormalities
Timing: Primary stage sores appear 10-90 days after infection (average 21 days) and last 3-6 weeks. Secondary stage symptoms appear 2-8 weeks after the sore appears. The latent and tertiary stages can occur years to decades later.
Up to 70% of infected people do not have any symptoms.
Women:
- Frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with strong odor
- Genital itching and irritation
- Pain during urination or sex
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen
Men:
- Itching or irritation inside the penis
- Burning after urination or ejaculation
- Discharge from the penis
Timing: Symptoms typically appear 5-28 days after infection.
Many people with hepatitis B or C do not have symptoms.
Common symptoms:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored bowel movements
- Joint pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
Timing: Hepatitis B symptoms typically appear 60-150 days after exposure. Hepatitis C symptoms can take 2-12 weeks to appear, but most people don’t develop symptoms until the infection has caused liver damage, which could be decades later.
Most people with HPV have no symptoms and the infection often clears on its own.
Common symptoms:
- Genital warts (single or multiple bumps in the genital area)
- Warts may be flat or raised, single or multiple, small or large
- Can be flesh-colored, white, pink, or red
- May be shaped like cauliflower
Timing: Warts typically appear weeks or months after infection, but can take years to develop. Some high-risk HPV types may never cause visible symptoms but can lead to cancer over time.
Many infections are asymptomatic.
Women:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Pain during sex
- Bleeding after sex
- Painful urination
- Lower abdominal pain
Men:
- Watery discharge from the penis
- Burning or pain during urination
- Pain or discomfort in the urethra
Timing: Symptoms typically appear 2-35 days after exposure, if they appear at all.
Key Facts About STD Symptoms
Understanding these important facts about STD symptoms can help you make informed decisions about your sexual health:
1. Asymptomatic Infections Are Common
- Many STDs cause no symptoms in a significant percentage of infected individuals
- Asymptomatic infections can still damage health and be transmitted to partners
- Regular testing is the only way to know if you have an asymptomatic infection
2. Symptoms Can Come and Go
- Some STDs cause intermittent symptoms
- Absence of symptoms doesn’t mean the infection is gone
- Treatment is needed to clear bacterial STDs even if symptoms resolve
3. Symptoms Can Be Confused With Other Conditions
- STD symptoms often mimic other health issues like urinary tract infections, yeast infections, or skin conditions
- Self-diagnosis is unreliable
- Medical testing is the only way to confirm an STD
4. Early Treatment Is Important
- Most bacterial STDs are easily cured with appropriate antibiotics if caught early
- Viral STDs can be managed with proper treatment
- Untreated STDs can lead to serious complications including infertility, cancer, or organ damage
5. Overlapping Symptoms Are Common
- Similar symptoms can be caused by different STDs
- Co-infections (having multiple STDs at once) are common
When to Get Tested for STDs
You should consider getting tested for STDs if:
- You have symptoms that could indicate an STD
- You have a new sexual partner
- You have multiple sexual partners
- You don’t consistently use protection during sexual activity
- Your partner has been diagnosed with an STD
- You’re planning to start a new relationship
- You’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- It’s been more than a year since your last STD test
- You’ve shared injection drug equipment
Remember, many STDs show no symptoms, especially in the early stages. Regular testing is the only way to know for sure if you have an STD.
How Testing Works at LocalSTDTesting.com
Order your test online or by calling (866) 566-8711
Visit any of our 4,500+ testing centers nationwide (no appointment needed)
Get your results online within 1-2 days
Speak with a doctor for free if your results are positive
All of our testing is 100% confidential and performed in certified laboratories using FDA-approved testing methods.
Protect Yourself and Your Partners
The most reliable ways to avoid STDs are to abstain from sex or to be in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for STDs.
If you are sexually active:
- Use condoms correctly every time you have sex
- Get tested regularly for STDs
- Talk openly with partners about STDs and testing
- Limit your number of sexual partners
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis B and HPV
- Consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you’re at high risk for HIV
Get Tested Today
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Many STDs can be present without any noticeable signs. Order your test online or call (866) 566-8711 to speak with a care advisor who can help you select the right test for your needs.
LocalSTDTesting is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions about medical conditions.
