Common Signs of STDs

If you're worried you may have contracted an STD, you'll want to review the following common STD signs. If you are at all in doubt, it's always best to get tested to make sure you are not infected. Early detection is key to dealing with many STDs and to prevent further spread to others. While this STD information may help you if you are experiencing symptoms, you need to know most people do not experience symptoms with most STDs, so getting tested is the only way to know for certain if you do or do not have an STD.

If you've noticed any of the following changes, see a doctor for evaluation:

• Dark or foul smelling urine
• Unusual or unpleasant discharge from your penis or vagina
• Painful urination
• Unusual rash in your genital area
• Itchy genital area
• Lesions in your genital area
• Bumps in your genitalia
• Cauliflower-like raised bumps in your genitalia or surrounding your anus
• Foul smelling discharge
• Pain when engaging in intercourse

While all STDs can be asymptomatic, meaning you may not notice any symptoms, the following symptoms are the most commons STD signs for the following STDS:

AIDS/HIV
Flu-like symptoms such as fever, achiness, nausea, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, followed by purple patches inside mouth, yeast infections and sores that don't heal quickly.

Chlamydia
Usually no symptoms, but occasionally unpleasant discharge, painful urination, or abdominal pain

Crabs
Itchy skin, irritated skin, may see small nits or white dots on pubic hair

Gonorrhea
Unpleasant discharge, painful urination, painful sexual intercourse

Hepatitis
Jaundice, nausea, fatigue, painful intercourse, abdominal pain, fever

HPV (Genital Warts)
Cauliflower-like raised bumps (warts), vaginal bleeding after intercourse

Genital herpes
Blisters or open lesions on genitalia or around anus

Syphilis
First symptoms are usually undetected and involve one or more painless lesions (such as a chancre sore) and swollen lymph nodes. More recognizable symptoms come later, including fever, exhaustion, red patchy rash and general achiness.

Many of these STDs can cause serious complications if left untreated, including infertility and even death. The only way to know if you have an STD is to get tested.  If you're not sure where to get help, look up your local Planned Parenthood and ask for clinics that perform STD testing. Your anonymity will be protected and you will get the answers you need to best protect your health.