Symptoms of STDs: know the warning signs

Many people who have sexually transmitted diseases never realize anything is wrong. That’s because some STDs have very few outward symptoms, or symptoms may fail to manifest among some patients. However, most people who have common sexually transmitted diseases show some types of symptoms. Each STD has its own unique symptoms, but several symptoms may appear as a result from various STDs. Recognizing symptoms –either your own or your sexual partner’s symptoms -- can help you get the immediate treatment you need to ensure proper treatment.

Symptoms for STDs tend to show up around the genitals or around the mouth, depending on whether the STD was contracted via intercourse or oral activity. Other symptoms include pain or burning sensations. Men and women may experience different systems based on their unique reproductive systems. Women may experience fluid discharge, itching or burning around the vagina, and men may experience similar occurrences from the penis.

Other STD symptoms are common between men and women. An example of these shared symptoms includes painful or burning sensations during intercourse, or unpleasant sensations while urinating. Pain often occurs because tissues can grow covered with rashes or ulcerations. Pain may also be present around the pelvis or the anus. People with STDs may also experience strange breakouts of warts or blisters in the genital areas, mouth or rectum. People who contract STDs through oral sex may also experience soar throats.

Other signs of STDs include:

Hard, scaly rashes on the hands and feet
Unexplained weight loss
Changes to urine or stool color
Night sweats
The eyes and skin may take on a yellowish tint
Reoccurring fevers and unusual aches and pains

What to do if you’re experiencing STD symptoms

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor and ask to be screened for STDs. Your doctor may ask odd, embarrassing or personal questions about your sex life, but answering these questions honestly is paramount in ensuring that you receive the proper screening for various STDs. Answering these questions can also help trace the origin of your STD – which may help protect others – while also helping to determine which kind of treatment you’ll receive if you are in fact infected.

Remember, sexually transmitted diseases can be transferred through intercourse, oral sex and even anal sex. Some STDs can be transferred through blood, meaning that it’s possible to contract STDs through drug use. During intercourse, the best way to protect against STDs is to wear male or female condoms, though some condoms are not capable of stopping the bacteria or viruses that cause certain STDs. Your best bet is to subject yourself to regularly scheduled STD screening tests and request that all of your sexual partners do the same.

Symptoms in General

STDs can have very dramatic symptoms, but what's tricky about them is that often times, they start off having no symptoms whatsoever. This is one of the primary complications of STDs. People who don't exhibit symptoms don't know that they are infected, and so continue to have sexual intercourse, and this is how STDs spread so rapidly. The risk of infection is extremely high because STDs can lie dormant for months or even years. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that there are 19 million new STD infections in the US each year. It is recommended that safe sex be the rule and not the exception because of this fact.

Long Term Damage

An STD may not be making you feel sick right now, but it may be affecting your or your partner's health currently, even though you may not see any symptoms. If STDs are left untreated, they can sometimes cause serious damage to the reproductive tract. Pelvic inflammatory disease is one such affliction that affects the reproductive area, and it can render it difficult or even impossible to have children. Some STDs can even lead to grave illness, organ damage, or even death in some instances.