Signs and Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), now also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections that are transmitted through sexual contact. There are many different types of sexually transmitted infections, each with their own unique symptoms. However, some sexually transmitted infections cause symptoms, such as burning or pain when urinating or discomfort in the vagina or penis.
Some sexually transmitted disease symptoms appear immediately, while others can take weeks or even months to develop. In some cases, certain sexually transmitted infections can cause symptoms to return and improve over time. Be aware that some sexually transmitted infections cause no symptoms at all, but can cause serious injury over time. If you have sex with a new partner or multiple partners, most health care providers recommend regular STD testing for safety reasons.
1. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease and can be treated with medication. This infection is serious and can damage a woman’s reproductive system over time. If you have chlamydia, you may also be at increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus).
Chlamydia usually does not cause symptoms in people assigned female at birth. However, symptoms can appear if the infection damages the reproductive system. Signs of damage include: 3
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Burning sensation while urinating
However, those who were assigned male at birth are more likely to experience the symptoms. Chlamydia can cause the following symptoms: 3
Discharge from the penis
Burning sensation when urinating
Pain and swelling in the testicles
In some cases, chlamydial infections can occur in the rectum (the tube that connects the colon to the colon). your anus). . In this case, rectal pain, discharge, and bleeding may occur.
2. Gonnorhea
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted disease and is treatable. Those at greatest risk of developing this infection are those aged 15 to 24. Gonorrhea usually does not cause symptoms, but it can have a serious impact on reproductive symptoms. 4
People assigned female at birth usually do not show symptoms of gonorrhea. If this infection causes symptoms, they are usually very mild and may include the following: 4
Pain or burning when urinating
Vaginal discharge
Bleeding between periods
If you are assigned male at birth, your symptoms may include: 4
Burning sensation when urinating
White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
Pain or swelling in the testicles
Rectal gonorrhea infection causes rectal discharge, itching, bleeding, pain, and pain when defecating. may occur.
3. Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by two viruses: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Unfortunately, there is no cure for genital herpes, but symptoms can be managed with medication. Most people who get this infection have very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
This sexually transmitted disease can cause blisters on the genitals, rectum, and around the mouth. Blisters are usually small and may resemble pimples or ingrown hairs. During a herpes outbreak (when the disease is active), the blisters burst, leaving a painful sore. Usually it takes him a week or more for the wound to heal. During an outbreak, people may also experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, and swollen glands. Five
4. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States6. This infection can cause genital warts and, over time, cancer that affects the cervix, penis, vagina, or vulva. Fortunately, HPV and related cancers can be prevented with the HPV vaccine.
Most people infected with HPV do not develop symptoms and do not even know they are infected. When HPV causes symptoms, warts develop on the genitals, rectum, or around the mouth. A person assigned female at birth may find out that they have her HPV infection through an abnormal pap smear or pelvic exam result. 6
5. Mycoplasma Genitalium (Mgen)
Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) is a curable sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterial infection. This infection can occur in the cervix (opening of the uterus), penis, or rectum.
Mgen Many patients have no symptoms. However, if symptoms appear. These symptoms are often similar to those of other common sexually transmitted infections. Those assigned female at birth may experience unusual vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. People who were assigned male at birth may notice a discharge from the penis or pain when urinating. 7
6. Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that develops gradually and is curable. This is a serious infection that can affect any area of the body and requires immediate treatment.
In the early stages of syphilis, a sore (or sores) may develop on or around the penis, vagina, anus, rectum, lips, or mouth. The wound is usually hard and round. It is not painful and usually lasts about 3 to 6 weeks. 8
If left untreated, syphilis can progress to the second stage. Symptoms of the second stage may include: 8
Red-brown rash on the palms or soles of the feet
Pain in the mouth, vagina, or anus
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes
Sore throat
Headache
Hair loss
Unintentional weight loss
Muscle pain
Fatigue
Second After the next stage, syphilis enters the incubation period. This means there are no active signs or symptoms of infection. However, over time, latent syphilis can pass into the tertiary stage. The final stage is rarely reached, as most people receive treatment before it progresses. In the third stage, the virus spreads throughout the body and can cause the following complications: 8
Brain and nervous system “Neurosyphilis”: Headaches, muscle weakness, confusion, memory problems
Eyes (ocular syphilis): Pain and redness in the eyes
Ears (otosyphilis): Hearing loss, ringing in the ears, buzzing, dizziness, dizziness
7. Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasitic infection. If this infection develops, it can be treated with medication.
It is estimated that up to 70% of patients with trichomoniasis have no signs or symptoms. People who experience symptoms can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Symptoms usually appear within 5 to 28 days after infection. However, symptoms may develop several months later. 9
People assigned female at birth may experience the following symptoms: 9
Itching, burning, or redness around the vagina
Painful urination
Abnormal vaginal discharge that is clear, white, yellow, or yellow in color and has a green, fishy odor
People who were assigned male at birth have: You may experience symptoms:9
Itching or inflammation on or inside the penis
Burning sensation during urination or ejaculation
Discharge from the penis
Symptoms in Children
If a pregnant person has a sexually transmitted infection, the infection can affect the baby. Sexually transmitted infections in pregnant women increase the risk of premature birth, preterm delivery, and uterine infections. 10
Both syphilis and HIV can cross the placenta and affect the fetus. Pregnant women can transmit gonorrhea, chlamydia, and genital herpes to their babies during childbirth.
Exposure of newborns to sexually transmitted infections can result in serious symptoms, including: 10
Low birth weight
Eye infection
Pneumonia
Hepatitis
Meningitis
Blindness
Hearing loss
Coordination disorder
Brain injury
Stillbirth
If you contract a sexually transmitted infection during pregnancy, contact your doctor immediately. please. Many sexually transmitted infections can be safely treated during pregnancy, reducing the risk of complications for your baby.
Sex-Specific Symptoms
Sexually transmitted infections can affect the male and female reproductive systems in different ways. Certain sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can damage a woman’s reproductive system and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
PID is a serious disease that can cause infertility in people assigned female at birth and often occurs if the sexually transmitted disease is not treated. It is estimated that 10–15% of people diagnosed with chlamydia at birth will later develop PID. 11 PID can cause a variety of symptoms, including: 12
Pain in the lower abdomen
Fever
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Pain or bleeding during sex
Burning sensation when peeing
Vaginal bleeding between periods
People assigned male at birth may experience long-term symptoms from chlamydia. I rarely experience any problems. However, in rare cases, this infection can cause infertility.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Sexually transmitted infections are common and on the rise, but some sexually transmitted infections can cause serious harm over time. Therefore, it is especially important to seek medical attention if you develop symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease or know that you have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual STI screening for all sexually active people. It’s also important to get tested if you have a new sexual partner, multiple sexual partners, or a partner who has an active STI. 11
A Quick Review
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are spread through sexual contact. Some sexually transmitted infections cause no symptoms at all. However, when symptoms do occur, the most common symptoms of sexually transmitted infections include pain in or around the genitals, sores or rash, and a burning sensation when urinating.
Untreated sexually transmitted infections can lead to serious complications and infertility. If you develop symptoms that may be an STI, seek immediate medical attention to reduce the risk of complications.
