Signs of STDs: An Early Guide to Prevent Severe Consequences
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are caused by infections that are transmitted from one person to another through sex and transmission of bodily fluids.
According to the World Health Organization, more than one million STIs are acquired every day globally.
Thus, learning about the signs of STDs is crucial to seek prompt medical attention and prevent the severe consequences.
Though these infections are passed through vaginal, oral, and anal sex, in the majority of cases, they do not show symptoms or show mild symptoms.
This article will elaborate on the numerous signs and symptoms of STDs in men and women and when you should seek prompt medical attention.
Let’s learn in detail.
What are the symptoms of STD
The symptoms of STD can be understood separately in men and women in the following ways:
STD symptoms in men
In men, STD signs and symptoms can be recognized as follows:
Burning or itching in the penis
STDs can cause inflammation of the glans penis, the tip of the penis, and is called Balanitis.
While Balanitis itself is not an STD, certain infections can cause Balanitis as a sign of sexual transmission, such as:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Herpes
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Trichomonas
- Syphilis
- Penile discharge
Penile discharge due to STD can vary in men depending upon the type of infection causing the problem.
Generally, the discharge is whitish-colored and thick in consistency. However, it can also be present in yellow or green color.
Pain during urination
Painful or burning urination, often called Dysuria, is a sign of STDs.
It can cause discomfort and uncomfortable situations every time you try to pee.
This usually happens when urine comes in contact with the irritated muscles in the urethra that stimulate pain receptors and cause pain.
The STDs that can cause this symptom are Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Genital Herpes, and Trichomoniasis.
Sores, bumps, or blisters on the penis
Herpes may cause one or more blisters around the genital area, rectum, or mouth.
These blisters may leave behind painful sores that may take up to a week or more to heal.
Frequent urination
STDs, including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes, and Tricomonias, can cause frequent urination in people.
Generally, Chlamydia shows no signs or symptoms. However, it exhibits painful and frequent urination that people may intertwine with UTI symptoms.
What are STD symptoms in women
Sexually Transmitted Diseases may show the following symptoms in women:
Burning or itching in the vagina
Sexually Transmitted Infections may cause burning, pain, or itching in the vagina.
It often causes painful sexual experiences in women.
Vaginal discharge and odor
As in men, women can also notice vaginal discharge and change in odor after getting infected.
Further, women can notice bleeding in between their monthly cycles and should seek medical attention to treat the condition swiftly.
Other symptoms
The other symptoms of STDs in women include:
- Pain in the pelvis
- Lower abdominal pain
- Burning sensation during urination
When do STD symptoms start
According to NHS, STD may take some days to show the first signs of symptoms, such as:
- Chlamydia: 1 to 3 weeks or even later, and in many cases, it shows no symptoms
- Genital Herpes: 4 to days
- Genital Warts: 3 weeks to months or even years
- Gonorrhea: Up to 2 weeks after getting infected
- Syphilis: Up to 2 to 3 weeks
- Trichomoniasis: 4 weeks
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 2 to 6 weeks
Early signs and symptoms of STD are often helpful in seeking prompt medical attention and treating the condition swiftly.
You can consult a healthcare practitioner if you suspect any signs of STDs and seek medical treatment.
Conclusion
Sexually Transmitted Diseases are infections transmitted from one person to another and can show early signs and symptoms.
In men, signs of STDs can include a burning or itching sensation at the tip of the penis and may cause discomfort.
Further, it can cause penile discharge, pain during urination, blisters, and frequent urination-like signs in men.
Moreover, in females, STD can show early signs such as burning or itching in the vaginal area, vaginal discharge, and change in odor.
It can also lead to pain in the pelvis, a burning sensation, and bleeding in some women.
Generally, some STDs are asymptomatic or show symptoms at varied times after getting infected.
Therefore, it is crucial to seek prompt medical attention to notice these symptoms and treat the condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of having an STD?
The first signs of STDs include burning and itching in the penis and vagina, followed by penile and vaginal discharge. It may also lead to painful urination and blisters around the penis, anus, or mouth. You can also notice changes in vaginal odor, bleeding, and frequent urination in women.
What are the 5 common symptoms of an STD?
The 5 common symptoms of an STD in men and women are burning and itching sensation in the genitals and frequent urination. People may also notice painful urination and blisters around the genitals, and discharge from the penis and vagina.
What is the first symptom of STD in men?
The first symptoms of STD in men include itching and burning in the genitals and frequent and painful urination. They can also notice one or more blisters or sores around the genitals. Also, they can notice penile discharge of yellow or green color as a sign of STD.
What are usually the first signs of STDs in women?
The first signs of STDs in women are burning and itching in the vagina. They can also notice vaginal discharge and changes in odor after getting infected. Further, they can notice bleeding in between the monthly cycles, pain in the pelvis, and painful urination.
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