Seeing that almost half of all the people in the world will get an STI at least once in their lifetime and nearly a million people contract a type of sexual bug every day, it would be wise to get educated about the lesser known symptoms of STI.
While you may say that it would be easy to ascertain if you caught something bad down there, there are some STI symptoms that are harder to spot. Although most common STIs like chlamydia do not exhibit symptoms (which is why it is really important to get tested regularly), other sex infections have tell-tale signs. Here are some signs to look out for:
8) Bumps and lumps
Any bump, lump or sore you see around your nether regions is not a good sign. While most lumps are harmless, caused by ingrown hair or heat, it is important to double check just to be safe. If you notice that the swelling feels rough to the touch or looks like a wart, you may have caught a strain of genital warts. If however, the lump looks similar to a pimple or feels soft, it is most likely just an ingrown hair.
If you notice any blisters or sores breaking out inside/around your mouth or around your genitals, it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible as you may have contracted herpes.
7) Pain
Pay attention to how your body feels. If you ever feel a pain that won’t go away in your tummy, it is advisable not to ignore it. Consistent pain around the abdominal area (or sometimes around the testicle area for men), may be an indication of chlamydia, gonorrhea or trichomoniasis. Pain during sex should also never be ignored. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, immediately go to your doctor and have yourself checked as soon as you can.
6) Urination Changes
A burning and painful sensation during urination can be a symptom of several STDS including chlamydia, trichomoniasis, herpes and gonorrhea. It could also be kidney stones, urinary tract infections or bladder infections. This is the reason why it is really important to go to the doctor ASAP.
5) Discharge
While discharge is perfectly normal among women, it can be an indication of something more serious, especially if its color is yellow or green, as it could mean gonorrhea. You should also look out for yellow, greenish or cloudy discharge as it is also an indication of gonorrhea or chlamydia.
4) Itching
Although some red itchy patches are caused by heat rash or eczema, any itching or rashes around your nether regions should never be ignored. Get yourself checked.
3) Irregular Bleeding
A symptom that is more common in women, irregular bleeding could mean an infection or possibly even cancer. Although irregular bleeding happens every now and then among women, it is very important that you seek medical attention if it becomes a regular occurrence.
2) Redness Genital Area
If you notice a redness around your genital area, it could mean irritation and irritation is a side effect of STDs. Scabies manifest as rash with small red blisters and bumps with thin red, gray or brown lines. Immediately go to your doctor if you see this type of redness.
1) Pelvic Pain
Although pelvic pain can be caused by a variety of things, one usual culprit is pelvic inflammatory disease, also known as PID. The pain that is felt is caused by reproductive organ infection which is commonly caused by bacterial STD, specifically gonorrhea or chlamydia. If you feel any pain in your pelvic area, it is time to pay a visit to your doctor for a checkup.
