STD Symptoms

FAQ About STDs Symptoms

STD stands for Sexually Transmitted Disease. The worry of if you’ve been infected with an STD or not can drastically interrupt your life. Not everyone has a clear understanding of STDs and what a diagnosis might mean for them, or those they love. Many aren’t aware of how common sexually transmitted disease are.

Fortunately, most STDs can be treated, some can even be cured. Some of the best ways to recognize symptoms of STDs is to learn about what STDs are out there, learn what their symptoms are, and to get tested to better protect yourself and your partner.

The Importance of Knowing about STD Symptoms

Many carriers are unaware that they are infected, which is one of the reasons STDs are so common. Being unaware of infection usually stems from a lack of knowledge about STDs and their symptoms. Many assume the worst when it comes to STD symptoms, typically because they aren’t sure what the reality of STDs is. Whether you think you are at risk or not, educating yourself about STDs and their symptoms can bring you peace and can even protect you and your loved ones.

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Asymptomatic STDs

Unfortunately, self-diagnosis can sometimes be more complicated than simple. This is because some STDs are asymptomatic, meaning the individual infected shows no symptoms. This means that even those who are aware of STDs and their symptoms may not be aware they are infected. When STDs are asymptomatic, the risk of exposure and spreading the disease increases and oftentimes your internal systems have been harmed before you realize you were infected. We highly recommended STD testing, whether you are experiencing symptoms or not. Regular testing can lead to early detection which means treatments can start sooner.

Common Symptoms for Men and Women

educating yourself about the symptoms of STDs can be life-saving. While each STD has its own set of symptoms, many STDs produce similar symptoms.

It is also important to remember that STDs aren’t gender specific, both men and women can become infected. However, even when men and women are infected with the same disease, their symptoms may manifest differently. Below are lists of common symptoms for men and women to help you out as you begin to learn about specific STDs and their accompanying symptoms.

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Symptoms of Chlamydia in Men

  • No symptoms presently shown
  • Painful urination
  • Blisters on or near the penis
  • Bumps, lesions, or spots on the penis
  • Thick of thin dripping from the top of the penis
  • Discharge; white, clear or yellow
  • Painful ejaculation
  • Itchiness on the tip of the penis
  • Rash on and near the penis, testicles, or groin

Symptoms of Chlamydia in Men

The following symptoms may not be as common as those listed above, but should not be ignored.

  • Swelling of the testicles
  • Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding after anal sex
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Chronic flu-like symptoms
  • Swelling around the joints
  • Swelling of the epididymis
  • Swelling of the urethra
  • Testicle pain
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Symptoms of Chlamydia in Women

  • No symptoms presently shown
  • Itchiness of the vagina
  • Painful urination
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Rash on or around the vagina and genital area
  • Thick or thin vaginal discharge; white, green, or yellow
  • Blisters on the vagina or genital area

Symptoms of Chlamydia in Women

Though less common than those listed above, here are other common symptoms to watch for:

  • Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding after anal sex
  • Spotting or bleeding between menstrual cycles
  • Fever
  • Pelvic pain
  • Nausea
  • Sore throat
  • Painless ulcers on the vagina
  • Pain in the lower back
  • Swelling around the joints
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Have a Conversation with your Partner about Your STD Symptoms

It can be hard to talk to your partner about STD symptoms you may be experiencing. Perhaps you don’t know what to say or how to say it. You might be worried about what will happen within your relationship. When it comes to STDs, you shouldn’t stay quiet. When having a conversation with your partner, or partners, about STDs and symptoms you have, it is best to be open about things. An open conversation helps to protect the safety of the individuals involved and their relationship. Responsible sex is more than taking precautions against STDs, it also involves overcoming the worries of “what ifs” and talking to your partner and working towards necessary treatment.

Starting the conversation can be difficult, but if roles were switched, you’d most likely like to be aware that you might have been infected. When it comes to STDs, hearing the news of possible infection is best received when it comes directly from the sex partner.

One of the first things you might want to mention to your partner, or partners, is the STD symptoms you’ve been experiencing. Recommend that all sexual partners get tested to help prevent spreading infection to others. Rapid STD Testing offers couples testing that eases the burden of testing individually.

There are various online services that offer reliable, quick, and anonymous advice to help individuals find the right words to say given their circumstances. If you are having a hard time speaking directly to your partner about your STD symptoms, we recommend using a service that will help you have a safe and healthy conversation with those involved.

Monogamous Relationships and STDs

Developing STD symptoms when you’ve been in a monogamous relationship can lead to additional pain on top what you may already be experiencing. You may have questions such as “how, “why”, or “when” and might experience feelings of betrayal and concern about your relationship. Keep in mind that infidelity is one way that STDs could have be brought to your relationship, but there are also other ways to consider.

If you or your partner were in a relationship previous to your current relationship, you or your partner could have infected while in their previous relationship. Since some STDs are asymptomatic, the infected individual may not have known they were infected and were unaware they were spreading the STD to you.

Sometimes outbreaks are delayed. It is possible that while you were in a relationship with another partner you became infected by it and it has taken some time for the symptoms to appear. To best protect yourself, and your partner, we recommended STD testing before any sexual activity begins in the relationship.

Are you experiencing some of the STD symptoms we listed earlier? To learn more about a certain STD and its symptoms, click on the links below. Self-diagnosis can be quite difficult when it comes to STDs, only a doctor can give an accurate diagnosis. However, we strongly believe that learning about sexually transmitted diseases can help ease worries and will help you make informed decisions about moving towards improved health.

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