Sexually transmitted diseases, also known as STDs, are common. As its name implies, these diseases are spread through sexual contact with someone who has an STD. You can contract an STD from sexual activity that involves the penis, vagina, anus, or mouth.
Unfortunately, STDs may not present any symptoms, so there is always a fear of living with one without knowing it. Even if you don’t have noticeable symptoms, the effects of STDs can be damaging – such as increasing your risk of infertility, HIV, and certain types of cancer.
It’s important to learn more about STDs so you know better on how to protect your sexual health. No matter how minor it may seem, stay alert to any physical changes in your body and don’t hesitate to seek medical attention for any symptoms that worry you.
To guide you along, we share 5 symptoms of STDs that are common in both men and women.
1. Changes in urination
Burning or pain during urination could be a symptom of an STD. However, these changes can also occur during a urinary tract infection or kidney stones. Thus, it’s important to consult a doctor and get tested if you’re experiencing pain or other symptoms when you urinate.
STDs that can bring about pain or burning during urination include gonorrhoea, chlamydia, genital herpes, and trichomoniasis. Speak to your doctor if you notice any changes in your urination. Additionally, take note of your urine colour to check for the presence of blood.
2. Pain during sex
Many women experience pain during sex at some point in their lives. Because of how common it is, this tends to be a highly overlooked STD symptom. It’s especially important to discuss this symptom with your doctor, especially if the pain is new, has changed, or started with a new sexual partner or a change in sexual habits. For men, pain during ejaculation can also be a symptom of an STD.
3. Unusual penis discharge
Penile discharge that isn’t pre-ejaculate or semen is often a symptom of an STD or another type of infection or condition. It’s important to seek medical attention for this symptom as soon as you can for a diagnosis. STDs that can cause unusual penis discharge include gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. These conditions are usually treated with antibiotics, but it’s crucial that you take your medication exactly as prescribed.
It’s possible to get reinfected by the STD via contact with your partner, particularly if they didn’t get treatment at the same time you did. It is advisable to see your doctor again if your symptoms come back, as you may need a different course of antibiotics.
4.Abnormal vaginal discharge
Abnormal vaginal discharge can be caused by a number of conditions – some of which aren’t sexually transmitted. It’s normal to have some vaginal discharge throughout your menstrual cycle, but it shouldn’t have a strange colour or smell. Speak to your doctor if you notice any changes in your vaginal discharge.
STDs can have a significant impact on your vaginal discharge. For instance, abnormal discharge associated with gonorrhoea may be yellow and have tinges of blood. Trichomoniasis discharge is typically green, frothy and foul-smelling. If you experience discharge along with bleeding that isn’t related to your menstruation, be sure to make an appointment with your doctor to address your concerns.
5. Bumps or sores
Bumps and sores are often the first noticeable symptoms of STDs such as genital herpes, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), and molluscum contagiosum. If you notice unusual bumps or sores on or in your genitals or mouth, consult a doctor. Certain infections may still be present in your body even in the absence of bumps or sores.
For example, herpes sores may resolve within a week or so. However, you may still be contagious with the disease even when you don’t have any visible sores. A condition such as herpes is lifelong. Once you contract it, the virus will stay in your body with no permanent cure. As such, you should mention any bumps or sores to your doctor even if they go away after some time.
Conclusion
While these above-mentioned symptoms may be caused by other conditions as well, take note if you are experiencing more than one of these signs and speak to your doctor for testing.
STDs are serious illnesses that should not be overlooked. By educating yourself on these conditions, you’ll be able to better protect yourself from them. By going for STD testing, you can ensure your own sexual health as well as your partner’s.
To book an appointment at an STD clinic in Singapore for STD testing, warts treatment and more, contact Elyon Clinic at 6802 7208.
