Important Symptoms Of STDs You Should Look Out For
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases that are spread through the exchange of sexual fluids. When a patient contracts an STD, they may exhibit different symptoms depending on the type of STD they contracted. STDs can affect more than just the genitalia; it is also possible to develop complications in the mouth, skin or the body’s general immune system. Experiencing a symptom of an STD means you would likely want to get tested at an STD clinic in Singapore before receiving treatment. In this article, we will share a few key symptoms that you may experience if you have contracted an STD.
Pain when urinating
Some infections will affect the genitalia directly, often causing pain in the urethra. Painful urination is common when the urinary tract is infected, which can be caused by some bacterial STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea and genital herpes. This could occur in both men and women alike. Pain caused by STDs is usually sharp, burning or stinging. Do note though that it is also possible to experience pain through other bacterial infections that are not STDs. That is why it is particularly important to see a doctor at an STD clinic to see the exact causes of the symptoms. Fortunately, it is possible to relieve this symptom within about a week with some prescribed medication. Pain while urinating is one of the most common symptoms of an STD and would definitely warrant a visit to a doctor.
Painful bumps near the genitalia
Some STDs develop in the form of infections on the skin, usually near the genitals or the anus. These may be genital warts, a type of infection caused by certain strands of the human papillomavirus. Genital warts are contagious and vary in size. It is important to note that the cause of a genital wart is different from that of a typical wart and the treatments required will be different. Small warts typically respond well to topical medication and may subside within a few days. Larger warts may require more extensive medical procedures like surgery or cryotherapy (freezing the wart in liquid nitrogen to remove it). Seeing a doctor at a wart removal clinic is crucial for patients who see these lumpy fibrous growths on their skin.
High fever
Fevers are commonly associated with many types of disease, including the common cold. However, if you do develop a fever within a week of unprotected sexual intercourse, it may be caused by an STD. The most common cause of such a high fever is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, causing it to be weaker and more susceptible to common infections. The key sign of an HIV infection is a high fever of 39 to 41 degrees Celsius. After the fever subsides, it is possible that the patient will not exhibit further symptoms until the later stages of HIV, when the body’s immune system is worn down by the virus. As such, patients should get an HIV test as soon as possible to ascertain their HIV status and receive medications if necessary.
Conclusion
Besides these symptoms, STDs may also exhibit many others. If you are experiencing some of these symptoms or suspect that you may have an STD, you should see an experienced STD doctor as soon as possible.
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