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Common STI & STD Symptoms

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by: STD Help

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Sometimes after unprotected intercourse, the doubt begins to set in. Questions begin to crop up. What’s that bump? Does that look red? Something doesn’t feel right? It’s possible to get an “STD” or “STI” even with protection, so any time you’re sexually active it’s important to be conscious of the possibilites.

Most Common STD Symptoms

STD Symptoms in Women

1. Uncomfortable itchiness
2. Pain or burning when urinating
3. Rash
4. Swelling
5. Pain during intercourse
6. Strange bumps or lesions
7. Smelly vaginal discharge
8. Skin Discoloration

STD Symptoms in Men

1. Testicular pain
2. Pain and/or difficulty urinating
3. Penile discharge (may be bloody)
4. Bumps and/or blisters
5. Itchiness

How soon do Symptoms Appear?

The arrival of symptoms can vary depending on the infection contracted. Generally, the minimum incubation period for an STD/STI is forty-eight hours, anything less than that and it may be an unrelated issue – but should always be treated with caution, as every person is different. Generally, immediately after intercourse there will be redness and minor swelling – as sex involves a lot of friction, it’s not entirely unheard of that very sensitive areas of the body would react in such a way. However, it’s when redness and swelling fails to go away after an extended period of time, or when it reoccurs without a reason (IE continued sexual contact, or ill-fitted undergarments).

I have an STD Now What?

If you suspect you have an STD, you should never ignore the signs – you should go straight to a doctor. If you don’t feel comfortable going to a family doctor, there are clinics available in almost every town that will be willing to test you for an STD/STI. Never be ashamed to go to a doctor; no matter how “gross” you feel your symptoms may be, they’ve always seen something worse (you’d be amazed). Most STDs/STIs can be controlled if not completely cured by early treatment, so by putting off medical care you can have serious consequences (such as becoming sterile, or dying) that could have been prevented.

What if I’m Imagining it?

It has been discussed that sometimes STD/STI symptoms are linked to guilt – “I wish I hadn’t done that,” or “what if someone finds out?” – but you should never deny yourself medical treatment due to concern that you’re imagining it. Psychosomatic symptoms, or symptoms that you “imagine,” are impossible to diagnose yourself, so you need a medical professional. Besides – you’ll feel better after a full work-up showing that you aren’t infected with anything.

How do I avoid it?

The simplest way to avoid an STD is to not have sex. However, since that’s not always a practical option there are additional methods to avoid contracting STDs.

1. Wear a condom, or have your partner wear a condom. If you are having intercourse with someone with whom you aren’t in a committed long-term relationship, you should always have some sort of barrier to protect yourself. Most people aren’t going to be too upfront with temporary lovers as to what their sexual medical history is, as unfortunate as that may be. If either you or your partner is allergic to latex, there are alternative condom materials available anywhere normal condoms can be purchased.
2. Get a blood test. As strange as the idea sounds, you and your partner should both get a full STD test before ever having intercourse. That way, you can both make an informed decision with full facts.
3. There are ways to enjoy intimacy with your partner that don’t require actual intercourse – a little creativity with a partner who has an STD can allow you both to enjoy your time together without putting you at risk for infection.

Remember: your health comes first. If you are with someone who has an STD you can always say no, you should never risk contracting an STD just to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.

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