Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFrequent SymptomsRare SymptomsNo SymptomsComplicationsWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in STDs GuideCauses and Risk Factors of STIs
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Frequent Symptoms
Rare Symptoms
No Symptoms
Complications
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in STDs Guide
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), of which there are many, have a varied set of symptoms. It’s possible that you may experience genital itching, discharge, pain, skin changes, or other symptoms—or evennone at all.
In fact, some of the most serious infections produce no signs or symptoms untilsignificant damagehas occurred, which puts both the person affected and their partner(s) at risk.
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Only a healthcare professional can confirm whether or not you have an STI. If you think you could have been exposed to an STI, it is important to go and get tested—whether you have symptoms or not.
The Incubation Period of Common STIs
Symptoms associated with STIs overlap with those of other conditions, which further stresses the importance of proper testing.
See a healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of STIs.
Discharge
Unusual liquids (discharge) from the vagina or tip of the penis can be a symptom of certain STIs, including:
Vaginal dischargeis not the same as normal vaginal lubrication; all women have some discharge. It’s only when abnormal/unusual discharge is present that it may signal an STI.
Urethral discharge is pus or other fluids coming out of the tip of the penis.
Odor
Changingvaginal odoris often a sign that you may have acquired a vaginal infection. Some infections that cause the vagina to smell unpleasant are:
Itching
STI-associateditchingis usually around the genitals. The area around the anus may also itch because of an STI.
STIs that cause itching include:
Painful Intercourse
Pain during sex may be a sign of an STI. It may also be a sign of certain non-infectious conditions. New or unusual pain during sex should always be discussed with a healthcare provider.
STIs that can cause pain during sex include:
Painful Urination
If it hurts when you pee, you may have an STI, such as:
Lumps, Bumps, Sores, and Ulcers
Not all lumps and sores are infectious, but many are. Some STIs that cause genital ulcers and other bumps or sores are:
Genital warts are a common symptom ofHPV. Warts may also appear in the mouth and throat.
Pain
As with other infections, some STIs can be painful. Where they hurt depends on the site that has been infected, which may be the vagina, anus, lower abdomen, or throat.
STIs that are sometimes associated with pain include:
Visible Infestation/Parasites
This would occur with:
For many people, an STI can have no symptoms at all. STIs that are commonly asymptomatic include the following.
Take note that most of these are also listed above, only reinforcing how their presentation cannot be guaranteed.
The only way to be certain if you have an STI is to get tested. Having no symptoms may not mean that you are negative.
Left untreated, STIs can cause long-term health problems. Possible complications include:
Pregnancy Risks
For example, syphilis passed from mother to child, known as congenital syphilis, can cause deformed bones, severe anemia, enlarged liver and spine, jaundice, blindness, deafness, meningitis, and skin rashes.
In addition, some STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes can be transmitted to the newborn during delivery and can lead to eye infections, lung infections, and other health issues.
If you have any of the above STI symptoms, have had intimate contact with an infected partner, or engaged in risky sexual behaviors, see a healthcare provider to get tested.
While there is a lot of unfortunate stigma associated with having an STI, it is important totalk openly with your healthcare provider.Keep in mind that their only interest is to make sure that you are well. Details about your symptoms (if any), your sexual history, how you have sex, and the extent to which you protect yourself can be very helpful in the diagnosis process.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine STI screening for all pregnant women and repeat testing for women at high risk for STIs, regardless of whether or not there are symptoms present.
The Best At-Home STI Tests
A Word From Verywell
Treating an STI in its early stages can prevent transmission of the infection and prevent serious complications. And recognizing symptoms, if present, can be helpful when it comes to prompting you to get evaluated sooner than later.
But remember: A lack of symptoms does not mean you are necessarily STI-free. If you may be at risk, talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested or visit anSTI clinic.
Do not assume your healthcare provider automatically tests for STIsas part of an annual physical or gynecological exam. Some don’t.
Frequently Asked QuestionsCommon STI symptoms include:Discharge from the vagina or penisGenital itchingLumps or bumpsPainful intercoursePainful urinationSores or ulcersVaginal odorIt depends on the STI. Some STIs have symptoms that appear in a matter of days, while others can take months to show up.For example, symptoms of chancroid, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes can appear less than a week after exposure. Symptoms of syphilis and chlamydia can take two or more weeks to appear. Genital warts take three months or more to erupt.Learn MoreThe Incubation Period of Common STIsNo. The only way to know if you have an STI is to be tested. If you have symptoms of common STIs or have been exposed to an STI, see your healthcare provider or free clinic to get tested. If you have an STI, it is important to get treated and abstain from sexual relations until the infection is clear.
Common STI symptoms include:Discharge from the vagina or penisGenital itchingLumps or bumpsPainful intercoursePainful urinationSores or ulcersVaginal odor
Common STI symptoms include:
It depends on the STI. Some STIs have symptoms that appear in a matter of days, while others can take months to show up.For example, symptoms of chancroid, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes can appear less than a week after exposure. Symptoms of syphilis and chlamydia can take two or more weeks to appear. Genital warts take three months or more to erupt.Learn MoreThe Incubation Period of Common STIs
It depends on the STI. Some STIs have symptoms that appear in a matter of days, while others can take months to show up.For example, symptoms of chancroid, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes can appear less than a week after exposure. Symptoms of syphilis and chlamydia can take two or more weeks to appear. Genital warts take three months or more to erupt.
It depends on the STI. Some STIs have symptoms that appear in a matter of days, while others can take months to show up.
For example, symptoms of chancroid, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes can appear less than a week after exposure. Symptoms of syphilis and chlamydia can take two or more weeks to appear. Genital warts take three months or more to erupt.
Learn MoreThe Incubation Period of Common STIs
No. The only way to know if you have an STI is to be tested. If you have symptoms of common STIs or have been exposed to an STI, see your healthcare provider or free clinic to get tested. If you have an STI, it is important to get treated and abstain from sexual relations until the infection is clear.
Causes and Risk Factors of STIs
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Workowski KA, Bolan GA; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually Transmitted Disease Treatment Guidelines, 2015.MMWR Recomm Rep. 2015;64(RR-03):1-137.Hazel A, Marino S, Simon C.An anthropologically based model of the impact of asymptomatic cases on the spread of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.J R Soc Interface. 2015;12(106). doi:10.1098/rsif.2015.0067U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: HealthyPeople.gov. Sexually Transmitted Diseases.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About congenital syphilis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About STIs and pregnancy.Additional ReadingMayo Clinic.Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).Satterwhite CL, Torrone E, Meites E, et al.Sexually transmitted infections among US women and men: prevalence and incidence estimates, 2008.Sex Transm Dis. 2013;40(3):187-93. doi:10.1097/OLQ.0b013e318286bb53
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Workowski KA, Bolan GA; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually Transmitted Disease Treatment Guidelines, 2015.MMWR Recomm Rep. 2015;64(RR-03):1-137.Hazel A, Marino S, Simon C.An anthropologically based model of the impact of asymptomatic cases on the spread of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.J R Soc Interface. 2015;12(106). doi:10.1098/rsif.2015.0067U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: HealthyPeople.gov. Sexually Transmitted Diseases.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About congenital syphilis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About STIs and pregnancy.Additional ReadingMayo Clinic.Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).Satterwhite CL, Torrone E, Meites E, et al.Sexually transmitted infections among US women and men: prevalence and incidence estimates, 2008.Sex Transm Dis. 2013;40(3):187-93. doi:10.1097/OLQ.0b013e318286bb53
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Workowski KA, Bolan GA; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually Transmitted Disease Treatment Guidelines, 2015.MMWR Recomm Rep. 2015;64(RR-03):1-137.Hazel A, Marino S, Simon C.An anthropologically based model of the impact of asymptomatic cases on the spread of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.J R Soc Interface. 2015;12(106). doi:10.1098/rsif.2015.0067U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: HealthyPeople.gov. Sexually Transmitted Diseases.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About congenital syphilis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About STIs and pregnancy.
Workowski KA, Bolan GA; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually Transmitted Disease Treatment Guidelines, 2015.MMWR Recomm Rep. 2015;64(RR-03):1-137.
Hazel A, Marino S, Simon C.An anthropologically based model of the impact of asymptomatic cases on the spread of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.J R Soc Interface. 2015;12(106). doi:10.1098/rsif.2015.0067
U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: HealthyPeople.gov. Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About congenital syphilis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About STIs and pregnancy.
Mayo Clinic.Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).Satterwhite CL, Torrone E, Meites E, et al.Sexually transmitted infections among US women and men: prevalence and incidence estimates, 2008.Sex Transm Dis. 2013;40(3):187-93. doi:10.1097/OLQ.0b013e318286bb53
Mayo Clinic.Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
Satterwhite CL, Torrone E, Meites E, et al.Sexually transmitted infections among US women and men: prevalence and incidence estimates, 2008.Sex Transm Dis. 2013;40(3):187-93. doi:10.1097/OLQ.0b013e318286bb53
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