Most Common STDs Symptoms And Asymptomatic STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), known as ‘sexually transmitted infections’ (STIs) or ‘venereal diseases’ (VD), are among the most common contagious diseases and can be caused by a number of microorganisms that vary in symptoms, size, life cycle, and susceptibility to available treatments. Such organisms may pass to another person through blood, semen, or vaginal and other bodily fluids. So, sexually transmitted diseases spread from one person to another through intimate physical contact, mostly – but not exclusively through sexual intercourse. There are many cases when these infections are transmitted nonsexually, such as from mother to infant during pregnancy or childbirth, through blood transfusions or shared unsterilized needles, etc.
There also infections, such as meningitis, which can be spread through sexual contact but are not classed as STDs. This happens because bacteria that cause meningitis can already live in your body or anywhere in the environment, so people can acquire a meningitis infection for other reasons as well.
Based on the WebMD reports, over 65 million Americans have an incurable STD, from where fifty percent of this number are people aged from 15 to 24. While 1 in 4 sexually active adolescent females has an STD. Whereas, CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reports estimates 20 million new infections every year in the United States.
STDs Symptoms
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can have a range of signs and symptoms, but they are not always obvious or existent. Some STDs are easy to treat and cure, whereas others require more-complicated treatment to manage them. So, it’s crucial to evaluate, diagnose, and treat your STD on time. It’s also essential to inform your partner/s in case they need to see a doctor and be evaluated too.
Below you may find asymptomatic STDs and signs and symptoms that might indicate other STDs:
Asymptomatic STDs
There are many STDs which are asymptomatic, i.e. not characterized by any signs or symptoms. So, there are many people who have a symptom-free STD for years, without being aware of it. Therefore, even when you are not feeling any symptoms, you can still spread the infection to other persons. That’s why it is important to visit a doctor even if you don’t have symptoms, but you have been exposed to an STD.
Taking the right precautions during sexual intercourse or other possible ways through which one can get infected or transmit infection, and getting tested regularly, is a way to prevent an STD. Read more about STDs prevention here.
STDs which for some may be asymptomatic are primary HIV infection, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HPV, and herpes. However, when these STDs are spread or lead to other side effects, they are accompanied by certain symptoms which we will be mentioning below with all other symptomatic STDs.
Take this as an official reminder that apart from practicing safe sex, you should also get tested regularly, particularly if you have many new partners or are planning on becoming a parent at any point later in life.
Chlamydia Symptoms
Painful urination
Pain during sexual intercourse
Testicular pain in men
Discharge from the penis in men
Bleeding between periods
Abnormal vaginal discharge in women
Lower abdominal pain
Gonorrhea Symptoms
Painful or burning sensation during urination
Abnormal thick, yellowish or bloody vaginal or penile discharge
Painful bowel movements
Painful or swollen testicles
Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods
Anal itching
Trichomoniasis Symptoms
Painful urination
Pain during sexual intercourse
Swelling around your genitals
Clear, white, greenish or yellowish vaginal or penial discharge
Vaginal itching or irritation
Strong vaginal odor
Itching or irritation inside the penis
HIV Symptoms
Early HIV signs and symptoms:
Fever
Headache
Feeling really tired, dizzy, and lightheaded
Sore throat
Swollen lymph glands
Swollen lymph nodes
Weight loss
Rash
Diarrhea
Cough and shortness of breath
Late-stage HIV infection symptoms:
Persistent fatigue
Shaking chills or fever higher than 100.4 F (38 C) for several weeks
Night sweats
Swelling of lymph nodes for more than three months
Constant headaches
Unusual infections
Chronic diarrhea
Genital Herpes Symptoms
Burning sensation during urination
Pain around your genitals
Small red bumps, blisters (vesicles) or open sores (ulcers) in the genital, anal and nearby areas
Itching
Headache
Feeling achy and tired
Fever
Human papillomavirus (HPV) / Genital Warts Symptoms
In women warts grow on the vulva, walls of the vagina, or the area between the external genitals, the anus, the cervix
In men, they grow on the tip or shaft of the penis, the scrotum, or the anus
Warts can also develop in the mouth or throat
Itching or discomfort in your genital area
Small, flesh-colored or gray swellings in your genital area
Bleeding during intercourse
Hepatitis symptoms
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the right side beneath your lower ribs
Loss of appetite
Itching
Dark urine
Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
Fever
Muscle or joint pain
Syphilis symptoms
Primary syphilis
A small, painless sore (chancre) on the part of your body where the infection was transmitted, usually your genitals, rectum, tongue or lips
Secondary syphilis
Fever
Enlarged lymph nodes
Rash marked by red or reddish-brown, penny-sized sores over any area of your body, including your palms and soles
Fatigue
A vague feeling of discomfort
Soreness and aching
Tertiary syphilis
Dementia
Lack of coordination
Numbness
Paralysis
Blindness
Neurosyphilis
Behavior changes
Headache
Movement problems
Pubic Lice Symptoms
Excessive itching in the genital area
Tiny tan or whitish-gray bugs in your pubic hair
Dark or bluish spots on the skin
Feeling feverish or irritable
Scabies Symptoms
Intense itching that gets worse at night
Tiny, raised, crooked lines on your skin
Rashes that have pimple-like bumps, tiny blisters, or scales
If you suspect you have these or other STDs symptoms or you may have been exposed to one, see your doctor for evaluation, timely diagnosis and treatment.
Disclaimer: The contents of this article: text, graphics, images, and other materials contained are strictly for informational purposes only. The Content is NOT intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Please ALWAYS seek the advice of a qualified health provider with all the questions that you have related to, or about, a medical condition.