Learning how to listen to STD symptoms is crucial not only f or f inding
the best possible treatment, but also f or reversing the condition. Most
STDs in their early stages do not always show the symptoms; hence, it is
prudent to visit your doctor periodically.
1. st dt ips.co m
http://stdtips.co m/std-sympto ms-signs-that-mean-it-is-time-to -visit-yo ur-do cto r/
STD Symptoms | Signs That Mean It is Time to Visit Your
Doctor
STD Tips
Octo ber 10, 2013
Learning how to listen to ST D symptoms is crucial not only f or f inding
the best possible treatment, but also f or reversing the condition. Most
ST Ds in their early stages do not always show the symptoms; hence, it is
prudent to visit your doctor periodically. If symptoms are showing, use
them as your ST D alert to see your doctor right away. STD symptoms
are of the f irst alerts that you have the inf ection or disease. If you know
how to recognize it, you will be able to detect the disease as early as
possible. You can then get the right treatment that will enable you to
enjoy the best recovery or reversal of your condition.
COMMON STD TYPES AND THEIR SYMPTOMS
T here are various types of sexually transmitted diseases. Here are the
common types and their symptoms.
Chlamydia
Genital Warts or HPV
Bacterial Vaginosis
Herpes
HIV/AIDS
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Symptoms
Most of the common ST Ds are actually ST Is (sexually transmitted inf ections). BV is one of them. If you
have an exposure to ST Ds and you have BV, you are more likely to catch the disease. Here are the BV
symptoms that you should be aware of , as f ollows:
Yellowish or grayish vaginal discharge
Fish-like smell that worsens af ter sexual intercourse
However, most BV inf ections usually come with no symptoms. Further, ST Ds like trichomoniasis share the
same symptoms. You will need immediate medical attention when the f ollowing symptoms of BV occur:
Pain in your lower belly
High f ever
Vaginal itching since this is uncommon
Pain when having sex or urinating
It is also necessary that you consult your physician if during your pregnancy; there are signs of BV or any
other ST D inf ections.
Chlamydia Symptoms
Here are the usual symptoms of ST D chlamydia:
2. Clear, whitish, or yellowish discharge coming f rom the tip of a man’s penis
A man with chlamydia will usually have the f requent urge to urinate and may experience burning
sensation when urinating
Genital sores
A woman with chlamydia will experience pain during sexual intercourse, urination, and menstruation
Discomf ort similar to having menstrual cramps
Bleeding outside of the menstrual period
Vaginal itching or burning sensation
Vaginal discharge with bad smell
T he f oregoing should serve as your ST D alert to prompt you to consult with your physician the soonest
time possible. Chlamydia requires urgent medical attention since it can lead to sterility when lef t untreated.
In women, these signs of an ST D can result with serious complications such as pelvic inf lammatory
disease. In certain instances, although rarely or unusual, a woman suf f ering f rom this ST D may develop
vaginal lesions.
Symptoms of Genital Warts or HPV
Venereal warts showing in the genitals are f rom the human papillomavirus or HPV, which is one of the
most common ST Ds. Some f orms of HPV can be cancerous. It is theref ore necessary to visit your
physician especially when the f ollowing symptoms are present:
Genital bumps that resemble the shape and look of a caulif lower. T he bumps may also appear
elsewhere in the body.
ST D warts that show in the mouth, throat, tongue, and lips
Keep in mind that HPV usually does not come with symptoms and warts may only appear f rom six weeks up
to six months f ollowing the transmission or af ter your inf ection. It is always best to submit yourself to
diagnostic tests periodically.
Herpes Signs and Symptoms
T here are two types of the herpes simplex virus (HSV):
HSV-1 or oral herpes
HSV-2 or genital herpes
General Sympt oms of Herpes
T he general symptoms are the f ollowing:
Genital blisters
Fever or cold sores (sores that typically appear in the areas surrounding the lips and mouth)
T hese conditions will usually precede an outbreak
Illness f rom mild to severe
Stress whether physical or emotional
Immunosuppression f rom AIDS or medications
Menstruation
Fatigue
3. Genital lesions or cracked skin around the genital area with no pain or itchiness
Itchy or tingling sensation around your genital and/or anal areas
Blisters and sores usually on the penis or vagina or can also appear on the areas surrounding the
rectum, buttocks, and thighs
Pain during urination, especially f or women
Flu-like symptoms including backache and headache
Sympt oms Specif ic t o Genit al Herpes
HPV may also be asymptomatic, which is similar to other ST Ds with no symptoms.
Human Immunodef iciency Virus (HIV) Inf ection
HIV has several stages, the f inal of which is AIDS. It is always prudent to get diagnostic tests f rom your
physician when you have the risk f actors. It is necessary to see your physician immediately when the
f ollowing signs and symptoms of ST D are showing:
Acut e Ret roviral Syndrome, t he First St age
Belly cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Sore throat symptoms
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin
Muscle aches or joint pain
Headache
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Note that symptoms may not always appear on this initial stage of HIV, and theref ore you may already have
the virus and yet not know it.
Chronic or Lat ency St age
Changes in your bowel movement including diarrhea
Fever
Fatigue
Dry cough
Swollen lymph nodes
Sore throat and pain when swallowing
Mouth sores or thrush
Night sweats
Nail discoloration
Changes in mood or personality
Genital herpes
General malaise
4. General malaise
Loss of appetite accompanied by weight loss
In women, consider any of the f ollowing as signs of HIV:
T he repeated occurrence of vaginal yeast inf ection, more than thrice a year, and the inf ection is not
f rom the use of antibiotics.
Recurring pelvic inf lammatory disease or PID
Abnormal results of the PAP test and cancer of the cervix
Advanced St age
It is during this stage that AIDS will develop, the reason it is necessary that you visit your physician at the
f irst signs and symptoms of HIV. From the f ollowing symptoms, you will know that your condition is
already in the advanced stage:
Development and occurrence of opportunistic inf ections such as the f ollowing:
Candidiasis (bronchi, esophagus, lungs, or trachea)
Cervical Cancer
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
Lymphoma
Tuberculosis
Pneumonia
Wasting Syndrome
Acquired Immune Def iciency Syndrome (AIDS)
You will know that you have entered the last stage of HIV, and you now have to battle AIDS, with the
f ollowing symptoms:
Extremely weak and volatile immune system that exposes the
body to instant ailments especially to opportunistic inf ections
T he appearance of thrush
Severe vaginal yeast inf ections
Extreme tiredness
Rapid weight loss
Frequent occurrence of f ever and night sweats
Lymph node swelling
Skin rashes
Increased shortness of breath
Persistent deep and dry cough
Skin growth that is purplish in color and may appear inside the mouth
Skin lesions and bleeding
Loss of muscle control
Severe numbness or pain
Deterioration of mental abilities, loss of f ocus or concentration, and personality changes
5. Gender-Specif ic Symptoms
Below is the list of symptoms specif ic to men or women that should prompt you to see your doctor the
soonest time possible.
Signs and Sympt oms of STD in Men
Discharge usually f rom the tip of your penis
Inf lammation of your genitals, usually your testicles
Pain when urinating
Muscle and joint pain
Nausea and vomiting
Skin and nail discoloration
Flu-like symptoms
Sore throat
Skin and genital lesions
Blisters and sores
Fungal infection symptoms
Itchiness, pain, or tingling of the skin where blisters appear
Warts on the areas surrounding your genitals
Loss of appetite
Sudden and unexplained weight loss
Skin rashes
Unusual vaginal discharge with or without smell
Vaginal itching and pain
Recurring urinary tract inf ection
Spotting in between menstrual periods
Pain when urinating or having sex
Abdominal cramps and pain
Vaginal warts
Oral warts
Sore throat
Persistent dry cough
Shortness of breath
Fever, chills, night sweats
Flu-like symptoms
General f eeling of tiredness and f atigue
Mood and personality changes
HOW TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE AN STD
6. Remember that ST Ds usually do not have symptoms, especially during their early stages. So, how do you
know if you have an ST D without these symptoms showing?
Risk Factors
One of the very f irst things you can do is to determine you risk f actors. T hese f actors increase your
chances of getting an ST D. Here are some:
Unprotected Sex – you are exposing yourself and your partner to the symptoms of sexually transmitted
diseases without wearing protection while having sex. Men should wear condoms especially when their sex
lif e is active or have sex with dif f erent partners.
Multiple Sex Partners – the signs and symptoms of ST Ds are more common to persons having multiple
sexual partners. T he more partners you have in sex, the greater the chances you will get or pass ST Ds.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption and Prohibited Drug Use – consider the ef f ects of alcohol consumption. It
removes your inhibitions and weakens your immune system. Drug use exposes you to needle sharing,
which is one of the common ways to transmit sexual diseases or inf ections. Prohibited drug use can also
do much damage to your immune system.
Diagnostic Tests
When risk f actors are present, it is always advisable that you submit yourself to screening and other
diagnostic tests regardless if symptoms are showing or not. You can also take advantage of online
resources such as the f ollowing:
ST D quiz
ST D symptoms chart
ST D symptoms checker
When you start engaging in sexual intercourse, you must know that you have a responsibility to take good
care of yourself as well as your partner. Make sure to increase your protection against sexually
transmitted disease. More importantly, always pay attention to STD symptoms.
Hi and thanks f or visiting my blog. I am Emilia W. Crane. As a f uture gynecologist I am very
concerned about increasing level of people inf ected with sexually transmitted diseases and
low level of young people education in this f ield. So, in my blog I am trying to collect all usef ul
inf ormation about prevention, symptoms, testing and treatment of stds. If you f eel anything
should be added to the site or want to get more inf ormation on some topic, please f eel f ree
to contact me via Facebook or Google+.