Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - also commonly called venereal infections - can be contracted through different types of sexual contact. Many of these have obvious physical symptoms that represent clues to understand if the infection is active; in other cases, it is more difficult to recognize them as many tend to cause mild or completely absent symptoms. In addition to some discomfort, if left untreated, many STIs can lead to more serious problems in the long run. If you suspect that you have one of these diseases, you should contact your doctor and make an appointment for a thorough examination.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Observe the Symptoms of a Bacterial STI
Step 1. Look out for unusual discharge from the vagina or penis
Trichomoniasis, gonorrhea and chlamydia are all diseases that cause this symptom; although a vaginal discharge is usually quite normal and completely healthy, when it has an abnormal color or odor, it could indicate a bacterial infection. If you are a man and are experiencing material leaking from your penis at a time when you have not urinated or ejaculated, you may be suffering from a bacterial STI.
- Likewise, you should be concerned if you notice green or yellowish vaginal discharge; however, you may also have a STI with secretions that are unusually white, thick, or foul-smelling.
- Beware of any annoying or unusual odor coming from the vagina as this is a typical sign of trichomoniasis; Other symptoms of this disease include difficult urination and painful sexual intercourse.
Step 2. Look for pain during sexual intercourse or general pelvic pain
STIs such as chlamydia and trichomoniasis have the characteristic of causing pain in these circumstances; Pelvic pain is typically a discomfort in the genital or pelvic region even when urinating.
Men with STIs often have testicular pain, even outside of sexual intercourse or without ejaculation
Step 3. Don't underestimate any kind of difficulty or pain you experience when urinating
These disorders may be accompanied by pelvic pain and fever in women, while men may experience a burning sensation and are all symptoms of chlamydia or other sexually transmitted infections.
Step 4. Make a note of irregular vaginal bleeding
If you experience bleeding outside of your period, you may have a sexually transmitted infection. In particular, chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause this symptom; bacterial infections can also induce a heavier than usual menstrual cycle.
However, chlamydia is difficult to diagnose, as, like all infections, it has few symptoms in the early stage; usually, a patient does not complain of them until three weeks after the infection
Step 5. Check for open sores on the genitals
The first symptom of syphilis is usually a round, painful herpes-like lesion that can last up to 2 to 3 weeks. An open ulcer called syphiloma may also appear on the infected area (usually corresponding to the genitals), which is painless and occurs between 10 and 90 days after exposure to the bacterium.
- Other symptoms of herpes include fever, chills, general malaise, and particularly painful urination.
- When left untreated, the symptoms of syphilis tend to worsen: the sores become larger and more numerous, plus exhaustion, vomiting and fever accompanied by skin rashes. Syphilis can progress to four levels of severity: first, second, latent, and third stage. This infection can be treated relatively easily when it is in the first or second stage; however, if you notice any symptoms that suggest syphilis, see your doctor and seek treatment.
- Open lesions - syphilomas - can be accompanied by fever, chills, and general malaise. Some people may leak and find it difficult to urinate. Over time, the initial lesions can open up and increase in number.
Method 2 of 3: Look for the Symptoms of a Viral STI
Step 1. Examine the genital area for small warts or sores
Many STIs of viral origin, including genital herpes, can cause small warts, blisters, blisters, or even open sores on or around the genitals. These warts and blisters typically are accompanied by a painful itch or burning sensation.
- If you have recently had oral or anal intercourse with someone with an infection, you should also check your lips and mouth, as well as the anal area and buttocks, for warts or growths.
- Herpes can lie dormant in the body for very long periods. Later outbreaks may be less painful than those that occur at the beginning. People who have contracted this virus can suffer from herpes for decades.
- Although oral herpes can also be contracted on the genitals (or in the genital area), it typically remains dormant after the initial rash.
Step 2. Check for lumps or fleshy blisters
If you see raised, fleshy patches of skin or warts on the genitals or in the mouth area, they could indicate genital warts, which is human papilloma virus (HPV). it is a serious sexually transmitted infection that is difficult to detect. Some strains of the virus cause grayish swellings in the genital area, which can build up between them and take on the appearance of a cauliflower.
- While not particularly serious, genital warts cause discomfort and are often itchy.
- Some HPV strains can increase the risk of cervical cancer in women; if this infection worries you, see your gynecologist and undergo screening tests to monitor the virus.
Step 3. Pay attention to persistent fever, fatigue and nausea
Although these are generic and non-specific symptoms, they can still indicate two serious viral sexual infections: viral hepatitis (different strains) or early stage HIV. Early-stage HIV can cause swollen lymph nodes and skin rashes, while people with hepatitis (which damages the liver) often have lower abdominal pain and dark-colored urine.
It is possible to contract hepatitis strains and HIV even without sexual intercourse; both of these diseases can be transmitted through contact with infected blood (or other body fluids) or even by sharing infected needles
Method 3 of 3: Contact Your Doctor
Step 1. Get tested for STDs
If you suspect that you have any of these conditions, contact your doctor as soon as possible and make an appointment for an examination. These are inexpensive, easy to perform and do not require a specialist visit.
- Typically, there is a urinalysis, blood draw, and pelvic exam, as well as a sample of body tissue.
- Don't stop taking exams. Many STIs cause discomfort or pain; Also, if you postpone the checkups, you could get others, such as HIV.
Step 2. Find out about the different treatments
Most venereal infections are easily treatable; those bacterial can be treated with antibiotic drugs that are usually prescribed in pills or administered intravenously. Parasitic infections, such as scabies and pubic lice, are treated with prescription medicated shampoos.
Doctors may also prescribe medications for viral infections that cannot be cured or treated (such as herpes or HIV) to relieve painful symptoms
Step 3. Ask your doctor for frequent screening tests
If you are sexually active, especially if you are not monogamous or change sexual partners on a frequent basis, it is important that you get tested for STIs on time. Remember that some of these infections cause no obvious symptoms, while others may show up weeks or even months after the infection.
- When you talk to your doctor or gynecologist, be explicit: ask him to undergo the tests for STIs; do not assume that they are prescribing these types of tests simply because they are having a Pap smear or blood sample.
- When you have a new partner, ask them to get tested for STIs before having sex with you. In this way, you will avoid getting infected.
- If you do not have easy access to health facilities or are concerned that these exams can be quite expensive, you can go to the counseling centers.
- Although specialist sex disease clinics may vary by region or territory, they are generally a fairly inexpensive option for anyone looking to have STIs screening tests.
Warnings
- Always use protection when having sex with one or more partners. Using condoms can significantly reduce the chance of contracting an STI, however there is always a small percentage of risk.
- Contagion occurs through any type of sexual contact or activity - be it vaginal, oral or anal - and through any type of direct relationship with infected genitals.
- If you test positive for an STI, contact and inform any sexual partners you have had lately, more specifically in the past six months. He also advises them to undergo the tests and follow the treatment, in case they test positive themselves.
- None of the symptoms described in this article are a sure guarantee of the presence of an STI. For example, an increase in vaginal discharge during a fungal infection could potentially be confused with a symptom of a venereal infection.
