Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infectious illnesses transmitted primarily through intimate sexual contact, including vaginal and anal intercourse and oral sex. Bacteria, viruses and parasites cause different types of STDs. Symptoms of STDs often overlap, especially when two or more diseases are present. Recognizing STD symptoms facilitates early diagnosis and treatment, reducing the risk for personal complications and potential spread of the infection to others.
Penile, Vaginal or Anal Discharge
Penile or vaginal discharge is a possible symptom of chlamydia or gonorrhea, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The discharge usually appears off-white to yellow. Among women, a greenish foamy vaginal discharge with a foul odor may indicate trichomoniasis, also known as "trich." Men uncommonly have penile discharge in association with trichomonas infection. Anal discharge can occur with chlamydia or gonorrhea rectal infections, and may be accompanied by anal irritation and pain with bowel movements. Mild rectal bleeding may occur with the passage of stool.
Burning on Urination
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that chlamydia or gonorrhea may cause a burning sensation that accompanies urination. This symptom can also occur with a genital herpes outbreak or trichomoniasis, with women affected more commonly than men.
Testicular Pain
In rare cases, chlamydia infection can spread to the tubes that transport sperm from the testicles. Infection of these tubes, or epididymitis, can cause testicular pain and swelling, note Drs. Linda Vorvick and Louis Liou in a Medline Plus entry.
Painful Sex
Irritation of the cervix caused by chlamydia or gonorrhea may provoke pain during sexual intercourse, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaginal irritation due to trichomoniasis can be aggravated during vaginal intercourse, causing discomfort. Light bleeding associated with vaginal intercourse may occur in women with chlamydia, gonorrhea or trichomoniasis. Men with trichomoniasis may experience mild burning after ejaculation. Chlamydia or gonorrhea of the rectum may lead to discomfort during anal intercourse.
Itching
Vulvar itching and irritation commonly occur with trichomoniasis. Itching of the hair-covered pubic regions in both sexes is the hallmark symptom of pubic lice, more commonly known as crabs.
Genital and Anal Skin Lesions
Syphilis, herpes and genital warts cause different types of skin lesions in the genital and anal areas. Initial syphilis infection causes a painless sore, or chancre, at the entry site of the bacteria. Occasionally, several sores appear. Chancres heal in three to six weeks, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Herpes infection may cause an eruption of multiple small blisters, which break open and form scabs before healing in roughly two to four weeks. The blisters are painful and may itch. Genital warts are skin growths caused by human papillomavirus infection. Genital warts are typically raised, rough, painless lesions that grow with time. Women may unknowingly have internal genital warts.
Fever and Generalized Skin Rash
A fever and generalized skin rash can occur with secondary syphilis or acute infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. Other flu-like symptoms often accompany both infections. Early testing and diagnosis are critically important for both HIV and syphilis.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Chlamydia, Symptoms
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Gonorrhea, Signs and Symptoms
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Genital Herpes, Signs and Symptoms
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Human Papillomavirus, Signs and Symptoms
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Syphilis, Signs and Symptoms in Adults
