Symptoms of Common Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The first step to treating a sexually transmitted disease is to recognize that one is present. The following is a summary of the most common conditions along with the symptoms that characterize them.

Symptoms of Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection in the western world. It is estimated that approximately six million people are infected in the United States every year. Up to 50% of men and 75% of women do not display any symptoms of this disease. Those that do may experience the following within one to three weeks of infection:

• Discharge from the penis or vagina

• Burning when urinating

• Redness on the tip of the penis

• Pelvic pain in women

• Bleeding between periods or after intercourse

Symptoms of Epididymitis

Epididymitis has sexually transmitted and non-sexually transmitted causes. It occurs in men and is an infection of the epididymis. This is the structure that sits above the testicle in the scrotum. The symptoms are as follows:

• Scrotal pain, redness and swelling - normally on one side only

• Burning with urination

• Discharge

Symptoms of Genital Warts

Genital warts are painless bumps in the genital area. They are very common and are caused by human papillomavirus. They may itch in some people but otherwise do not produce any symptoms.

Symptoms of Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that can cause widespread problems in men and women. Areas of infection can include the urethra, cervix and pelvic organs in women and the urethra, epididymis and prostate in men. Symptoms include the following:

• Discharge from the penis or vagina

• Pelvic pain

• Painful intercourse

• Fever

• Bleeding

• Swelling of genitals

Symptoms of Herpes

Herpes is a common viral infection that can affect various parts of the body. It is estimated that 50 million people in the United States have genital herpes. The symptoms of herpes come and go and some cases are asymptomatic to begin with. Look out for these signs:

• Genital blisters and ulcers

• Itching or tingling skin

• Swollen lymph nodes in the groin

• Vaginal discharge

• Burning during urination

Symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

This occurs in women and in some cases is caused by sexually transmitted bacteria such as gonorrhoea and Chlamydia. Symptoms include the following:

• Dull pain in the pelvis

• Discharge and odor from the vagina

• Burning with urination

• Pain during intercourse

• Fever, chills and nausea

Symptoms of Syphilis

This bacterial infection is spread through sexual contact or from mother to child during pregnancy. Symptoms are many and varied and can affect organ systems. Look for the following:

• A genital ulcer

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Flat, red rash over the whole body

• Fever

• Sore throat

• Joint and headaches

• Patchy hair loss

• Wart-like lesions in the genital area

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis

This is extremely common and is caused by a protozoan organism. The symptoms occur only in the genital area and are seen mostly in women. Men can be infected but often remain asymptomatic. The following symptoms may be present:

• Yellow-green frothy discharge

• Vaginal itching and irritation

• Burning with urination

While not all sexually transmitted diseases can be cured, most can be treated to give some measure of relief. It is essential to seek medical help and cease all sexual contact with partners if an infection is suspected. Describing symptoms is an important part of diagnosis and as doctors are accustomed to handling these intimate issues, people should not be ashamed to seek help.

Reference:
Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Lisa Marr, M.D. The John Hopkins University Press, 2007