Sexual Health STDs Symptoms Sexually Transmitted Diseases Guide Sexually Transmitted Diseases Guide Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Signs and Symptoms of STDs By Elizabeth Boskey, PhD facebook twitter linkedin Elizabeth Boskey, PhD, MPH, CHES, is a social worker, adjunct lecturer, and expert writer in the field of sexually transmitted diseases. Learn about our editorial process Elizabeth Boskey, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD on February 08, 2020 facebook twitter linkedin instagram Anita Sadaty, MD, is board-certified in obstetrics-gynecology. She is a clinical assistant professor at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine and founder of Redefining Health Medical. Learn about our Medical Review Board Anita Sadaty, MD on February 08, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Frequent Symptoms Rare Symptoms No Symptoms Complications When to See a Doctor Next in Sexually Transmitted Diseases Guide Causes and Risk Factors of STDs Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), of which there are many, have a varied set of symptoms. It's possible that you may experience genital itching, discharge, pain, skin changes, or other symptoms—or even none at all. In fact, some of the most serious infections produce no signs or symptoms until significant damage has occurred, which puts both the person affected and their partner(s) at risk. mediaphotos / Getty Images Before reviewing the signs and symptoms of some common STDs, it's important to remember that the only person who can diagnose you with such an infection is a healthcare professional. If you think you may have been exposed to an STD, whether you have symptoms or not, it is important to go to a doctor and get tested. Treating an STD in the early stages can prevent transmission of the infection and prevent serious complications, such as infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease. The Incubation Period of Common STDs Frequent Symptoms Symptoms associated with STDs overlap with those of other conditions, which further stresses the importance of proper testing. See a doctor if you have any of the following. Discharge Discharge from the vagina (for women) or urethra (for men) can be a symptom of certain STDs, including: ChlamydiaGonorrheaNon-gonococcal urethritisTrichomoniasisBacterial vaginosisLymphogranuloma venereum Vaginal discharge is defined as unusual liquids or solids coming out of the vagina. It is not the same as normal vaginal lubrication; all women have some discharge. It's only when abnormal/unusual discharge is present that it may signal an STD. Urethral discharge is pus or other fluids coming out of the penis. Odor Changing vaginal odor is often a sign that you may have acquired a vaginal infection. Some infections that cause the vagina to smell unpleasant are: TrichomoniasisBacterial vaginosis Itching STD-associated itching is usually around the genitals. The area around the buttox may also itch because of an STD. STDs that cause itching include: Chlamydia Trichomoniasis Bacterial vaginosis Pubic liceScabiesHerpesLymphogranuloma venereum Molluscum contagiosumMycoplasma genitalium Painful Intercourse Pain during sex may be a sign of an STD. It may also be a sign of certain non-infectious conditions. New or unusual pain during sex should always be discussed with a doctor. STDs that can cause pain during sex include: Chlamydia Trichomoniasis ChancroidHerpes Mycoplasma genitalium Painful Urination If it hurts when you pee, you may have an urinary tract infection or an STD, such as: ChlamydiaGonorrhea Non-gonococcal urethritis Trichomoniasis Bacterial vaginosis Mycoplasma genitalium Chancroid Herpes Lumps, Bumps, Sores, and Ulcers Not all lumps and sores are infectious, but many are. Some STDs that cause genital ulcers and other bumps or sores are: SyphilisChancroidHerpes Lymphogranuloma venereum Molluscum contagiosum Genital warts are a common symptom of HPV. Warts may also appear in the mouth and throat. Pain As with other infections, some STDs can be painful. Where they hurt depends on the site that has been infected, which may be the vagina, anus, lower abdomen, or throat. STDs that are sometimes associated with pain include: Chlamydia Gonorrhea Trichomoniasis ChancroidHerpesLymphogranuloma venereum Mycoplasma genitalium Visible Infestation/Parasites This would occur with: Pubic lice Scabies Rare Symptoms Rashes are a relatively uncommon STD symptom. They can, however, be caused by: Syphilis HIV (associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma)Scabies No Symptoms For many people, an STD can have no symptoms at all. STDs that are commonly asymptomatic include the following. Take note that most of these are also listed above, only reinforcing how their presentation cannot be guaranteed: ChlamydiaGonorrhea Non-gonococcal urethritis Lymphogranuloma venereum Mycoplasma genitalium Syphilis Trichomoniasis HIV Herpes Hepatitis BHepatitis C The only way to be certain if you have an STD is to get tested. Having no symptoms may not mean that you are negative. Complications Left untreated, STDs can cause long-term health problems. Possible complications include: Reproductive health problems, including infertilityPelvic inflammatory disease and pelvic painPregnancy complicationsCertain cancers, such as HPV-associated cervical and rectal cancersHeart diseaseEye inflammation Since STDs can often present with no symptoms, it is important to get tested for STDs if you have had unprotected sex to avoid complications. Pregnancy Risks STDs can be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy and increase the risks of pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects. For example, syphilis passed from mother to child, known as congenital syphilis, can cause deformed bones, severe anemia, enlarged liver and spine, jaundice, blindness, deafness, meningitis, and skin rashes. In addition, some STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes can be transmitted to the newborn during delivery and can lead to eye infections, lung infections, and other health issues. When to See a Doctor If you have any of the above STD symptoms, have had intimate contact with an infected partner, or engaged in risky sexual behaviors, see a doctor to get tested. While there is a lot of stigmas associated with having an STD, it is important to talk openly with your doctor. Remember that their only interest is to make sure that you are well. STD testing is often covered by insurance or available at a free clinic, and it can involve a physical examination, blood work, urinalysis, and cell sample analysis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine STD screening for all pregnant women and repeated testing for women at high risk for STDs, regardless of whether or not there are symptoms present. The Best At-Home STD Tests A Word From Verywell If left untreated, STDs can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in women, infertility, and severe systemic symptoms in addition to increasing the risk of spreading infections to future partners. Do not assume your doctor automatically tests for STDs as part of an annual physical or gynecological exam. If you may be at risk, talk to your doctor about getting tested or visit an STD clinic. Causes and Risk Factors of STDs Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Workowski KA, Bolan GA; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Disease Treatment Guidelines, 2015. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2015;64(RR-03):1-137. Hazel A, Marino S, Simon C. An anthropologically based model of the impact of asymptomatic cases on the spread of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. J R Soc Interface. 2015;12(106). doi:10.1098/rsif.2015.0067 U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: HealthyPeople.gov. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Congenital Syphilis—CDC Fact Sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. STDs During Pregnancy —CDC Fact Sheet. Additional Reading Mayo Clinic. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Satterwhite CL, Torrone E, Meites E, et al. Sexually transmitted infections among US women and men: prevalence and incidence estimates, 2008. Sex Transm Dis. 2013;40(3):187-93. doi:10.1097/OLQ.0b013e318286bb53