By 
On average, over a million people in the United States are diagnosed with STDs each day. More than half of all Americans will contract an STD at least once during their lifetime in a given year. The most common problems associated with STDs include pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pain.
The most common symptoms of STDs include itching and burning during urination, sores on the genitals, unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, pain when having sex, and for women bleeding between periods. It is important to note that most people with an STD do not show symptoms which means they can be infected.
If you think you have an STD, you should visit a Kingwood STD testing specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
Table of Contents
Common STDs and Their Symptoms
Chlamydia
Chlamydia can be asymptomatic or present with a mild burning sensation during urination and vaginal itching. The three significant symptoms are yellowish vaginal or penile discharge, burning during urinating, and abdominal pain. The cervix may have a discharge with an odor similar to fish in women. Men may also discharge from their penis and experience painful burning during urination.
Symptoms usually develop within a few weeks of being infected, but sometimes there are no symptoms at all.
Gonorrhea
If untreated, gonorrhea can cause severe and permanent health problems in both women and men. In women, the initial symptoms may include a painful or burning sensation when urinating and unusual vaginal discharge that may be thin or watery and greenish-yellow in color.
Within a few days to a week after infection, women may develop lower abdominal pain. Symptoms in men are usually milder than those experienced by women and may not be noticed until later. The initial symptoms can include a burning sensation when urinating or unusual discharge from the penis. Men may also experience inflammation of the testicles, which causes pain, swelling, and a burning sensation.
Chancroid
The first symptom of chancroid is a small, firm, round, and painful ulcer that develops on the penis or around the vagina. Most people with chancroid will notice this ulcer within 2 to 5 days after infection. These sores may take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks to heal completely. In children, no symptoms are usually seen at all.
The initial symptoms of chancroid are very similar to other STDs, so you must see your healthcare provider for testing.
5. Herpes
One or more lesions characterize primary infection with the herpes simplex virus, often accompanied by flu-like symptoms, including fever and swollen glands. These painful blisters may last two to four weeks and resolve without treatment. Some people never have a second outbreak of herpes, while others, especially those who experience severe primary infections, do.
Even without treatment, the herpes virus remains in the body, and outbreaks can be triggered by:
- Exposure to sunlight or UV rays (UVB)
- Menstruation
- Emotional stress
- Trauma to the infected area
Symptoms of recurrent infection are typically much milder than those of primary infection.
To summarize, STDs can cause significant health issues if left untreated. You should, therefore, get tested as soon as possible so you can treat the problem once you notice the early symptoms. Common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and chancroid.
Comments