10 Warning Signs of STDs
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that can spread from one person to another through sexual contact. It's very important for everyone to know the warning signs of STDs so they can get help quickly if something is wrong. In this article, we talk about 10 warning signs of STDs in both men and women.
1. Swelling or Severe Itching
When you see swelling or feel very itchy in your genital area, it might be a warning sign of an STD. The skin around the genitals can become red and feel sore or irritated. This can happen because your body is trying to fight off an infection.
2. Discharge
Another common sign of an STD is unusual discharge from the penis or from the vagina. The discharge might be thick, change color or have a strange smell. These changes occur when the body is reacting to an infection. For example, a yellow or green discharge can be a sign of an STD known as gonorrhea.
3. Bumps or Sores
Bumps or sores that develop near the genitals can be a sign of an STD. They may look like small blisters, ulcers or lumps. These bumps or sores might be itchy or painful. Infections like herpes can cause painful blisters, while other STDs can create small growths or warts.
4. Painful or Frequent Urination
If you feel pain or burning when you pee or need to urinate more often than usual, it might be a sign of an STD. This problem happens because the infection irritates the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of your body. Painful or frequent urination is not very common, and if you have it, you should visit a healthcare professional to get checked.
Related Search Topics (Ads)
5. Painful Sex
Experiencing pain during sex can be a warning sign of an STD. Painful sex can happen in both men and women and might be a sign that an infection is causing issues in the body. Sometimes the pain might last for a few days or may come back often.
6. Lower Abdominal Pain
Lower abdominal pain may be a signal of an STD, especially in women. The pain can feel like a dull ache or a sharp pain, and it may be near the lower belly area. This kind of pain happens because the body’s organs near the bladder and reproductive system may be affected by an infection.
7. Fever
A fever can be a sign that the body is fighting an infection. When you have an STD, your body might respond by raising the temperature to try and stop it from spreading. A fever is a general symptom that can occur with many infections, so if you have a fever along with other signs of an STD, it is important to get checked by a healthcare professional.
8. Skin Rash
Sometimes a skin rash can be a sign of an STD. This rash might appear on the body or near the genital area and can be itchy or red. Skin rashes appear when the body reacts to the infection by releasing chemicals that change how the skin looks and feels. Even if the rash is not painful, it should be looked at by a doctor.
9. Swollen Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that are part of the immune system, and they help fight infections. When there is an STD, lymph nodes in the groin area, or in other parts of the body, may become swollen or tender. This is another signal that the body is fighting off an infection. If you feel swollen lymph nodes that do not go away, you should have them checked by a doctor.
10. Unusual Vaginal Bleeding
Unusual vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods or after sex, can be a sign of an STD in women. This warning sign happens because an infection can cause irritation or damage to the tissues in the vagina. The bleeding might not be heavy, but any unexpected bleeding should be taken seriously.