Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Early identification of STIs is not always possible. For example, chlamydia and gonorrhea often have no noticeable signs or symptoms in women. However, early identification, if possible, is important both to avoid passing on the infection and to avoid serious long-term health consequences, such as stillbirth, cervical cancer, and congenital syphilis. To help detect STIs early, a provider can:
- Ask the client’s sexual history and assess the risk of having an STI
- Ask whether the client or the client’s partner has genital sores or unusual discharge
- Look for signs of STIs when doing a pelvic or genital examination for another reason
- Know how to advise a client who may have an STI
- Promptly diagnose and treat, or else refer for appropriate care, the client who has signs or symptoms
- Advise clients to notice genital sores, warts, or unusual discharge in themselves or in their sexual partners
- For clients without STI signs or symptoms but who are at high risk for STIs, encourage syphilis screening and, when feasible, screening for gonorrhea and chlamydial infection
Common signs and symptoms that may suggest an STI include:
| Symptoms | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Discharge from the penis—pus, clear or yellow-green drip | Commonly: Chlamydia, gonorrhea
Sometimes: Trichomoniasis |
| Abnormal vaginal bleeding or bleeding after sex | Chlamydia, gonorrhea, pelvic inflammatory disease |
| Burning or pain during urination | Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes |
| Lower abdominal pain or pain during sex | Chlamydia, gonorrhea, pelvic inflammatory disease |
| Swollen and/or painful testicles | Chlamydia, gonorrhea |
| Itching or tingling in the genital area | Commonly: Trichomoniasis
Sometimes: Herpes |
| Blisters or sores on the genitals, anus, surrounding areas, or mouth | Herpes, syphilis, chancroid |
| Warts on the genitals, anus, or surrounding areas | Human papillomavirus |
| Unusual vaginal discharge—changes from normal vaginal discharge in color, consistency, amount, and/or odor | Most commonly: Bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis (not STIs; see Common Vaginal Infections Often Confused With Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Commonly: Trichomoniasis Sometimes: Chlamydia, gonorrhea |