Symptoms of STDs
Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS
Introduction
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), primarily transmitted through sexual contact. STIs can be transmitted through blood, semen, or bodily fluids, and can also be spread during pregnancy or childbirth, through blood transfusions or shared needles. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections or conditions resulting from sexual activity involving the mouth, anus, vagina, or penis. Common symptoms of STDs include burning, itching, or discharge. STIs are highly contagious and can be passed on without awareness. Regular screenings are recommended by the CDC.
Some of the common symptoms of std’s
There are many different symptoms, including none at all. Because of this, STIs may be undetected until a person experiences problems or a partner is diagnosed. Common symptoms of STDs include the following:
- Painful or scorching urination; sores or pimples on the genitalia, in the oral cavity, or the rectal region.
- Expulsion from the penis.
- Odd or unusual vaginal discharge.
- Unusual vaginal bleeding.
- Cause pain during sex.
- Sore, swollen lymph nodes,are often more widespread but more common in the pelvis.
- Lower-back discomfort, Fever.
- Rash on the hands, feet, or trunk.1
Types of STD’s with Symptoms
Following are some of the most common types of STDs and their symptoms are explained.
1) HPV Virus
- HPV is a type of STD that affects the mouth, throat, and genital region, acquiring from skin-to-skin contact, oral, anal, or vaginal sex, and distributing sex toys. It occurs frequently and is often unnoticed due to its absence of symptoms.
- HPV infections are typically defeated by the body's immune system before they produce warts. Genital warts are flat lesions, while common warts are rough bumps on hands and fingers.
- Plantar warts are hard, grainy growths on feet, while flat warts are slightly raised lesions. Children usually get them on the face, men in the beard area, and women on the legs.
2) Pubic Lice
- About five days following an infestation, symptoms of pubic lice are frequently present. These signs include:
- Pruritus (severe scratching), especially in places with pubic hair.
- Skin that has been irritated by lice bites and may be red or bleeding.
- Black lice scabs can be seen in your underpants.
- Hard to remove little white specks on pubic hair—these are lice eggs.
- Pale bluish dots on your buttocks, lower abdomen, and thighs.
- Have a low fever and am exhausted.
3) Gonorrhea Bacteria
- Gonorrhoea symptoms typically appear within 2 weeks of infection but may persist for months. About 1 in 10 men and 5 in 10 women may not experience symptoms.
- Symptoms of gonorrhea in women include unusual vaginal discharge, pain during urine passing, tenderness in the lower abdominal area, and bleeding between periods and after sex.
- Men may experience gonorrhea symptoms such as unusual penis discharge, urination pain, foreskin inflammation, and rare testicle tenderness.
- Unprotected sex can cause infections in the rectum, throat, or eyes, affecting both men and women. Conjunctivitis can occur if infected fluid contacts the eyes, causing discomfort, pain, and discharge.
4) Syphilis Bacteria
- Syphilis typically resolves without treatment, becoming latent and causing damage to organs. Tertiary syphilis, which develops in untreated individuals, can cause heart damage, central nervous system disorders, and skin, bone, or liver tumors.
- This condition causes skin rash, mucous patches, moist, warty patches, fever, general ill feeling, loss of appetite, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, vision changes, and hair loss.
5) Chlamydia Bacteria
- Chlamydia symptoms typically appear within 1 to 3 weeks after contact.
- Chlamydia symptoms in women include abnormal vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods, painful periods, abdominal pain with fever, sex-related pain, itching or burning, and bowel pain.
- Chlamydia symptoms in men include small discharge from the penis tip, painful urination, burning and itching around the opening, and pain and swelling around the testicles.
- Unprotected sex can cause chlamydia in the anus, throat, and eyes, causing discomfort, discharge, usually no symptoms in the throat, and redness, pain, and discharge in the eyes.
6) Hepatitis B Virus
- About half of adults with hepatitis B never experience symptoms, which can resemble flu-like symptoms, making it possible to contract the infection without being aware.
- The symptoms of Hepatitis B mostly appear during 6 weeks to 6 months after the infection, and can last for a few weeks or months, and can continue for months.
- Symptoms of Hepatitis B are tiredness, headache, fever, joint pain, appetite loss, vomiting, abdominal pain, joint pain, and yellowing eyes and skin,
- Hepatitis B symptoms should be tested by a doctor or nurse, as it can become chronic and cause liver damage.
- How does chronic hepatitis B manifest? Hepatitis B carriers, who are contagious and can spread the virus for life, are about 1 in 20 adults with chronic infections.1 in 5 people lose their lives because chronic infection leads to serious liver disease. Pregnant women should be tested for hepatitis B to ensure timely treatment.
7) HIV Virus
- HIV is a type of STD infection that occurs in three stages, with symptoms varying based on the stage. Testing is the only reliable way to determine if you have HIV, as symptoms are not a reliable indicator. Flu-like symptoms appear during the period of four weeks after HIV infection, which is known as the acute or primary stage. Asymptomatic HIV infection, lasting 10 years or more, is when the virus becomes active and can be passed on.
- Acute HIV infection symptoms typically appear within 2 to 4 weeks after acquiring the virus, often compared to the flu. These symptoms include headache, fatigue, aching muscles, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, a red rash, fever, and ulcers. Early testing is crucial due to high HIV levels in the blood and bodily fluids, making it highly contagious. Treatment, including HIV drugs and antiretroviral therapy (ART), can help fight the virus, maintain a healthy immune system, and prevent the spread of the virus.
- HIV produces asymptomatic or chronic infection in the second stage of clinical latency.CD4 T cells, which coordinate the immune system's response, are destroyed by untreated HIV. Blood tests can check CD4 cell count, and without treatment, the number drops, increasing the risk of other infections. ART treatment can prolong this phase for decades.
- AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection, where the CD4 T-cell number drops below 200 and the immune system is severely damaged. Symptoms include fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss, persistent skin spots, shortness of breath, severe diarrhea, yeast infections, bruises, and neurological symptoms. Those without medication live about 3 years or less but can be treated with HIV drugs, doctor's advice, and healthy habits.
Conclusion
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and can be transmitted through sexual contact, blood, semen, or bodily fluids. Common symptoms of STDs include burning, itching, or discharge. STIs are highly contagious and can be passed on without awareness. Common STDs include HPV Virus, pubic lice, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and Hepatitis B Virus. Regular screenings are recommended. In conclusion, there are different indications of STDs including abnormal release from the privates, torment or burning whereas urinating, hasty or bruises on the privates, fever, body throbs, and weariness. Be that as it may, a few STDs can moreover have no indications at all, making it basic to experience standard screening to guarantee early discovery and treatment. It is significant to continuously hone secure sex and keep up a solid way of life to anticipate the spread of STDs. Looking for restorative consideration in case of any indications or hazard of presentation is imperative to anticipate long-term well-being issues and potential transmission to others.