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How Will I Know If I Have an STD?

Reviewed on 12/13/2022

What Is a Sexually Transmitted Disease?

A man points to a cold sore on his lower lip, which is a sign of herpes
The first signs of an STD may include abnormal discharge, itching, soreness, or bleeding in the anal area; blisters or sores in the genital area, genital warts, painful sexual intercourse, bleeding after sex, pain or burning sensation when urinating, and others.

STD stands for sexually transmitted diseases (also called sexually transmitted infections or STIs), which are common infections spread from person-to-person through sexual activity such as vaginal, oral, and anal sex. 

Common STDs include: 

What Are the First Signs of an STD?

Early signs and symptoms of STDs can vary depending on the infection and people often do not have any signs. You may have an STD if you have symptoms such as: 

  • Abnormal vaginal or penile discharge
  • Rectal or anal pain, discharge, itching, soreness, or bleeding 
  • Blisters or sores in the genital area  
  • Genital warts 
  • Painful sexual intercourse 
  • Bleeding after sex
  • Pain or burning sensation when urinating
  • Urinary frequency
  • Blisters on the mouth or lips
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach/abdominal upset or pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Tiredness/fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Pain and swelling in one or both testicles in men (less common)

If you have symptoms of an STD, is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis because treatment depends on the cause. 

What Is the Treatment for STDs?

Treatment for STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) varies depending on the infection. 

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis are treated with different antibiotics, depending on the infection. 

  • Sexual partners should also be treated because reinfection can occur
  • Patients and their partners should avoid sex until both have been treated
  • Patients should be retested three months after treatment 

Hepatitis A and B are treated with: 

  • Adequate fluid intake
  • Rest
  • Good nutrition
  • Hospitalization (in severe cases)

Herpes is treated with: 

There is no treatment for human papillomavirus (HPV or genital warts) and it may go away on its own. Treatments for health problems caused by HPV include:

  • Prescription medication for genital warts
  • Cervical precancer treatments

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Reviewed on 12/13/2022
References
Image source: iStock Images

https://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm

https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/chlamydia-beyond-the-basics?search=Chlamydia&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=2

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/gonorrhea-beyond-the-basics?search=Gonorrhea&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=2#H13

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/genital-herpes-the-basics?search=herpes&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/human-papillomavirus-hpv-the-basics?search=HPV&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/syphilis-the-basics?search=Syphilis&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/trichomoniasis?search=Trichomoniasis&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~87&usage_type=default&display_rank=1

https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/sexual-health/how-soon-do-sti-symptoms-appear/