The TL;DR on Common STIs and Their Symptoms

STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites that pass from person to person through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex.

Yep, all three.

Gonorrhea. Chlamydia. Herpes. Trichomoniasis. Syphilis. Even the names sound scary. But the scariest thing about STIs is probably this: Most people with STIs don’t have any symptoms and can pass an infection to a partner completely unaware.

Yep, even without experiencing symptoms, a person can pass an STI to other people.

If left untreated, STIs can cause serious health problems, like cervical cancer, liver disease, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and problems with infertility, pregnancy, and delivery. Some STIs can even increase a person’s risk of acquiring HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Most STIs are also associated with social stigma, increased domestic violence risk, and lower quality of life.

Those are some pretty scary thoughts too.

It is estimated that more than one million STIs are acquired every day, and almost half of those new infections occur among young people (15-24 years old), even though this age group only represents a small proportion of sexually active people.

People assigned female at birth (especially teenage girls and young women) are at greater risk for getting an STI and being further impacted by health effects of these infections. Why? First, the cervix (the passage between the vagina and uterus) is lined with cells that are more likely to become infected with STIs. Second, teenagers and young women don’t have as much access to information, protective supplies, and preventive services. Third, confidentiality is a concern. Transportation and cost can also be problems.

Even if fewer teenagers and young women will see this article compared to older adults, everyone reading it has a daughter, sister, niece, grandchild, or friend who might find benefit from its message. So, do your part, and pass it along. Knowledge is powerful and protective, and this couldn’t be truer when it comes to STIs.

This article focuses on the symptoms of the most common STIs, because sometimes STIs do present with symptoms, and it’s always good to know what those are. Previous Tia articles/posts have covered (and future ones will continue to cover) other aspects of STIs, like preventive measures and treatment options.

Symptoms of the Most Common STIs

There is better news when it comes to STIs – many are curable, and most of the non-curable infections are manageable. Also, there are several preventive measures that can reduce someone’s risk of getting an STI in the first place. Using condoms (correctly), getting tested on the regular, and talking to any new sex partners about STI exposure and status remain the best-known methods for protecting yourself and your partners.

Since early diagnosis and treatment of STIs ensure the best possible outcome, what follows is a list of the symptoms of the most commons STIs to be on the lookout for:

Chlamydia Symptoms

One of the most commonly reported STIs, chlamydia often presents with mild or no symptoms. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility. Pregnant people can also pass it along to their babies during delivery.

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Burning sensation during urination
• Vaginal pain during intercourse
• Lower abdominal pain
• Bleeding between periods or after sex

Gonorrhea Symptoms

Gonorrhea is another prevalent STI that can be asymptomatic, especially in women. Untreated gonorrhea can cause serious reproductive and general health issues, including PID. It can also affect the anus and spread to the bloodstream, leading to a disseminated gonococcal infection, which is a dangerous condition.

• Increased vaginal discharge (yellowish/greenish)
• Painful urination
• Bleeding between periods
• Painful intercourse
• Pelvic pain
• Anal itching
• Rectal discharge, soreness, or bleeding

Gonorrhea can also grow in the mouth, throat, eyes, and joints. Gonorrhea symptoms in body parts beyond the genitals can include:

• Eye pain, itching, sensitivity to light, and discharge
• Throat soreness or swollen glands in the neck
• Joint warmth, swelling, or pain when moving

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Symptoms

HPV is a viral infection with over one hundred types, some of which cause genital warts and others that can lead to cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. Genital HPV is spread easily through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. It’s the most common STI globally. Regular screenings and vaccination can prevent HPV-related complications.

• Genital warts (small bumps in the genital area)
• Itching or discomfort in the genital area
• Bleeding with sex

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Symptoms

Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus and comes in two types: HSV-1 is responsible for oral herpes/cold sores and HSV-2 causes genital herpes. Both types can infect the genital area. Herpes infections are lifelong, but antiviral medications can help manage outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission.

• Painful bumps, blisters, or sores on the genitals, rectum, or mouth
• Itching or tingling sensation before the sores appear
• Flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes)

Syphilis Symptoms

Syphilis, which is on the rise, is often asymptomatic. When symptoms do occur, they progress through stages. Early detection and treatment with antibiotics, usually penicillin, can cure syphilis and prevent complications. Also, pregnant people can pass syphilis to their babies during pregnancy and childbirth.

Primary Stage Syphilis

• A painless sore at the site of infection (genitals, anus, or mouth)
• This sore heals without treatment in 3-6 weeks

Secondary Stage Syphilis

• Generalized lesions that affect the skin, mucous membranes, and lymph nodes
• Fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and muscle aches
• A classic rash that appears on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet

Latent Stage Syphilis

• No symptoms, but the infection remains in the body

Tertiary Stage Syphilis

• Severe medical problems impacting the heart, brain, eyes, ears, and other organs

Trichomoniasis Symptoms

Trichomoniasis, caused by a parasite, is a common, treatable STI that often presents with mild or no symptoms. Trichomoniasis can increase the risk of acquiring other STIs and should be treated promptly with antibiotics.

• Clear, white, greenish, or yellowish vaginal discharge
• Strong vaginal odor that may smell fishy
• Vaginal itching, burning, soreness, or irritation
• Pain during sex
• Painful urination

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Symptoms

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, attacks the immune system and weakens the body's ability to fight infections. It’s a lifelong infection, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) can manage it and reduce the risk of transmission.

An acute HIV infection (2-4 weeks after exposure) may cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, rash, and muscle aches.

A chronic HIV infection often has no symptoms until it progresses to AIDS, but it can cause swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, weight loss, fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Hepatitis Symptoms

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and two types, hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV), can be transmitted sexually. There is a vaccine to prevent HBV, but not HCV. Both can become chronic and very serious. Some people never get hepatitis symptoms, but for those who do, the symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Dark urine
• Abdominal pain
• Itching
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Clay-colored stools

STIs are common, but they are also commonly overlooked, since many STIs don’t have obvious symptoms. Left undiagnosed and untreated, some STIs can cause lifelong health issues and reduced quality of life. This is why prevention, early detection, and quick treatment is so important. Practicing safer sex, receiving key vaccines, limiting sex partners, getting tested for STIs, and talking with new partners about their histories are all key strategies for staying STI-free and preventing transmission to others.

If symptoms do arise or you think you’ve been exposed to an STI, it’s important to seek medical attention for testing and treatment as soon as possible to reduce the risk of complications that can be serious and even life-threatening.