How can I tell if I have an STI?
STI symptoms can vary considerably, depending on the infection. Many STIs have no symptoms at all. These can be quite dangerous, since you may pass them on or leave them untreated because you are not aware of them.In other cases, the symptoms may not show up for weeks to months. And for certain types of common STIs, such as HPV (genital warts), you don’t even need to have intercourse, ANY genital contact is enough to contract the disease.
STIs can also have symptoms that are similar to those of other diseases that have nothing to do with sex. If you think you may have been at risk for an STI, some symptoms you may have are:
- sores, bumps or blisters near your genitals, anus or mouth
- burning or pain when you urinate
- itching, bad smell, dripping, or unusual discharge from your genitals or anus
- pain in your lower abdomen
- for women: bleeding from your vagina between your menstrual periods
If you have no symptoms, but are concerned that you may have been exposed to an STI, the only way to find out for sure is to be tested. Check with your doctor or the local clinic about testing for STIs. It is also a good idea to ask to be screened for STIs at your annual physical exam if you have had any kind of sexual contact.