Signs of STDs

STDs, or Sexually Transmitted Diseases have become a leading cause of several sexual health problems all over the world. Many individual's, especially those belong to young generation, are vulnerable to STDs and hence an awareness about signs of STDs is essential to reduce risk of any diseases.

Indulging in vaginal, anal or even oral sex can spread STDs. Although, using condoms is cited to be a preventive measure for STDs, it doesn't guarantee complete safety. Some severe diseases like genital herpes and genital warts are examples of STDs that have high chances of infecting the body, even while using protection. List of STDs can give you more information about these diseases.

First Signs of STDs

Detecting STDs is difficult in the initial stages because most of the signs of STDs are asymptomatic. Even though an individual may not be showing any signs of STD, he/she may infect the other sex partner. Hence, frequent medical examination for the detection of STD is necessary for the person to know if he/she is suffering from any STD symptoms. In case of any STD infection, it is necessary to get treated before the infection passes to some other partner. Painful urination, lower abdominal pain or vaginal discharge etc., are some of the first signs of STD. Other common signs of STDs include dark foul smelling urine, unusual or unpleasant discharge from penis or vagina, rashes in the genital area, lesions in the genital areas, bumps and pain while intercourse.

Signs of STDs in Both the Genders

Some of the signs of STDs in women or several signs of STDs in men are common. While several STDs are often difficult to be detected, there are various others that are very common. Here are some of those STDs and the signs they show. For further knowledge go through STD symptoms in men and STD symptoms in women.

AIDS/HIV
HIV/AIDS, is by far, one of the most commonly spread STDs that carries symptoms of fever, body ache, nausea, swollen lymph nodes and weight loss. An infected person may also show symptoms of purple patches in mouth, yeast infections etc. In some cases, the individual may experience red, brown, pink and purplish color under the skin, eyes and inside the mouth.

Chlamydia
Chlamydia infection show signs and symptoms of painful urination and abdominal pain. Chlamydia infection in women may spread from cervix to the fallopian tubes, and may or may not infection other parts of reproductive system.

Gonorrhea
Painful sexual intercourse, abdominal pain, unpleasant discharge are some of the most common symptoms of gonorrhea.

Hepatitis
Hepatitis infection causes jaundice, nausea, fatigue, painful intercourse, abdominal pain and fever in the affected person.

HPV (Genital Warts)
Vaginal bleeding after intercourse and genital warts are some of the most common symptoms of HPV.

Genital Herpes
In the area around anus or genitalia, presence of blisters and open lesions are sure symptoms of genital herpes.

Syphilis
Syphilis spreads in three stages. In the primary stage, there is generally an appearance of a single or multiple sores. In the 2nd stage, skin rashes develop on one or more areas of the body. The rashes doesn't cause itching but they generally cause fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat etc. In the 3rd stage, syphilis causes infection to internal organs like brain, eyes, nerves, heart and blood vessels.

As we can see, signs of STDs for different diseases are different. However, irrespective of the types of STD, all are in some or the other ways linked to infection in an around genital area. Preventing STDs require practicing safe sexual methods and ensuring that both the partners involved in sexual activity have been tested for HIV virus and are faithful. Sexual health is an integral part of holistic health. Hence, working on improving this facet of health is extremely important. It has to be understood prevention is always better than cure in STDs. STDs can be prevented by abstaining from unsafe sex with multiple partners.