Signs and Symptoms:

• Chlamydia - is caused by different strains of the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis.
  • About 25% of males have few or no symptoms, but can still transmit the disease. Symptoms may show up 2 to 4 weeks after infection and include: watery, mucous discharge from the penis; burning or discomfort when urinating; and pain in the scrotum.
  • About 75% of females have few or no symptoms, but can still transmit the disease. Symptoms may show up 2 to 4 weeks after infection and include: slight yellowish-green vaginal discharge; vaginal irritation or pain or burning feeling when urinating; abdominal pain; and abnormal vaginal bleeding. In females, chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility.
• Genital Herpes - The Herpes simplex virus. There are two types, type 1 and type 2, that can cause genital herpes.
  1. Type 1 often affects teh oral area, showing up as cold sores, but can affect the genital area too.
  2. Type 2 usually affects the genital area, upper thighs, and area near the anus, but can also affect the oral area. The virus is spread by direct skin to skin contact from the site of infection to the contact site, but can also be spread during periods where there are no noticeable symptoms. Oral sex can spread herpes from the mouth to the genital area and from genital area to the mouth.

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Symptoms may appear as early as 2 to 20 days after contact include:

• Itching, irritation, and tingling in the genital area 1 to 2 days before the blisters appear
• Painful blisters and/or sores on the genital area, anus, and thighs and/or buttocks
• After a few days, the blisters break open and leave painful, shallow ulcers, which can last from 5 days to 3 weeks.
• With outbreaks, there may be flu-like symptoms (swollen glands, fever, body aches). Subsequent outbreaks are usually milder and shorter. Stress, fatigue, illnesses, vigorous sexual intercourse, sunburn, etc. may trigger outbreaks.

• Gonorrhea - Also known as "the clap", "dose", or "drip". It is caused by a specific bacterial infection.
  • 60% to 80% of females have no symptoms. If symptoms are present, they appear 2 to 10 days after infection and include: Mild vaginal itching and burning; thick, yellow-green vaginal discharge; abnormal vaginal bleeding; burning when urinating; and severe pain in lower abdomen.
  • In males, signs and symptoms include: Pain at the tip of the penis; pain and burning during urination; and a thick, yellow, cloudy, penile discharge that gradually increases.
• Hepatitis B - a virus that causes liver inflammation.
  • Flu-like symptoms: fever, fatique, appetite loss, nausea and vomiting, and joint pain.
  • Later symptoms include jaundice, dark urine, and pale, clay colored stools.
• HIV/AIDS - HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is caused by HIV. HIV destroys the body's immune system leaving a person unable to fight off diseases. The virus also attacks the central nervous system causing mental and neurological problems.
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Persistent dry cough
  • Fever
  • Night sweats
  • Swollen lymph nodes
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)- Genital Warts
  • Often there are no clearly visible signs or symptoms. Genital warts are often skin-colored, do not hurt, an may be located inside the vagina or the head of the penis, or in the anus. This makes them hard to see. To find out if you have genital warts, a health care provider can put a solution of acetic acid (vinegar) on the genitals.
• Trichomoniasis - is caused by a protozoan, not by bacteria or a virus.
  • In females, the protozoan can be present in the vagina for years without causing symptoms. If they do occur, symptoms are:
    • Vaginal itching and burning
    • A yellow-green or gray vaginal discharge with an odor
    • Burning or pain when urinating
    • Painful sexual intercourse
  • In males, symptoms are not usually present. Males may infect their sexual partners and not know it. Symptoms are:
    • Discomfort when urinating
    • Pain during intercourse
    • Irritation and itching of the penis

Still not sure? Ask yourself with these questions.

1. Do you test positive for HIV or do you have signs and symptoms of any STD listed in this topic?

If yes to one of these symptoms described above, please see your doctor.

If no, continue on to the next question.

2. Do you already have a diagnosis of genital herpes and do you have severe pain and blistering and/or are you having frequent outbreaks?

If yes to one of these symptoms described above, please see your doctor.

If no, continue on to the next question.

3. Are you symptom-free, but worried about having contracted an STD from someone you suspect may be infected?

If yes to one of these symptoms described above, please see your doctor.

If no, continue on to the next question.

4. Do you want to rule out an STD because you have had multiple sex partners and you are considering a new sexual relationship, planning to get married or pregnant?

If yes to one of these symptoms described above, please see your doctor.

If no, continue on to the next question.

5. Do genital sores appear only after a recently prescribed medicine?

If yes to one of these symptoms described above, please see your doctor.

If no to all questions, use self-care prevention.