WARNING SIGNS THAT YOU HAVE A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are diseases that are primarily transmitted through sexual activities which are not limited to penetrative sex; they can also be transmitted through oral and anal sex. Many people suffer from STDs in silence with most being overly shy to talk about it and to also see a doctor because they believe it's a stigma. It must be emphasized that it is always the best to seek early diagnosis and treatment because most STDs have terrible consequences if not treated early.


The common STDs include Genital Herpes and Human Papilloma Virus/Genital Warts. Others are Chlamydia, Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, and HIV.

As much as it is possible to have a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) without showing any symptom, it is nevertheless important that you are informed enough to know when symptoms arise so that you can seek medical attention.

Below are the 10 important signs that you may have an STD.

1. Penile and Vaginal Discharge: The discharge may come in varying colours depending on the exact cause of the infection. It may also be foul smelling especially in the case of females.

2. Rash: Rash may appear around the genital area and it could even appear over the body depending on the STD.

3. Painful Urination: Urinating may become painful with or without discharge.

4. Sores, Bumps or Warts around the Genital Area: You may start having swellings around your genitals with some swellings rupturing to become sores which may be painful or painless. Warts are small growths that may hang from the skin in the genital area and they are also an important pointer to STDs.

5. Bleeding: Females may often find themselves bleeding outside their monthly period.

6. Diarrhoea, weight loss and night sweats: As the disease progresses, the above symptoms may begin to surface. There is frequent passage of loose stools with associated weight loss which may become evident with loose fitting of cloths. Night sweats are also another sign.

7. Painful Sexual Intercourse: Sex may start to become painful and this may cause sexual displeasure.

8. Itching around the Genitals: This can affect both males and females alike. The itching can become very severe causing serious discomfort and there may be self-inflicted wounds due to intense finger scratching.

9. Sores on the lips or tongues: As noted earlier, STDs can be transmitted through oral sex. If this is the route of transmission, then there could be sores on the lips and/or the tongue.

10. Fever, Aches, Nausea and Vomiting: This may be a non-specific symptom that can be experienced in many other diseases asides STDs. However, the combination of these symptoms with any of the other ones listed above may be a strong indication that it is a STD.

Early diagnosis and treatment is important in all cases of STDs because the later treatments are started, the more difficult it becomes to treat. This is why it is important that you see a doctor immediately you suspect you have a STD. Just taking some medications for some days can help free you from the discomfort.