When it comes to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), symptoms can vary greatly depending on the type of infection. Common signs and symptoms of STDs include pain, itching, burning, and genital discharge. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. The most common STDs include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and human papillomavirus (HPV).
HIV is a serious virus that attacks the immune system and can be spread through contact with infected blood, semen, or body fluids. Symptoms of HIV may include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. HSV is a virus that can cause painful blisters in the genital area. It is incurable but can be managed with antiviral medications.
HBV is a virus that attacks the liver and can cause cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, and possibly death. Symptoms may include dark urine, abdominal pain, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. HPV is a common viral STD that is spread through vaginal or anal sex. It can be transmitted even when an infected person has no symptoms.
Another STD is trichomoniasis, which is caused by a parasite and mainly affects young, sexually active women. Only about 30% of people with this STD have symptoms such as unusual discharge, burning when you urinate, or a sore in the genital area. If you or someone you know has any symptoms of STDs, it's important to get tested and treated right away. If you are pregnant and have symptoms of STDs, contact your doctor immediately as STDs during pregnancy need to be addressed quickly.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends that anyone who has ever been treated for STDs get tested for HIV if they have any symptoms of STDs.
