There are many types of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and not all of them have symptoms that are easily seen, especially for women which is why it is so important to practise safe sex and to have regular check ups if you are sexually active with multiple partners or serial partners.
Some signs and symptoms of STD’s include
- sore or blisters around the sex organs or mouth
- swelling, pain or itchiness around sex organs
- pain or burning on urination
- discharge from the penis or vagina that smells or looks strange.
Remember you can have an STD without having any symptoms at all and you can’t tell if someone else has an STD just by looking at them.
Commonly known STD’s are:
- AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)
- Genital Warts
- Gonorrhoea
- Syphilis
- Herpes
- Chlamydia
- Pubic Lice or Crabs
- Vaginitis
- Hepatitis
When should you get tested for an STD?
If you have any of the symptoms listed above – see your doctor or family planning clinic and get tested immediately. Most STD’s can be successfully treated if they are diagnosed quickly enough. However if the STD’s are left untreated severe complications do occur.
For females – apart from getting tested if you spot any STD signs or symptoms it is a good idea get tested between partners to ensure that early detection is possible.
Go to http://www.uottawa.ca/student/englishguide/4section/health/safesex.htm for a comprehensive list of STD signs and symptoms.
