If you develop symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease (STD), it is important to be evaluated by a health professional soon after your symptoms start. Symptoms of an STD include:
- A change in vaginal discharge (thicker, discolored, or bad-smelling) over a period of several days to 2 weeks.
- Pain, burning, or itching while urinating that lasts more than 24 hours.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Pain or a feeling of heaviness in the pelvic or lower abdominal area.
- Itching, tingling, burning, or pain on or around the genitals.
- Sores, lumps, blisters, rashes, or warts on or around the genitals.
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding after sexual intercourse.
- General symptoms of an infection, such as fever and fatigue or lack of energy.
Many STD symptoms will go away or change quickly. This does not mean that the STD has gone away. It will be more difficult for your health professional to diagnose your STD after the symptoms have changed. A delay in being evaluated may lead to a more serious illness.
| Note: |
If you suspect you may have symptoms of an STD, do not have sexual intercourse while waiting for your appointment. This will reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to your partner. |
Credits
| Author | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Editor | Alison Allen |
| Editor | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease |
| Last Updated | February 9, 2007 |
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