While some women can suffer from an STI without having any symptoms at all, others may notice a change in their vaginal discharge. As STIs can cause infertility, it is always best to get checked out at a clinic after having unprotected sex with a new partner.
Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) in Women
Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are an increasingly common health issue which affects those of all ages, with those who have regular, unprotected sex with different partners being the most likely to end up with an unwelcome reminder as to why prevention (condoms) is better than cure. In The Essential Guide to Travel Health, Wilson-Howarth (2009) recognises symptoms of STI in women to include the following:
- thicker than normal vaginal discharge
- smellier than normal vaginal discharge
- yellower than usual vaginal discharge
- itching around the vagina or pubic region
- pain when passing urine
- painless ulcer or warts in genital area
- pain during sex
- low abdomen pain
- bleeding between periods
- increased pain during periods
Rather than attempting to treat a suspected sexually transmitted disease or infection by oneself, it is far better to get a proper medical check-up. It will also be necessary to contact recent sexual partners with whom one has had unprotected sex.
Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in Men
Men wishing to avoid bringing something nasty back from a holiday, should always use condoms, as it only takes one occasion of unprotected sex to catch a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is also best to take condoms from home, as local condoms may not follow the same health guidelines as those in the UK.
As identified by Wilson-Howarth (2009), symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in men may include the following:
- discharge from the penis
- genital region itching
- pain on passing urine
- pain in the testicles
- a new, painless ulcer, spot or wart(s) in the genital area
Regardless of whether men believe it is unlikely that they have contracted an STD, if any of the above symptoms are found, always seek medical advice, ideally from a specialist STD clinic. Even if symptoms do not last long or seem to have gone, it does not necessarily mean that one is not currently suffering from an STD.
As highlighted above, it is important to seek medical attention, if suffering from any STI or STD symptoms. Although many sexually transmitted diseases and infections are treatable, there are some which are permanent, such as HIV, making it far better to always use a condom, than risk a serious health condition.
Source:
Wilson-Howarth, J. (2009) The Essential Guide to Travel Health London: Cadogan
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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