STI symptoms
The problem with some sexually transmitted infections is that you might not experience any symptoms that may suggest you have caught an infection. Some STIs don’t appear for weeks or months, others can have symptoms that come and go over a period of time. Unfortunately during this time you may have passed it on to someone else.
Symptoms to be aware of
• Pain or burning when passing urine
• Itching, rashes, lumps or blisters around the genitals and anus
• Abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina, this may also have an unpleasant smell
• The head of your penis or the entrance to the vagina may be swollen, red and hot to touch
• Crusty spots or lumps
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Pain during or after sex
• Bleeding during or after sex
• Irregular bleeding between periods
• Discomfort or pain in the testicles.
If you experience any of the above symptoms you must see a doctor or a nurse immediately.
If a sexually transmitted infection is left untreated it can lead to illness, disease and health problems such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), damage to the reproductive organs causing infertility, ectopic pregnancy and problems during pregnancy. STIs can even cause still births or pass infection on to an unborn child. Sexually transmitted infections can cause cervical cancer and lead to other forms of genital cancer, liver disease and in some cases, death.
