Signs and Symptoms of STIs

It is important to discuss any signs and symptoms you think may be caused by an STI with your doctor, nurse or sexual health clinician. Many people who have an STI do not develop any symptoms and may not be aware they have an infection that can be passed on to their sexual contacts.

When STIs do produce signs and symptoms, they usually appear in the genital area and include discharge from the penis, vagina or anus, pain or discomfort during sex or when urinating, lumps and bumps on the genitals, abnormal bleeding, a rash or itching on the genitals.

Generally, the signs and symptoms of STIs can include:

Discharge from the penis, vagina or anus
Pain or discomfort when urinating
Pain during sex
Abnormal or unusual vaginal bleeding
Lumps and bumps on the genitals
Genital sores
Genital itching
Genital irritation or pain
Rash on genitals.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to be reviewed a health professional for an examination and testing.

The only way to check if you have a sexually transmissible infection is to have a sexual health check-up. Doctors deal with sexual health problems on a daily basis, so don’t be embarrassed to ask for help.

Sexual health check-ups are easy to do. In most cases it involves only a simple urine test. Some infections can be diagnosed on the day and treated at the time of your visit. Other results may take up to a week.

For people with no symptoms, testing for STIs depends on how sexually active you are and whether you use condoms consistently. It is recommended that you get tested:

After any unprotected sexual contact with a new or casual sexual partner;
After any unprotected sex, if you know or suspect that your partner has had other sexual partners;
After any unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact;
After any unprotected sexual contact in countries where HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is prevalent.

Contacting sexual partners

If you are a man who has sex with other men, it is important to get regular check-ups for STIs, including HIV and syphilis - at least every year. You should have more frequent (three-monthly) check-ups if you have a number of sexual partners.

Your sexual contacts may or may not experience signs and symptoms. It is important to contact any sexual partners you have had so they can get tested and decide about having treatment. This is an essential part of reducing the spread of STIs in our community.

Most people appreciate being told that they might have an infection, as often they are unaware that they have an STI. Your doctor or sexual health service can help you contact partners.

If you always use condoms (male or female) and dams (thin latex sheets), and use them correctly, you will reduce your risk of getting most STIs. Using barrier protection will not completely remove all risk, but can effectively reduce the risk of infections.


Keywords: STI ; signs and symptoms of STIs ; reduce risks of STI