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    STI symptoms in men and women

    On this page
    1. What is an STI?
    2. Most common STI symptoms in men
    3. Most common STI symptoms in women
    4. Chlamydia
    5. HIV
    6. Syphilis
    7. Gonorrhoea
    8. Trichomoniasis
    9. Genital warts 
    10. Genital herpes 
    11. What should I do if I’m experiencing STI symptoms?
    12. What should I do if I’ve had unprotected sex?

    Reviewed by our clinical team

    Many STIs don’t cause symptoms but when they do, symptoms can differ between men and women. Do you know the symptoms to look out for? In this article we explore common STI symptoms, the importance of getting tested regularly and available treatments.  

    STI Symptoms in Men & Women

    What is an STI?

    A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is any bacteria, viruses or parasites that are commonly spread through sexual contact. In the UK, some of the most common STIs are chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhoea and genital herpes.

    Many of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) do not initially come with symptoms. The signs may also go unnoticed to begin with. The problem is that sexually transmitted infections can lead to serious complications when left untreated. 

    To avoid contracting an STI you should always use condoms when you can’t be certain that your sexual partner is free from infection.

    What is an STD?

    The differences between sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are subtle. In the medical world a disease causes specific health complications. However, the terms STI and STDs tend to be interchangeable.

    Most common STI symptoms in men

    Sexually transmitted infection (STI) or sexually transmitted disease (STD) symptoms in men tend to be more noticeable and pronounced than in women. Knowing what to look out for is a good way to avoid infection. This way you can make sure you and any partners don’t have symptoms.

    Some of the most common symptoms in men caused by STIs include: 

    • Pain when urinating
    • Discharge from the penis that is white, watery or cloudy
    • Burning or itching in the urethra
    • Testicular pain
    • Discomfort and discharge from the rectum 

    If you have any of the above symptoms, you should speak to your GP or go to a sexual health clinic. 

    Most common STI symptoms in women

    Many STIs don’t cause symptoms, so you may have one without knowing it. It’s estimated, for instance, that chlamydia is symptomless in 70% of women.

    In women, the complications of an infection can be even more serious than in men.  Which is why it’s important to stay safe, get regular tests and be aware of any potential symptoms. 

    There are several common symptoms in women that can point to a sexually transmitted infection, these include:

    • Unusual vaginal discharge
    • Pain or bleeding during or after sex
    • Bleeding between periods or heavy periods
    • Pain or burning sensation when urinating
    • Soreness or itching around the vagina
    • Painless fleshy growths around the vulva, cervix, vagina, anus or upper thighs 

    If you have any of the above symptoms, you should speak to your GP or go to a sexual health clinic. 

    Chlamydia

    Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs in the UK. In 2022 there were over 345,000 cases diagnosed in men and women aged 15 to 24. It’s spread through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex. Chlamydia symptoms usually appear 1 to 3 weeks after you’ve caught the STI.  

    Chlamydia symptoms in men
    Chlamydia symptoms in women
    Pain when urinating
    Pain or burning sensation when urinating
    Discharge from the penis that is white, watery or cloudy
    Pain or bleeding during or after sex
    Burning or itching in the urethra
    Pain in lower tummy area
    Testicular pain
    Bleeding between periods or heavy periods 
    Discomfort and discharge from the rectum
    Discomfort and discharge from the rectum

    Chlamydia is treated with a course of antibiotics. Chlamydia treatment is available through online services, like LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor or you can get tested and treated at your local sexual health clinic. Find out more about chlamydia tests and treatments.

    HIV

    The first sign that you may have HIV is a short flu-like illness. This happens 2-6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) after you’ve been infected. About 80% of people will experience this HIV symptom. Symptoms are the same for men and women and include:  

    HIV symptoms in men
    HIV symptoms in women
    Fever and high temperature
    Fever and high temperature
    Severe headaches
    Severe headaches
    Sore throat
    Sore throat
    Muscle ache
    Muscle ache
    Joint pain
    Joint pain
    Body rash
    Body rash
    Fatigue
    Fatigue
    Swollen glands (most commonly neck)
    Swollen glands (most commonly neck)
    Skin lesions
    Skin lesions

    HIV is spread through bodily fluids like blood or semen. It’s usually passed between partners during unprotected sex. A blood test can tell you if you have HIV. These are available through online services, like LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor or in-person at your local sexual health clinic or GP surgery.

    Syphilis

    Syphilis symptoms change over time which makes them hard to spot. The STI goes through stages, the first being a syphilitic sore (chancre) on your penis or vagina, rectum, anus, lips or mouth. Normally people will only get one, so it may be missed. It can take 3 weeks for symptoms to appear, these include: 

    Syphilis symptoms in men
     Syphilis symptoms in women
    Small painless sores on your penis or around your bottom
    Small painless sores on your vagina or around your bottom
    Sores in your mouth
    Sores in your mouth
    Sores on your hands
    Sores on your hands
    Warty growths on penis or anus
    Warty growths around vagina or anus
    Rash on palms of hands or soles of feet
    Rash on palms of hands or soles of feet
    Flu like symptoms
    Flu like symptoms
    White patches in mouth
    White patches in mouth
    Patchy hair loss
    Patchy hair loss

    If you think you might have syphilis symptoms speak to your GP or visit a sexual health clinic to get tested. If you’ve not got symptoms you can order one of our home STI tests. We have STI tests for women, men and men who have sex with men.

    Gonorrhoea

    Gonorrhoea, formally known as ‘the clap’ is caused by a type of bacteria. Common gonorrhoea symptoms can be uncomfortable and if left untreated can lead to complications. That’s why it’s important to learn what to look out for, so you can spot the signs early. 

    Gonorrhoea symptoms in men
    Gonorrhoea symptoms in women
    Unusual discharge from the tip of the penis. Usually green, white or yellow
    Unusual discharge from the vagina. Usually green, white or yellow. Sometimes thick, sometimes thin and watery
    Pain or a burning sensation while urinating
    Pain or a burning sensation while urinating
    Inflammation of the foreskin
    Pain or tenderness in the lower stomach
    In rare cases, pain or tenderness in the testicles
    In rare cases, bleeding between periods or heavier periods than usual
    Infection in the rectum
    Infection in the rectum
    Sore throat
    Sore throat

    If you notice the signs of gonorrhoea or think you may have caught the STI talk to your GP or visit your local sexual health clinic. If you don’t have symptoms, you can order a test online to do at home.  

    If your result is positive, you’ll need gonorrhoea treatment which usually involves antibiotics. A single dose is injected into your thigh or bum. After this your symptoms should improve within a few days.

    Trichomoniasis

    Trichomoniasis is one of the most common STIs in the UK. It doesn’t always show symptoms, so you may have the infection without realising. If you do have symptoms these differ slight between men and women for example women can experience pain during sex.  

    Trichomoniasis symptoms in men
    Trichomoniasis symptoms in women
    Pain when urinating
    Abnormal vaginal discharge which might be thick, thin, frothy or yellowy green
    Pain during ejaculation
    Vaginal discharge may have an unpleasant smell
    Thin, white discharge from your penis
    More vaginal discharge than normal
    Head of the penis may be red or swollen
    Vaginal itching, burning, or irritation 
    Penis is itchy or sore
    Pain when urinating

    Pain during sex

    Trichomoniasis can be easily treated with antibiotics. These may need to be taken twice a day for up to a week. You should avoid having sex while having treatment. If your symptoms remain after treatment you may need to do another STI test to see if the infection has gone. 

    Genital warts 

    Genital warts can take a few weeks or months to appear. The warts look like small, fleshy bump-like growths and mainly appear on your genitals. They can be tiny or grow into large masses, often in groups. Find out more about the symptoms of genital warts

    Genital warts symptoms in men
    Symptoms of genital warts in women
    Warts on the penis, especially the tip
    Warts around the vulva
    Warts on and around the testicles
    Warts on the cervix
    Warts within the urethra (where urine comes out)

    Warts within the vagina

    Warts around or within the anus
    Warts around or within the anus
    Warts in the groin
    Warts in the groin

    If you're worried you might have genital warts. You can use our genital photo assessment service. There are also wart treatments available if you have already been diagnosed. 

    Genital herpes 

    One of the main symptoms of genital herpes are small blisters which leave red open sores. They can be less red on brown or black skin. Often found on your genitals, bottom and thighs. Find out more about what herpes look like.  

    Genital herpes symptoms in men
    Genital herpes symptoms in women
    Small blisters that burst to leave red, open sores around your genitals, anus, thighs or bottom
    Small blisters that burst to leave red, open sores around your genitals, anus, thighs or bottom
    The sores may be less red on brown or black skin
    The sores may be less red on brown or black skin
    Tingling, burning or itching around your genitals
    Tingling, burning or itching around your genitals
    Pain when you urinate
    Pain when you urinate
    Discharge that is not usual for you
    Discharge that is not usual for you

    Often the symptoms can lie dormant and may not show straight after you’ve been infected. If you think you have genital herpes you should go to a sexual health clinic. They can test and diagnose genital herpes.  

    Genital herpes treatment helps to manage the condition, as there’s no cure for genital herpes. Herpes gel and suppression treatment can stop symptoms getting worse and ease any pain you’re feeling.

    What should I do if I’m experiencing STI symptoms?

    If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should get an STI test as soon as possible. You can do this by visiting your GP, a sexual health clinic or a GUM clinic. Our STI testing service is not suitable for anyone who is experiencing symptoms.

    It’s important to get tested as soon as possible as many STIs can cause complications. Viral infections such as genital herpes, genital warts and HIV cannot be cured. If you are infected with genital herpes and genital warts, you can expect recurrent episodes of symptoms. If you are infected with HIV you will need to take daily medication to prevent the progression of the virus.

    Bacterial infections can also cause serious complications when left untreated. Syphilis that is allowed to progress can lead to life-threatening conditions such as meningitis, stroke and dementia.

    Chlamydia and gonorrhoea, meanwhile, can cause painful infections which can negatively impact fertility. 

    What should I do if I’ve had unprotected sex?

    If you have had unprotected sex and you aren’t certain that your partner is free from STIs, you should get tested, even if you have no symptoms. Our at-home STI tests can be used if you don’t have symptoms. They can all be done from the comfort of your home, making them a convenient and discreet way to get the peace of mind you need. If you’re not which test is right for you read our buyer’s guide to STI testing

    Left to progress untreated, infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can lead to complications. HIV can also be symptomless for many years, before developing into AIDS. You can also find out more about what to do if you've had unprotected sex here.

    Remember - the best way to avoid STIs is to use condoms. Read our guide for using a condom.

    Conclusion

    If you are having unprotected sex with a partner or partners who may be infected with an STI, you should get regular STI tests. Knowing the symptoms of the most common STIs can also help you spot the signs and get treatment quickly.

    You can get tested for free by visiting your GP, a GUM clinic or a sexual health clinic. You can also get a home STI test kit from online pharmacies and services like LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, provided you don't have any symptoms.

    References

    https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/sexual-health/how-soon-do-sti-symptoms-appear/
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sexually-transmitted-infections-stis/
    https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/sexually-transmitted-infections-stis-annual-data-tables/sexually-transmitted-infections-and-screening-for-chlamydia-in-england-2022-report

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