STI symptoms in men and women
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.
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
