Symptoms of a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may cause many different symptoms in both women and men.

In women

• A thick, discolored, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Symptoms may get worse over a period of several days to 2 weeks.
• Pain, burning, or itching while urinating for longer than 24 hours
• Fever
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pain or a feeling of heaviness in the pelvis or lower abdomen
• Itching, tingling, burning, or pain in the genitals
• Sores, lumps, blisters, rashes, or warts on or around the genitals
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Other symptoms of an infection, such as fever, rash, fatigue or lack of energy, or swollen glands (lymph nodes)

In men

• Painful urination. (This is often the first symptom.)
• Fever
• Cloudy urine
• Abnormal discharge from the penis
• Crusting at the tip of the penis
• Sores, lumps, blisters, rashes, or warts on or around the genitals
• Pain, swelling, or tenderness in the scrotum (epididymitis)
• Itching, tingling, pain, or burning of the genitals
• Deep pelvic ache (prostatitis)

These symptoms require medical attention. Avoid any sexual contact until you have been checked by your health professional.

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