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Medical Video: How do you know if you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
Venereal disease or sexually transmitted diseases cannot be easily detected by the naked eye on someone (or even yourself), because often this disease appears without your awareness. Therefore, sexually transmitted diseases are also commonly called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), because infection can occur without any indication of the signs and symptoms that initiate it.
The only way to determine whether you have a venereal disease or not is by a laboratory examination by a doctor at a hospital or health clinic. However, do not assume that you will undergo a sexually transmitted disease test every time you make a visit to a gynecologist or a Pap smear test.
If you think you need a venereal disease test, ask your doctor. Talk about your concerns and what specific tests you want to go through.
It may seem embarrassing to talk about sexually transmitted diseases to others, but not to your doctor. Your doctor is responsible for your care without judgment or reproach. They are the people you must go to treat your infection. Doctors can also provide follow-up consultations on how to reduce your risk in the future from contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
Symptoms of venereal disease
One thing you can do before consulting a doctor is to know the initial signs and symptoms that might be used as an initial indication of venereal disease. Some of the most common symptoms are:
1. Changes in urine
Pain or burning heat when urinating can be a symptom of several types of venereal disease. However, the same symptoms can also arise due to urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney stones.
STIs that cause pain during urination, including:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Trichomoniasis
In addition, also pay attention to the color changes in the urine for indications of blood.
2. Liquid discharge from the penis
Foreign particles or substances coming out of the penis indicate the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases or other infections. If you experience this condition, immediately visit a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis.
Diseases that cause foreign fluid to emerge from the penis, including:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Trichomoniasis
The types of infections above can generally be treated with antibiotics. However, you should go back to see a doctor if the signs and symptoms do not improve or even relapse.
3. The vagina feels hot or itchy
These symptoms are not always caused by sexually transmitted diseases. A vagina that feels burning or itchy can be caused by irritation or yeast infection. Even so, if you detect an unusual sensation around your vagina, consult your doctor.
Bacterial vaginosis and pubic lice can also cause vaginal itching.
4. Pain during sex
Pain during sex is commonly experienced by a number of women. Maybe this is the reason why pain is a symptom of venereal disease that is often overlooked. If you experience pain during sex, consult a doctor, especially if the pain is:
- This is your first time
- Change (intensity, location, shape)
- Arises after changing sexual partners
- Arises after changing sexual habits
Pain during ejaculation can also be classified as a symptom of venereal disease for men.
5. Abnormal vaginal discharge or vaginal bleeding
Unusual vaginal discharge can be caused by a number of infections, and not all are classified as sexually transmitted diseases. Infections associated with venereal disease, such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis, can also cause vaginal discharge.
Leucorrhoea is normal for women during menstruation, but is usually odorless and colorless. If your vaginal discharge is unusual, such as coming out of a smelly green or yellow liquid from your vagina, consult a doctor.
Leucorrhoea due to trichomoniasis is usually green, foaming and odorless. Leucorrhoea due to gonorrhea is generally yellowish with blood stains.
If you experience bleeding between your menstrual cycles and followed by vaginal discharge, report it immediately to your doctor. Symptoms like this also appear in cancer.
6. Warts or bruises
Warts and bruises may be used as an early indication of sexually transmitted diseases, including:
- Genital herpes
- HPV
- Syphilis
- Molloscum contagiosum
If you notice a strange lump or bruise near your mouth or genital area, consult your doctor, even if the lump disappears before you go to the doctor. You still have the potential to easily spread the infection even though the pain and lumps have disappeared because the virus stays in your blood from time to time.
7. Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen
Pelvic pain can be caused by a number of conditions and is not always associated with sexually transmitted diseases. However, one of the causes is pelvic inflammation. Pelvic inflammation will arise when venereal disease is not treated. The bacteria go up to your uterus and stomach, causing inflammation and scarring of the scar tissue. This type of pelvic pain can be very painful, and in some cases, fatal.
It is important to always check yourself, especially if your sexual life is classified as active, having had unprotected sex, or you feel at risk of venereal disease. Be aware of any changes that occur to your body, however small they are. Consult further with your doctor for a deeper understanding.
