Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be serious, but many times they have no symptoms. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have an STD. So if you’ve had any kind of sexual contact that can spread STDs — like vaginal, anal, or oral sex — you should consider being tested.
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, mycoplasma, and trichomonas are common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). They may not cause any symptoms, but when they do cause symptoms, the symptoms of each infection can be quite similar. Untreated infections can cause pain and affect fertility, so it is important to be tested.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted bacterial infection. It can cause fever, pain, and scarring that permanently affects fertility. Chlamydia can also cause ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the womb), premature labor (giving birth too soon), or be passed to a baby during birth. You may not have any symptoms of a chlamydia infection, or you may experience one or more of these:
- An abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis
- A burning sensation when peeing
- Pain and swelling in one or both testicles
- Rectal pain
- An unusual sore
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted bacterial infection that can cause fever, pain, and scarring that permanently affects fertility. The bacteria can spread through the bloodstream and infect other parts of your body, including your joints, eyes, and throat. Having gonorrhea also increases your risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. You may not have any symptoms of a gonorrhea infection, or you may experience one or more of these:
- An abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis
- A burning sensation when peeing
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Pain and swelling in one or both testicles
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Anal itching, bleeding, or discharge
- Eye pain, sensitivity to light, and/or a pus-like discharge
- Sore throat and/or swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Mycoplasma (genitalium)
Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection. It can cause infertility and pregnancy complications like miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or passing the infection to the baby during birth. You may not have any symptoms of a gonorrhea infection, or you may experience one or more of these:
- An abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis
- A burning sensation when peeing
- Pain and swelling in one or both testicles, or the abdomen
Trichomonas
Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted parasitic infection. Trichomonas can be passed from a pregnant person to a baby during birth or cause premature labor (giving birth too soon). Having trichomonas also increases your risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, other STDs, and cervical or prostate cancer. You may not have any symptoms of a gonorrhea infection, or you may experience one or more of these:
- An abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis
- A burning sensation when peeing
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Pain and swelling in one or both testicles
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Pain during intercourse
Many different STDs share common symptoms. Symptoms of STDs may include:
- Unusual discharge from your vagina or penis
- Burning when you pee and/or having to pee a lot
- Itching, pain, or swelling in your genitals
- Abdominal pain
- Sores or bumps on and around your genitals, thighs, or butt cheeks
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, swollen glands, feeling tired)
Anyone who has sexual contact that can spread STDs — like vaginal, anal, or oral sex — should consider being tested regularly. It is especially important to be tested if:
- You are a woman under the age of 25
- You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- You are a man who has sex with men
- You have multiple sexual partners or a new sexual partner
- You have had unprotected sexual contact (including consensual sex or assault)
- You find out that a sexual partner has an STD
- You are experiencing symptoms that could be caused by an STD
Please note: if you test positive using the home test, one of our board-certified physicians will contact you to discuss your options. You should also contact your doctor if your home test results are negative, but you are experiencing symptoms.
