STI symptoms — and why no symptoms does not mean no STI

Common symptoms that can happen with an STI

• Burning or pain with urination
• Unusual genital discharge
• Sores, blisters, bumps or a new rash
• Pelvic, testicular or lower-abdominal pain
• Bleeding between periods
• Rectal pain, discharge or bleeding
• Sore throat after oral exposure

Those symptoms can also come from conditions that are not sexually transmitted, so symptoms alone cannot diagnose an STI.

The bigger point: many STIs are asymptomatic.

Chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV can occur without obvious symptoms. That is why testing based on exposure and risk can be more useful than waiting to “feel sick.”

What if you have sores or a rash?

Try to be evaluated while the symptoms are present. Some infections are easier to diagnose when a lesion can be examined or swabbed.

When should you seek urgent care?

Severe pelvic or testicular pain, high fever, feeling very ill, pregnancy with concerning symptoms, or a possible HIV exposure within 72 hours are reasons to seek prompt medical evaluation.