Once you become sexually active, the risk of sexually transmitted diseases becomes an issue you need to be aware of. If you have an STD, chances are you’ll also have symptoms on your skin which could determine what form of disease you have. Some don’t display any signs, but if you’re lucky enough to catch the signs early you may be able to treat the problem before it becomes a serious issue. Safe sex practices should always be carried out in order to prevent STDs, and your GP or local GUM clinic can offer advice on how to have safer sex. Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, are the best protection against STD’s, along with being checked regularly with a sexual health check. Here are some of the more common diseases and what you should be keeping a check on.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia doesn’t usually have any symptoms, although women sometimes have an increased discharge and men often notice a discharge from their penis. Lower abdominal pain or pain in the testicles may occur, along with pain when you urinate. This is one of the most common STDs, with many sexually active teens spreading the infection through not using protection in bed.
Gonorrhea (GC)
If you’ve caught gonorrhea then you’ll notice symptoms between two and ten days after the exposure. However, in some people, months may pass before you see anything. You may find a thick, cloudy or bloody discharge from the vagina or penis. Men sometimes notice painful or swollen testicles, and both men and women can sometimes experience anal itching. Often mistaken as a urinary infection, burning when you urinate could also be a sign.
Syphilis
There are four stages to the development of syphilis. Primary syphilis can occur ten days to three months after you’ve been exposed to it. You’ll notice a small sore on your genitals, anal area or mouth, depending on where the infection entered the body. Sometimes multiple sores develop, and your lymph nodes swell up. With secondary syphilis, sores the size of a penny which are red or brown in colour erupt all over your body, including your palms. People with this type of syphilis may experience fatigue or soreness. Latent syphilis is the next and may not actually show any symptoms. Lastly, tertiary syphilis is the final stage and can lead to serious cardiovascular and neurological problems – in serious cases, it can be fatal.
Genital Herpes (HSV-2)
Genital herpes doesn’t usually have symptoms or mild ones at best. Most people associate small red bumps or blisters on the genitals or anus with this particular STD, as well as painful itching or blisters with open vesicles. Genital warts may develop in the form of flesh-coloured swellings around your genitals.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
There may be no symptoms to hepatitis B, although your skin and the whites of your eyes may become yellow from jaundice. Other symptoms that some people experience include dark urine, muscle and joint aches, and fatigue.
HIV
There are several stages to the development of HIV, and there aren’t any specific symptoms. Between two to six weeks after the infection is caught you may notice a flu-like illness, including sore throat, swollen glands, night sweats and canker sores in the mouth. Some people find they also have a non-specific rash. As the diseases becomes stronger, infected people notice swollen lymph nodes, which is often the first sign, as well as weight loss, diarrhoea, a cough and shortness of breath from very basic activities.