Common signs/symptoms of STD's

The best rule to follow is 'if in doubt see a doctor'. Early detection is vital when it comes to all STD's and the potential damage to your body can be seriously reduced with timely treatment. Knowing and recognizing the symptoms is a useful tool that all sexually active people should learn. This said it is important to remember that for some STD's the symptoms may not visually present themselves straight away and sometimes not at all. Learn the following list as a "good guide", though by no means should this be used as a tool for self diagnosis– always see your doctor if you notice something unusual:

• Itching around the vagina and/or discharge from the vagina for women
• Discharge from the penis for men
• Pain during sex, when urinating and/or in the pelvic area
• Sore throats (may indicate infection acquired from oral sex)
• Anal pain (may indicate infection acquired from anal sex)
• Painless red sores on the genital area, anus, tongue and/or throat
• A scaly rash on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet
• Dark urine, loose, light-colored stools, and yellow eyes and skin
• Small blisters that turn into scabs on the genital area
• Swollen glands, fever and body aches
• Unusual infections, unexplained fatigue, night sweats and weight loss
• Soft, flesh-colored warts around the genital area