Symptoms of a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may cause many different symptoms in both women and men.
In women
- A thick, discolored, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Symptoms may get worse over a period of several days to 2 weeks.
- Pain, burning, or itching while urinating for longer than 24 hours
- Fever
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain or a feeling of heaviness in the pelvis or lower abdomen
- Itching, tingling, burning, or pain in the genitals
- Sores, lumps, blisters, rashes, or warts on or around the genitals
- Vaginal spotting or bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Other symptoms of an infection, such as fever, rash, fatigue or lack of energy, or swollen glands (lymph nodes)
In men
- Painful urination. (This is often the first symptom.)
- Fever
- Cloudy urine
- Abnormal discharge from the penis
- Crusting at the tip of the penis
- Sores, lumps, blisters, rashes, or warts on or around the genitals
- Pain, swelling, or tenderness in the scrotum (epididymitis)
- Itching, tingling, pain, or burning of the genitals
- Deep pelvic ache (prostatitis)
These symptoms require medical attention. Avoid any sexual contact until you have been checked by your health professional.
Current as of: September 11, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP – Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine & H. Michael O’Connor, MD, MMEd, FRCPC – Emergency Medicine