There’s absolutely no shame in checking yourself out down thereafter any sexual encounter of any kind to deduce changes. But the big question is what are you to do when you notice changes that could signal an STI?
While the vast majority of STIs don’t cause symptoms, some cause signs that you really can’t miss. Symptoms vary from one STI to another, which makes it pertinent to know that that you should be on the lookout.
If you’ve had any kind of unprotected sex (including oral and anal sex), the only way to know for certain if you have an STD is to get screened. More so, if you experience any of the symptoms we are about to talk about but they go away doesn’t mean you are completely clear of any STI.
Many STD symptoms will resolve themselves but even if the symptoms go away, the organism is still in your body, which means you could still infect your partner or run into more serious health issues related to that STI later in life.
So what should you be looking for?
Sores, Lumps, or Blisters
Some common STIs can cause either painful or painless “lesions” which could appear as lumps, blisters, or sores on your skin. For instance, syphilis can cause one or more painless sores—also known as ulcers. The ulcers can be seen and felt but the sore or sores won’t hurt or feel irritated.
Herpes, on the other hand, may cause small blisters that hurt, and that can break open into painful sores.
STI lesions tend to form at the site of infection, which means that it could show up on or around your anus, mouth, tongue, throat, penis, testicles, or groin. If the ulcer or lump is around your anus or in your mouth, it may be difficult for you to differentiate it from haemorrhoid, a cold sore, or some other non-STD issue.
To make things easy, if you notice anything strange on or around your genitals, let your doctor know. If you notice something in your mouth, throat, or anus, your worry may be justified, especially if you recently had unprotected anal or oral sex.
Strange ‘Discharge’
Any odd, burning or painful penile discharge could be a sign of an STI such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, or trichomoniases. The discharge could be milky or clear, pussy or watery. The discharge tends to leak out of your penis all the time. If you squeeze your penis and some liquid comes out, that’s a bad sign.
You may also notice it most when you haven’t peed,” or see spotting on your underwear, or when you go to pee you’ll notice something on your underwear. If you notice discharge like this, head to your doctor for a thorough screen.
Fever
A lot of different medical conditions can cause a fever and it is best to get overly worried every time you have an increased temperature. If you recently had risky and unprotected sex; say in the last 3 to 10 days and you suddenly develop a fever, that could indicate an STI.
Common STIs that count fever among the symptoms include HIV and Hepatitis.
Other Possible Symptoms
STIs can cause your testicles or anus (depending on the type of sex you’ve had) to hurt or ache. They can also cause itching or sensitivity in those areas.
Furthermore, you could develop a skin rash around your groin, anus, or mouth. In the “secondary stages” of syphilis, which can begin three to six weeks after the initial sores appear, you could also develop rough, red, or brown spots on your palms or the bottoms of your feet.
Finally, if you notice something strange going on around the area where you recently had unprotected sex, be it your genitals, anus or mouth, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
