What are the Most Common STD Symptoms?

Though there are a number of different sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), most have symptoms that are surprisingly similar. Some of the most common STD symptoms include in increase in genital discharge, urinary problems such as pain during excretion, and sores on the body that refuse to heal. High amounts of pain, especially during sexual intercourse, is a common STD symptom. While prescription medications are typically required to completely treat STDs, some over-the-counter medications may be able to effectively treat the symptoms of the condition.

One of the most common STD symptoms is an increase in genital discharge. While small amounts of discharge are not uncommon, especially in females, discharge that appears to contain blood, has a unpleasant smell, or contains pus may be indicative of STD infection. Abnormal discharge should be monitored for a few days in order to evaluate whether or not it is out of the ordinary. Discharge that is unusual and which is sustained for more than two or three days should be evaluated as soon as possible.

Urinary problems are also common STD symptoms, and can appear in both men and women. While urinary pain in men is often quickly linked to STD infection, in women, it can often be misinterpreted as an urinary tract infection due to the very similar symptoms. In order to rule out urinary tract infection and positively diagnose an STD, a urinanaylsis is often required. While a doctor is required to positively diagnosed a STD versus an urinary tract infection, some over-the-counter tests can be used easily to identify possible urinary infections at home. Those who take one of these tests and receive negative results are most likely infected with an STD.

Another one of the common STD symptoms is the development of sores on the body. While sores linked to STD infection may appear on numerous parts of the body, they are found most commonly on the skin around the genitals, in the mouth, and around the anus. These sores typically remain open until treated with prescription medications.

High amounts of pain are also linked to STDs, especially during sexual intercourse. Some individuals who suffer from STDs may also experience pain during bowel movements, exercise, or after being seated for an excessive period of time. Some over-the-counter medications used to treat the symptoms of hemorrhoids can be effective in the treatment of pain associated with STDs. A trip to the doctor is usually necessary to treat the underlying condition, however.