Symptoms of SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STDS)

Gonorrhea produces a pus-like discharge from the urethra. It is particularly apparent in men. Women are less likely to develop symptoms. It may produce painful, or burning urination. In women, the infection may progress and involve the reproduction organs. This can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. This can result in lower abdominal pain, fever and painful sexual intercourse. Pelvic inflammatory disease can also lead to infertility. The bacteria can also be spread through rectal or anal intercourse. It can produce discharge from the rectum and rectal pain. Bowel movement may be uncomfortable. Involvement of the throat can produce sore throat, involvement of the eye can lead to a red, painful eye. When the gonorrhea infection becomes systemic, particularly in the chronic forms,, it can produce fevers, rash, joint pain and joint stiffness. Chlamydial infections also can be transmitted by vaginal or anal sex. The eye can also be involved. Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common cause of blindness in the world, particularly in underdeveloped countries. In men, urethritis produces discharge from the penis and painful urination. Women may have the same type of symptoms, or no symptoms at all. Sometimes, they will experience lower abdominal or pelvic pain. Syphilis has many stages. The early forms of the disease produce painless sores or ulcers that are seen on the genitals, the rectum, the mouth or the lips. Lumps in the neck, armpit or groin may appear. These lesions develop somewhere between 1 and 6 weeks following exposure. They usually disappear by themselves. The secondary stage of syphilis develops anywhere from 1 week to 6 months following primary syphilis, if no treatment is given. A rash develops, especially on the palms and soles of the feet. Sores or ulcers may develop in the mouth. Fever is usually present. Headache, joint pain and bone pain may occur. The late stages of syphilis may occur months or years later. This stage of the disease can affect most organs, especially the heart, the brain and the bones. Genital herpes is transmitted through sexual or anal intercourse. It leads to the development of pain and hypersensitivity in an area of skin around the genitals or rectum. Shortly thereafter, a rash develop, which may blister. The rash eventually scabs over and heals. Pain may persist. The symptoms may reoccur from time to time. During an acute episode there may be tender swelling of the lymph nodes of the groin. Also, the pain may radiate into the legs, or buttocks. Fever may develop. Venereal warts appear similar to warts on the hand or feet. They usually appear several weeks to several months after sexual exposure. The warts can appear on the penis, the scrotum, the vagina or around the anus. The warts can form clusters. HIV, AIDS and hepatitis are also sexually transmitted. They can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, sexual activity and other body fluids. Further information on their symptoms are found under their specific categories.