Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) often cause no symptoms, which makes it possible to contract an infection from someone who seems healthy and who may not even know they have a disease.
However, STIs can cause a wide range of symptoms. Depending on the type of infection, symptoms can take anywhere between a few days to several years to develop.
Common STI symptoms include:
Discharge from the vagina, penis or anus
Unusual vaginal bleeding (for example, between periods or after sex)
Pain or burning when you pee
Abdominal pain
Pain in the testicles
Pain during sex
Blisters, sores or ulcers around the genitals, mouth or anus
Lumps, warts or growths around the genitals or anus
Rash
Itching of the genitals
Fever
If left untreated, STIs can sometimes lead to chronic health problems or complications. Possible complications of untreated STIs include:
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Fertility problems
Pregnancy complications
Arthritis
Sexual problems (e.g. erectile dysfunction, painful sex)
Liver damage
Weakened immune system
Increased risk of certain cancers, e.g. cervical cancer and liver cancer