STD Symptoms in Men and Women, and Why Many STDs Have None
Many STDs cause no symptoms at all, so testing matters more than waiting for signs. Here's what symptoms can look like in men and women, and how testing and treatment work.
Many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs, also called STIs) cause no symptoms at all, especially chlamydia and gonorrhea in women, so testing is the only way to know. When symptoms do show up, they can include unusual discharge, burning when you pee, sores or bumps on the genitals, mouth or anus, itching, and pain in the pelvis or testicles. Most STDs are treatable, and the common bacterial ones are curable with antibiotics.
Common STD symptoms in women
- Unusual vaginal discharge, sometimes with a strong smell
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Pain during sex
- Lower belly or pelvic pain
- Itching, sores or bumps around the vagina or anus
Some of these can also come from a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis or a UTI. Our post on yeast infection or BV explains the differences.
Common STD symptoms in men
- Discharge from the penis
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Pain or swelling in the testicles
- Sores, blisters or bumps on the penis, scrotum or anus
- Itching or irritation at the tip of the penis
What the common STDs look like
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea: often no symptoms. When present: discharge, burning, or pelvic or testicular pain. Both are curable with antibiotics.
- Trichomoniasis: itching and a frothy, strong-smelling discharge in women; men often have no symptoms. Curable with antibiotics.
- Genital herpes: painful blisters or open sores that come and go. Not curable, but antiviral medicine shortens outbreaks.
- Syphilis: a painless sore at first, then sometimes a rash on the palms or soles. Curable with antibiotics, and cases have risen in recent years.
- HIV: may cause a flu-like illness a few weeks after exposure, then no symptoms for years. Testing is the only way to know.
Why testing matters even without symptoms
Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility problems, and any STD can be passed to partners without either person knowing. Get tested if you have a new partner, more than one partner, a partner with an STD, or any symptoms.
Testing and treatment at AfterOurs
Testing is confidential and usually takes a urine sample, a swab or a blood draw. Some results come back during the visit; others come from a lab. When treatment is needed, a clinician can often prescribe it the same day. Our post on same-day STI testing walks through the visit. At an AfterOurs clinic, a standard self-pay visit is $175, and a self-pay in-clinic visit never costs more than $330; some tests are priced separately. We contract with all major commercial and government plans, including Colorado Medicaid and Medicare. See our STI testing page and the cost and insurance page.
Go to the ER or call 911 if you have severe pain in the lower belly or pelvis with fever or vomiting, sudden severe pain and swelling in a testicle, or fainting with pelvic pain, especially if you could be pregnant.
Where to find us
Four clinics across metro Denver, all ages welcome, se habla español:
- Hampden (Southeast Denver): 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Littleton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Thornton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Highlands: Mon–Fri 5–11 PM, Sat–Sun 8 AM–11 PM
Walk in, or book online.
Medically reviewed by Peter Martinuzzi, MD
This article is general health information, not medical advice for your situation. If you are worried, come in or book a telehealth visit — and if it is an emergency, call 911.