What Happens If You Get an STD?

STDs (sexually transmitted diseases, sexually transmitted infections, STIs) are common illnesses you can get through sexual activity with an infected person. STD symptoms vary depending on the condition. Some cause more obvious signs such as genital sores or unusual discharge, but not always. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all.

STDs (sexually transmitted diseases, also called sexually transmitted infections or STIs) are common illnesses spread from person-to-person through sexual activity such as vaginal, oral, or anal sex. 

If you get an STD, symptoms vary depending on the infection. 

Gonorrhea may not cause any symptoms. When symptoms of gonorrhea occur, they may include:

• Pain or burning sensation when urinating
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Vaginal bleeding between periods
• Yellow, white or green discharge from the penis
• Rectal pain or bleeding
• Anal itching or soreness
• Painful bowel movements
• Painful or swollen testicles (less common)

Chlamydia may not cause any symptoms. When symptoms of chlamydia occur, they may include:

• Burning sensation when urinating
• Abnormal vaginal or penile discharge
• Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding from anal infection
• Pain and swelling in one or both testicles in men (less common)

Hepatitis symptoms may include: 

• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine 
• Light-colored or clay-colored stools
• Stomach upset or pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Fatigue/tiredness

Herpes may not cause any symptoms. When symptoms of genital or oral herpes occur, they may include:

• Blisters in the genital area
• Blisters on the mouth or lips
• Fever
• Headache
• Pain in the joints
• Swollen lymph nodes in the groin

Human papillomavirus (HPV) may not cause any symptoms. When symptoms of human papillomavirus (HPV) occur, they may include genital warts.

• Syphilis symptoms vary by stage. 
• Primary stage syphilis symptoms include:
  • Single sore or multiple sores
  • Sores are usually (but not always) firm, round, and painless
• Secondary stage syphilis symptoms include:
  • Skin rashes and/or sores in the mouth, vagina, or anus
  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph glands
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Sore throat
  • Patchy hair loss
  • Weight loss
  • Muscle aches
• In latent stage syphilis, no visible signs or symptoms are present
• Not everyone with untreated syphilis will develop tertiary syphilis
  • This stage is very serious and can affect many organ systems including the heart and blood vessels, and the brain and nervous system
  • Can be fatal

Trichomoniasis may not cause any symptoms. When symptoms of trichomoniasis occur, they may include:

• Pus-filled thin vaginal discharge with a foul odor (may appear green-yellow and frothy)
• Clear or runny penile discharge 
• Burning
• Soreness
• Itching
• Lower abdominal pain
• Pain or discomfort when urinating
• Urinary frequency
• Painful sexual intercourse 
• Bleeding after sex
• Mild itching or burning sensation in the penis after sexual intercourse
• Vulvar redness
• Preterm delivery, and delivery of a low-birth-weight infant in pregnant women

Babies born to mothers who have trichomoniasis may become infected during delivery. Symptoms of trichomoniasis in newborns include: 

• Fever
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Nasal discharge
• Respiratory problems
• Vaginal discharge

Complications of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) may include:

• Increased risk of getting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS
• Cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers 
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Sterility