Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a lot more common than many people think and a lot more unnoticeable sometimes. The WHO reports that the majority of curable STIs are asymptomatic. That means many people are walking around with an infection without even realizing it.
Some symptoms can be obvious, but many overlap with other conditions like urinary tract infections, yeast infections, or even skin irritation. And to make things even more confusing, symptoms can look very different in men and women. So how do you actually know if you have an STD?
Why It Can Be Hard to Tell
Many STDs are “silent.” Chlamydia and gonorrhea, for example, can hang around for months without causing a single symptom. HPV (human papillomavirus) often shows no signs at all. HIV may not cause noticeable changes for years.
And when symptoms do show up, they can be misleading. Burning when you pee? That could be a UTI. Itching and discharge? Could be a yeast infection—or it could be an STD. That’s why so many people only find out during routine screening or after a partner tells them they’ve tested positive.
How To Tell If You Have an STD in Men
When it comes to STDs, men sometimes spot physical changes earlier than women. That doesn’t mean it’s always obvious, though. Symptoms can range from subtle irritation to very visible sores. And sometimes, they may disappear on their own, even though the infection is still present and can be passed to a partner.
1. Unusual Discharge from the Penis
Healthy urine and semen don’t usually come with extra discharge. If you suddenly notice a thick, cloudy, yellow, or greenish fluid coming from the penis, that’s a red flag. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most common culprits. Sometimes the discharge may also have a strong or unpleasant odor.
2. Pain or Burning When Urinating
This is one of the classic STD symptoms. Men often describe it as a stinging or burning feeling while peeing. The irritation comes from inflammation in the urethra caused by infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis.
But, it can also be due to a urinary tract infection or even dehydration. Your doctor may recommend a test just to be sure.
3. Sores, Bumps, or Warts on the Genitals
Syphilis usually starts as a single painless sore (called a chancre) on the penis, scrotum, or around the anus. It heals on its own but doesn’t mean the infection is gone.
Herpes causes painful, fluid-filled blisters that may burst and crust over. These outbreaks can come and go.
HPV (human papillomavirus) can cause small, flesh-colored warts on or around the genitals. They may be flat, raised, or cluster together like cauliflower.
It’s easy to confuse these with razor burn, pimples, or ingrown hairs which is another reason not to self-diagnose.
4. Testicular Pain or Swelling
Though less common, some STDs can spread to the testicles or epididymis (a tube at the back of the testicle that stores sperm). This may cause pain, tenderness, or swelling. Untreated infections can sometimes lead to fertility problems, so this symptom should never be ignored.
5. Rashes on the Body
Some STDs go beyond the genital area:
- Syphilis can cause a rash on the groin, thighs, torso, or even on the palms and soles.
- HIV may trigger flu-like symptoms and rashes shortly after infection.
Skin changes may be mild or mistaken for allergies or irritation, but when they appear along with other symptoms, they raise suspicion of an STD.
How To Tell If You Have an STD in Women
For women, spotting an STD isn’t always straightforward. Many infections can look and feel like other common gynecological problems—yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or even just changes in hormones. Because of this overlap, sexually transmitted infections often slip under the radar until they cause bigger health issues.
Here’s what women should watch for:
1. Unusual Vaginal Discharge
Most women are familiar with their body’s natural discharge. It usually changes slightly throughout the menstrual cycle, but sudden shifts in color, texture, or smell can be a red flag. For example:
- Trichomoniasis often causes frothy, yellow-green discharge with a strong odor.
- Chlamydia or gonorrhea may lead to thicker, pus-like discharge.
- Bacterial vaginosis (not an STD but often confused with one) causes a fishy-smelling odor.
It’s important not to ignore these changes. While some causes are harmless, others may be linked to STDs that require prompt treatment.
2. Burning or Pain When Urinating
Women commonly assume this symptom points to a urinary tract infection (UTI). While UTIs are indeed common, chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause the exact same irritation. The only way to know for sure is through testing, because treatment is very different.
3. Pain During Sex
Painful intercourse, or dyspareunia, can signal underlying inflammation or infection. STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes may irritate vaginal tissues, making it uncomfortable. Some women describe it as a sharp pain, while others feel deep pelvic pressure.
If sex suddenly becomes painful when it wasn’t before, that’s a strong reason to check in with a doctor.
4. Bleeding Between Periods
Spotting after sex or in between cycles may be linked to an infection irritating the cervix. Both chlamydia and gonorrhea are known to cause cervical inflammation, which can make tissues bleed more easily.
While abnormal bleeding can also stem from hormonal changes, fibroids, or polyps, STDs should always be ruled out first, especially if bleeding happens right after intercourse.
5. Sores, Bumps, or Warts
Herpes produces clusters of painful, fluid-filled blisters on the vulva, vagina, or cervix. These can break open, crust, and reappear in cycles.
Syphilis starts with a firm, painless sore (chancre) that might go unnoticed if it’s inside the vagina or on the cervix.
HPV can lead to genital warts, which may appear flat, raised, or cluster together like tiny cauliflowers.
Many women dismiss these changes as shaving irritation or ingrown hairs, but persistent or unusual lesions should always be checked.
6. Pelvic or Abdominal Pain
This is one of the most serious warning signs. Untreated chlamydia or gonorrhea can travel upward, infecting the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This condition is called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
PID can cause:
- Sharp or dull pelvic pain
- Pain during sex
- Lower back discomfort
- Fever or chills
Left untreated, PID can result in scarring of the reproductive organs, chronic pelvic pain, and even infertility. About 1 in 8 women with a history of PID experience difficulties getting pregnant.
What If There Are No Symptoms?
Here’s the reality: you can’t rely on symptoms alone.
- Most people with HPV never know they have it.
- Up to 70% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia don’t notice anything.
- HIV can remain silent for years, all while damaging the immune system.
This is why regular testing matters instead of just waiting for symptoms.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Don’t wait until things get worse. It’s time to see a doctor if:
- You notice any of the symptoms above.
- You’ve had unprotected sex with a new partner.
- A partner tells you they tested positive.
- You’re planning a pregnancy (to protect your health and your baby’s).
Even if you feel fine, routine screening is recommended if you’re sexually active, especially with multiple partners.
Get Tested and Treated for STDs at Dr Prevents
You can’t always tell if you have an STD by looking for symptoms. Men and women may notice different warning signs, but many infections cause no symptoms at all. The only way to know for sure is through testing.
If you’ve recently had a new partner, noticed unusual changes in your body, or simply want reassurance, now is the perfect time to act. Our clinic offers confidential, quick, and reliable STD testing for both men and women. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or just want to be proactive, our healthcare team is here to guide you every step of the way.