Become familiar with the signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases.
STD Symptom Checklist:
- Burning sensation when urinating.
- Vaginal discharge. Occasional discharge — clear, thin, with no smell — is normal, but you may have an STD or vaginal infection if you experience discharge that is white, yellow, yellowish-green, bloody or another color; has a noticeable odor; or is persistent.
- Pain or discomfort during sex.
- An unusual, "fishy" vaginal odor after sex.
- Vaginal irritation, soreness or itching.
- Pain in your lower abdomen (the region where you may feel menstrual cramps).
- Warts, lesions or bumps in or around the vagina, vulva, anus or on the thigh.
- Bleeding during sex or between periods or increased menstrual cramping.
- A skin rash.
Note: Girls and women frequently do not experience symptoms from STDs. If you are sexually active, you should talk to a health care professional about being screened (call your local health department or Planned Parenthood, if you are uncomfortable with your regular health care provider). If a sexual partner has any symptoms, get tested immediately. For boys and men, the most frequent symptoms of STDs are penile irritation or pain, pus or discharge from the penis, or sores or warts on the penis; men with STDs frequently experience pain or a burning sensation when urinating.
