With 1 million people acquiring a Sexually Transmitted Infections every day, STDs and STIs have increased in frequency in recent years. With that being said, testing is now readily available, and treatment methods have improved to minimize the effects of infections and diseases. 

However, it is still important to know which symptoms of STIs you should not ignore, and when you need to get checked out. We’ve listed some of the most common symptoms below, so that you can ensure you get the right help if you should experience any of these. 

4 Common STI Symptoms 

1. Pain During Urination 

This can include a burning or stinging sensation whilst urinating. A stinging irritation during urination can be caused when urine encounters sores within the urethra or tip of the penis. Burning sensations can be a sign of an STI, and is one of the first noticeable symptoms of an infection.  

2. Pain During Sexual Intercourse 

If you experience pain during sex, it could indicate that their is a sign of infection. Several STI’s and STD’s can lead to this, some including herpes, gonorrhoea and bacterial vaginosis. 

3. Unusual Discharge 

Unusual discharge from your penis, vagina or anus can be a sign of an STI. If it is watery, or a yellow/white colour, it may indicate a treatable STI such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia. For women, a change to the smell of consistency of your discharge may indicate infection, which will need to be tested for an STI. 

4. Sores, Blisters or Rashes 

Another sign of a sexually transmitted infection is sores, blisters or a red rash around the vulva or penis. 

However, it is also worth noting that over 70% of individuals do not experience any symptoms, so we would recommend a sexual health screen to double check – as if left untreated STI’s can cause issues such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. 

If you are worried about any of the symptoms above, contact our private GP medical team to get peace of mind – where we offer our STI testing service.