If you have/had sexual contact with another person and notice any signs of STD, then talk to your doctor to get an STD test. The symptoms of STDs may come and go over time, but that doesn’t mean the STDs are gone. Usually, STD symptoms are so mild that they don’t bother you, but you should see your doctor even if you notice something that even doesn’t bother you.

Different STDs have different symptoms. Signs of sexually transmitted diseases include:

• Sores or bumps on and around the genitals, thighs, or buttocks
• Strange discharge from the vagina or penis
• Burning sensation when urinating and/or frequent urination
• Itching, pain, irritation, and/or swelling of the penis, vagina, vulva, or anus
• Flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, swollen glands, and fatigue

All of these symptoms can be caused by things that are not sexually transmitted. So, STD testing is the only way to know for sure what’s going on. Your doctor will help you figure out what kinds of testing or treatment you may need. Tell them about the following:

• Your symptoms
• What type of sexual contact have you had (such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or anything that involves skin-to-skin contact with your genitals or the production of sexual fluids)
• Are you using condoms and/or dental pads?

It is very important to get tested if you think you have an STD because some STDs can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Plus, having an STD increases your chances of contracting other STDs, such as HIV. And it’s best to know right away if you have an STD, so you don’t pass it on to others.

The idea of being tested may seem daunting, but try to relax. The most common STDs can be easily treated with medication. And incurable STDs often have treatments to help you with your symptoms and reduce your chances of passing the STD on to someone else. Thus, the sooner you know you have an STD, the sooner you can start caring for yourself and your partner.