What Do STDs Look Like?

If you're sexually active, chances are you've had an STD scare at least once. 

Even when you're practicing safe sex, there's still a risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or sexually transmitted infection (STI). Condoms and dental dams can significantly lower your risk, but they're not always foolproof in protecting against STDs. So it's only normal to wonder if those weird symptoms you've been experiencing are a sign of an STD or something else. 

The problem is that sexually transmitted infections aren't as straightforward as you might think. It's possible for someone with an STI not to show any symptoms and still spread the infection. Some sexually transmitted diseases, such as genital herpes, chlamydia, or gonorrhea, might not show any symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, like bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, or urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Nevertheless, it helps to understand the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases for your well-being and peace of mind. Below is a list of common STD symptoms to be aware of and what to do about them.

What do STDs look like?

Here’s a detailed look at common STDs and what symptoms you might notice.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common STI caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It's one of the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted infections and can affect both men and women. 

Many people with chlamydia do not experience any symptoms (which is why it is often referred to as a "silent" infection) but when they do appear, they might include:

• Unusual vaginal discharge that may be yellowish and have a strong smell
• Burning sensation when you pee
• Pain during intercourse
• Lower abdominal pain
• Bleeding between periods.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is an STI caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Like chlamydia, gonorrhea can be asymptomatic, but symptoms can include:

• Increased vaginal discharge, which may be yellow or green
• burning or discomfort when you pee or have sex
• pain or tenderness in the lower belly
• vaginal bleeding between periods.

Genital warts

Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They appear as small, fleshy growths, bumps, or changes in the skin on or around the genital or anal area. Genital warts can vary in size and appearance; they might be flat or raised, singular or clustered, and sometimes have a cauliflower-like texture.

HPV is a very common virus with many different strains. The strains that cause genital warts are typically HPV types 6 and 11, which are considered low-risk for causing cancer. However, other strains of HPV can lead to more serious conditions, such as cervical cancer.

Genital warts are usually spread through direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner. The warts themselves may not be immediately noticeable, and it can take weeks, months, or even years for them to develop after exposure to the virus.

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is a relatively common sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). It's also possible to get the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) — the one that causes cold sores — in your genital area. Genital herpes is easily spread through skin-to-skin contact, especially during sexual activity.

Genital herpes can cause:

• Painful blisters or sores on the genitals, rectum, and inner thighs
• Itching or burning around the vulva and vagina
• Flu-like symptoms during the first outbreak, including fever and muscle aches.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, also known as "trich," is a pretty common STI caused by a parasite. One tricky thing about trichomoniasis is that it often doesn't show any symptoms, so you might not even realize you're infected. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 70% of people with trichomoniasis don't experience any signs or symptoms at all. Trichomoniasis has an incubation period of 5 to 28 days, but for some people, it might take even longer for symptoms to appear.

When symptoms do show up, the most common ones include: 

• Itching or irritation inside and/or around the vulva and vagina
• Green, grey, frothy, or thin discharge with a foul or fishy smell
• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• A frequent need to pee 
• Spotting or bleeding between periods

Pain during sexual intercourse.

Syphilis

Syphilis is an STI caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It progresses through several stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary, each with distinct symptoms. 

• Primary stage: Painless sore (chancre) on the genitals, rectum, or mouth.
• Secondary stage: Skin rash that doesn’t itch, often on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, along with mucous membrane lesions.
• Latent stage: No symptoms but the infection remains in the body.
• Tertiary stage: Can affect multiple organ systems, including the brain, nerves, and heart.

Human immunodeficiency virus 

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which are crucial for fighting infections. 

If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV is primarily spread through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. 

Early symptoms of HIV can resemble the flu:

• Fever, sore throat, and fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rash.

STDs can be asymptomatic

It’s important to know that not all STDs cause symptoms, meaning you might not notice any symptoms at all. This is why regular STD testing is crucial. Even without symptoms, STDs can cause long-term health issues and be transmitted to others.

Other conditions with similar symptoms

Not all symptoms that resemble STDs are actually caused by STDs. Here are some other conditions that can cause similar symptoms:

1. Bacterial vaginosis (BV): An overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina can cause a fishy odor, thin gray discharge, and vaginal itching.
2. Yeast infections: An overgrowth of Candida yeast leads to itching, burning, and a thick, white discharge that resembles cottage cheese.
3. Urinary tract infections (UTIs): These can cause painful urination, a frequent need to pee, and lower abdominal pain.
4. Vaginal dryness: Thinning and drying of the vaginal walls, often due to decreased estrogen levels during menopause, can cause discomfort, itching, and pain during sex.
5. Skin conditions: Skin reactions to soaps, detergents, or fabrics, as well as some chronic skin conditions like lichen planus and lichen sclerosus, can cause itching, redness, and irritation in the genital area.
6. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Often a result of untreated STDs like chlamydia or gonorrhea, PID can cause pain in the lower abdomen, fever, unusual vaginal discharge with a bad odor, painful intercourse, and irregular menstrual bleeding.

If you notice any unusual symptoms, don’t panic. The best course of action is to see your healthcare provider. They can perform tests to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment. Remember, the earlier you catch an infection, the easier it is to treat.

FAQ

What does an STD look like on a female?

STD symptoms in women can include things like genital warts, painful sores, unusual discharge, pelvic pain, skin rashes, lower abdomen pain, and general symptoms like swollen glands, fever, and fatigue. These symptoms might be caused by other conditions like yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or UTIs, so it's really important to see a healthcare provider if you notice anything unusual. Regular screening and safe sex practices can go a long way in preventing the spread of STDs. 

What can be mistaken for an STD?

Several conditions can be mistaken for STDs because they have similar symptoms. Some of these include yeast infections, which can cause itching, redness, and thick, white discharge; bacterial vaginosis, which may lead to a fishy odor and grayish discharge; and UTIs, which can cause painful urination and pelvic pain. On top of that, allergic reactions to products like soaps, lotions, or spermicides can result in irritation and itching similar to STD symptoms. Hormonal changes, especially around menopause, can also cause vaginal dryness and discomfort that might be mistaken for an infection. It's always a good idea to reach out to a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment if you experience any unusual symptoms. 

What do STD spots look like?

STD spots can look different depending on the specific infection. For instance, genital warts caused by HPV usually appear as small, flesh-colored, or slightly darker bumps that may cluster together, forming a cauliflower-like shape. The herpes simplex virus can cause sores that often start as small, painful blisters filled with clear or yellowish fluid, which can burst and form ulcers before healing. In the early stage, syphilis may present as a single, firm, painless sore or ulcer on the genitals, mouth, or anus. These spots can easily be mixed up with symptoms of other conditions, so it's important to seek medical advice for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.