Sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) are very common and can manifest themselves in a variety of ways. Even if some people don’t have any symptoms, it’s still important to be aware of the warning indications. If left untreated, some STIs can cause serious bodily harm and can be transmitted to others through sexual activity. Sexually transmitted Infection symptoms can range from minor to severe, and they can affect many body parts. Symptoms might take days, weeks, months, or even years to manifest after initial infection. However, other STIs, such as chlamydia and hepatitis B, are often asymptomatic. As a result, people may be unaware that they have it. The following are the primary signs to be aware of and what you can do to reduce your risk of contacting STIs, according to Healthline and Mayo Clinic.
1. Discomfort or pain experienced during sexual activity or urination.
2. Rashes or sores on or near the testicles, anus, buttocks, thighs, or mouth.
3. Abnormal bleeding or discharge from the private organ.
4. Swollen or painful testicles.
5. Genital herpes and pubic lice can cause itching around the genitals.
6. Periods or bleeding after sexual activity that is not expected.
7. Hepatitis B can cause dark urine.
8. Chlamydia can
cause pain in the pelvis and testicles.
9. Hepatitis B can also cause joint and muscular pain.
10. Syphilis and genital herpes can both cause little blisters or ulcers around the genitals.
What you can do to reduce your risk of contacting STIs.
Abstinence from any sexual activity is the only approach to prevent STIs completely. However, there are ways to lower your chances of getting a STI and experiencing complications:
1. To reduce the risk of coming into contact with bodily fluids, use condoms and other barrier methods correctly.
2 Get tested on a regular basis and advise your partners to do the same. Because STI screening isn’t included in a normal health exam, you’ll need to request specialist testing to acquire your findings.
3. Discuss your sexual history and test results with your sexual partners openly.
4. If you’re at a higher risk of contracting HIV, talk to your doctor about pre-exposure prophylaxis, an HIV prevention treatment (PrEP).
