People often tend to avoid visiting their doctor. There is just something unnerving about the waiting room, the white coats, the unusual smell, and other sick people. We tell ourselves it’s nothing serious, just to avoid paying our doctor a visit.
This is especially true in regarding health problems of private nature. Feeling ashamed stops us from seeking help, even when our body is sending us clear signals something is wrong.
To make things a little easier, here is a list of 10 signs of STD that mean you should swallow your pride and seek medical assistance.
NOTICING A RASH OR WART ON YOUR PARTNER
When it comes to sexually transmitted diseases, it’s not enough to be sure everything is OK with you.
STDs often don’t present themselves and there are no symptoms that alarm you to go pay your doctor a visit. So if you notice something odd happening on your partner’s end, you both need to get checked out!
ABNORMAL VAGINAL BLEEDING
There is no better warning sign that our body gives us than the appearance of red, threatening blood. Still, even though it sounds pretty scary, women often dismiss abnormal bleeding as something that will surely pass.
You know your body the best: if you notice a heavily increased flow during your period, blood spotting between two cycles or experience postictal bleeding, go pay your OBGYN a visit.
I hope it’s clear that the same advice also applies for the stronger sex: if your penis is bleeding, go see a doctor!
UNUSUAL DISCHARGE
Vaginal discharge is normal and it has its purpose.
However, a change in the volume, color, smell or consistency is a clear sign something is up. It may be something simple as a yeast infection, but it could also be something more serious.
PAINFUL INTERCOURSE
If you’re not a virgin and are properly lubricated before penetration starts, intercourse should not be painful.
For sure, girls who have lost their virginity rather recently may still feel some discomfort since cervical walls need time to heal.
But if this continues longer than a month or two, it is a sign something else is up.
UNPLEASANT ODOR
Glean, healthy human genitalia has a specific smell that requires one to get used to it. Also, due to the proximity of the urinal tract, a hint of urine is to be expected.
But any unnatural, unpleasant odors are a warning sign and you should get checked out.
STOMACH PAIN
In women, stomach pain could be a sign of chlamydia. If you’re experiencing repeated, dull pain in addition to regular menstrual cramps, you shouldn’t ignore it.
WHITE SPOTS IN THE MOUTH
STDs don’t have to appear only in the genital area.
White spots on the lining of the mouth or on the tongue can be symptoms of gonorrhea, chlamydia or even AIDS.
PAINFUL URINATION
Both men and women should get a checkup if they experience pain, discomfort, tightening or burning sensations while they pee.
Though it could be just a sign of a urinary tract infection, it could also be a symptom of an STD or even cancer, Urocare London can provide you will a professional opinion.
ITCHING
Scratching “down there” is not only a social faux-pas, it’s also a health warning sign. Crabs are the most common source of itching sensations, but a number of other STDs could also cause it.
NO SYMPTOMS
OK, this may be cheating a little bit, but an emphasis should be made on regular, yearly checkups!
The devious nature of STDs means that sometimes they won’t produce any warning signs or alarming symptoms. Since all of them are better managed if detected early, and a lot of them have serious consequences if left untreated, regular checkups should be an imperative for any sexually active adult!
Though some of these symptoms might seem fairly obvious, people sometimes need a nudge in the right direction. Listen to your body and don’t ignore the signals it’s sending you. Consequences are as severe as infertility or even death, so don’t play a daredevil and think about your health.
Ashtown Halley is a former nurse and medical volunteer who started AtHomeStdTests.com in order to help lower the transmission of common STD’s in the US.
