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Signs and Symptoms of Common STIs/RTIs
 To effectively manage STIs/RTIs,
health care providers must be able to recognize the various signs and
symptoms of infection. However, very similar symptoms can be caused by
different infectious agents.
The following list identifies
signs and symptoms of the most common STIs and RTIs:
In men:
- Urethral discharge:
chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas infection
- Urethral itching:
chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas infection
- Swollen and/or painful
testicles: chlamydia, gonorrhea
In women:
- Unusual vaginal discharge:
BV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas infection, vaginal yeast
infection
- Genital itching:
BV, trichomonas infection, vaginal yeast infection
- Abnormal and/or heavy
vaginal bleeding: chlamydia, gonorrhea (Note: This symptom
is often caused by factors other than STIs.)
- Bleeding after intercourse:
chlamydia, gonorrhea
- Lower abdominal pain
(pain below the belly button; pelvic pain): chlamydia, gonorrhea
- Persistent vaginal
yeast infections: HIV and AIDS
In men or women:
- Blisters or ulcers
(sores) on the mouth, lips, genitals, anus, or surrounding areas:
chancroid, genital herpes, syphilis
- Burning or pain during
urination: chlamydia, genital herpes, trichomonas infection,
gonorrhea
- Itching or tingling
in the genital area: genital herpes
- Jaundice (yellowing
of the eyes and skin) and/or fever, headache, muscle ache, dark urine:
hepatitis B, hepatitis C
- Warts or bumps on
the genitals, anus, or surrounding areas: HPV (genital warts)
The following list identifies
symptoms of some of the less common STIs and RTIs:
- Flu-like syndromes
(fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches), mild liver inflammation:
CMV
- Small, dimpled bumps
or lesions on the skin that usually do not hurt or itch and are flesh
colored, but can vary from white to yellow to pink: molluscum
contagiosum
- Small, red bumps
or ulcers in the genital or anal area; lymph node swelling in the genital
area; chronic ulcers on the genitals or anus: LGV
- Red nodules or bumps
under the skin on the mouth, genitals, or anus that ulcerate, become
tender, and often bleed easily: donovanosis
© 2007 EngenderHealth
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