The CDC has published screening recommendations for sexually active adults to test for STDs:
● Everyone should get at least one HIV test.
● All sexually active women younger than the age of 25 and older women who have risk factors like new or multiple sex partners should be screened annually for chlamydia.
● At-risk sexually active women should be screened annually for gonorrhea.
● Pregnant women should be screened for syphilis, HIV, chlamydia and hepatitis B, and at-risk pregnant women should be screened for gonorrhea during their first prenatal visit.
● All HIV-infected women should be screened annually for trichomoniasis.
● All sexually active gay and bisexual men should be screened at least annually for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV.
● Those who have had multiple or anonymous partners should be screened more frequently for STDs (preferably in three- or six-month intervals).
● Those who use illegal drugs, particularly methamphetamine, and those whose partners use drugs should be screened more frequently.
But even if you recently have been screened, and even if you have been faithfully monogamous with your partner, you may still be at risk of developing an STD. While each STD has its own unique markers that help physicians make a diagnosis, here are six signs that you may need to make an appointment to be tested for an STD:
Unusual Penile or Vaginal Discharge
If you or a female partner experiences a yellowish, vaginal discharge or if a male partner experiences fluid loss from the penis that is not urine or semen, it may be the sign of an STD, like gonorrhea. Because diseases like this can be contagious prior to the onset of symptoms and can remain contagious for many months (especially without treatment), it’s important to abstain from sexual intercourse and make an appointment for you and your partner to take STD tests. If one partner seeks treatment without informing the other, or if the second partner refuses treatment, the disease can spread.
Unusual Rashes on the Body or Near Genitals
If you notice that you’ve developed a rash or itchy, burning sensation around the vaginal area, or if you notice that your partner has been particularly itchy in his groin area, has developed a rash, redness or genital swelling, it may indicate an STD. STD rashes aren’t just limited to the genital area, however, so it’s important to know where to search for signs. If you develop a rash on the palms of your hands or on the soles of your feet, you may have contracted syphilis. Itching also may result from contracting crab lice. As a general rule of thumb, if you notice an unusual rash anywhere on the body that appears without cause, make an appointment with your physician to examine it and determine its cause. And if you have had unprotected sex or suspect that your partner has, it’s always wise to schedule an STD screening to rule out STD-related causes for rashes.
Open Sores, Blisters or Bumps Near the Mouth or Genitals
Many STDs -- herpes in particular -- are characterized by blisters or sores on the penis or vagina, testicles, on or around the anus, buttocks, or thighs. These sores aren’t just limited to the genitals, however -- they can be found on the lips, tongue, gums and other parts of the body. If you notice unusual sores or blisters on your body or your partner’s, refrain from sexual activity. Even oral sex will put you at risk for contracting or spreading an STD. Instead, have a conversation with your partner and insist that you both schedule appointments for STD screenings. Even if you find the lesion before having intercourse, you still may have been exposed to an STD, so if you notice any of these signs on someone with whom you’ve already had sexual contact, it’s important that you schedule a screening to find out if you’ve already been exposed.
Painful Intercourse or Painful Urination
If you experience a burning sensation during urination or intercourse, it may be the sign of an STD. Many STDs, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, cause sufferers to experience painful symptoms during urination and intercourse, so if you experience these signs, you shouldn’t just chalk it up to a urinary tract infection. And even if you aren’t experiencing any other symptoms, it’s important to remember that you still may be contagious, and you should refrain from intimacy until you’re certain of the cause of your discomfort.
General Malaise or Signs of General Illness
Many diseases, including HIV, will trigger flu-like symptoms -- including fever, fatigue, body aches and nausea -- shortly after infection. While many people confuse these symptoms with the onset of a cold or flu bug, if you recently had unprotected sex or if you’re in a monogamous relationship and suspect infidelity, you may want to have yourself screened to rule out a possible STD.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Swollen lymph nodes are a sign of general illness and may not be a cause for alarm if that is the only symptom you experience on this list. However, if you have had unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners, and you feel swollen lymph nodes, it may be wise to get an STD screening and refrain from sexual activity until you’re sure you haven’t contracted a disease. Find a testing center near you by clicking here.
Even if you don’t have any of the symptoms above, it doesn’t mean that you aren’t ill. If you have engaged in risky behavior, including unprotected sex, you still should have yourself screened on a regular basis as outlined in the CDC’s recommendations. Remember that many STDs can be cured with a simple course of antibiotics if caught early but can cause permanent damage, including infertility or even death, if left untreated.