Common STD Symptoms

For many people, when they hear the words sexually transmitted disease (STD) they think of Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes, and HIV. However, when you ask people to describe each, or at least give a few of the symptoms for a particular STD, they usually just give a blank stare. And no, clapping is not a symptom of Gonorrhea.

Why is it that so many people know the names, but can't rightly tell which symptom goes with each sexually transmitted disease? Well, that is because for so many of the STDs, there are shared symptoms and signs that someone is infected. In fact, even when you read a medical description of various STDs, you will probably become confused because of how many overlaps there are in symptoms between one STD and another.

The following is a list of common symptoms founds in both men and women:
* Pain during intercourse
* Painful sensations when urinating
* Pain in the pelvic area
* Sore throat (if engaged in oral sex)
* Pain or discomfort in and around the anus after anal sex
* Blistering or warts in the genital regions
* Red sores on or near the genitals, anus and mouth
* Scaly rashes appear on the hands and feet
* Urine and stool color changes
* Yellowing of the eyes and skin
* Frequent fevers, body-aches and fatigue
* Weight loss

Of course, some of these symptoms can be associated with illnesses that have absolutely nothing to do with being a sexually transmitted disease. However, it is still in that individual's best interest, especially if they have had a recent sexual encouner, to get tested for STDs, because more than likely it is a sign of an STD.

It must also be well aware that the MOST common symptom in sexually transmitted diseases is that there are no symptoms. What this means is, that for a vast majority of people who are infected with an STD, there are no symptoms. People are unaware that they have been infected until well after the fact. In some cases, signs may not show up until months or years after!

The best way to defend against these STDs is to abstain from sex; however, if you are unwilling to do so, then at least get tested regularly for the most common STDs. Using a condom is a prevntative for pregnancy and not for STDs. Though it may reduce your chances, it DOES NOT prevent them.

STD Symptoms - are all symptoms the same? Do certain STDs have certain symptoms? Find out which are the most common and how to protect yourself.