The Silent Sexually Transmitted Infection Symptoms You May be Missing

If you have had a new sexual partner in recent months or if you have had more than one sexual partner in your life, your risk for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like gonorrhea or chlamydia is increased. One in five people in the United States is estimated to have an STI or sexually transmitted disease (STD), and roughly half of those with active infection are ages 15 to 24 years old1. Many women wait until they have symptoms to see a clinician who can help identify silent or subtle warning signs that an STI/STD may be at work. This article lays out commonly missed STI/STD symptoms, recommended screening and next steps.

STI Symptoms you May be Missing

Some STIs may not cause any noticeable symptoms1. Painful sex, vaginal bleeding separate from menstrual bleeding, painful urination or burning with urination are just a few of the symptoms that can signal you may have an STI2. Vaginal itch can occur with a vaginal yeast infection, but this symptom can also occur with some STIs. Rash, sores or bumps, abdominal or pelvic pain, and fever are some other symptoms of infections spread through sexual contact. These symptoms may be easily missed because urinary tract infections, for example, can cause painful urination. If you have experienced one or several of these symptoms, it is important to seek care from an experienced medical professional who can help complete important screening identify which STI may be causing your symptoms and to help prescribe appropriate treatment. 

How do STIs Happen?

Bacteria, parasites, and viruses can be spread through blood, urine, semen, saliva, and other bodily fluids during sexual intercourse2. Vaginal, oral, anal, or other sexual contact can pass these organisms from one person to another. Infections caused by the bacteria, parasites, and parasites spread through sexual contact can be passed to others through skin-to-skin contact, childbirth, and bodily fluid contact during sex. 

Do I Have to Get Treated if I Have an STI?

Getting treatment for STIs is essential because untreated STIs can cause long-term problems for your overall health. If you are or may be pregnant, the STI can also cause problems with pregnancy. The good news is that treatment for STIs is usually straightforward with antibiotics that can be administered in-clinic and with at-home prescription medication. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a medical condition that can develop if an STI is not treated. PID involves infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries that leads to scarring, swelling, and often develops with gonorrhea or chlamydia infection1. This infection can cause mild or significant abdominal and pelvic pain, fever, and feeling unwell; but if these symptoms are misdiagnosed, the infection can ultimately cause long-term infertility because of damage done to reproductive organs. Cervical cancer, Hepatitis B infection that can lead to liver cancer, HIV, and AIDS are a few of the potential infections that require long-term treatment and can interfere with your quality of life if left untreated or undiagnosed.

Treatment for STIs

A licensed medical professional from Anchor of Hope can help provide confidential screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. Our clinical team is experienced in providing STI care and guidance. If you have questions about your individual risk factors or if you are concerned about your individual health background, the Anchor of Hope team can help prescribe necessary treatment and make specific recommendations to help prevent long-term complications if you do have an STI. Contact our clinical team to arrange an appointment to schedule individualized screening and recommendations to protect your long-term health.