Common STI Symptoms in Men and Women – And When to Worry

The Important Caveat: Many STIs Have No Symptoms

Before we discuss symptoms, here's the crucial point: most STIs, most of the time, cause no noticeable symptoms. You cannot rely on feeling healthy to know you're STI-free.

That said, when symptoms do occur, recognising them can prompt timely testing and treatment. Here's what to look for.

Common Symptoms in Men

Discharge From the Penis

• What it looks like: Clear, white, yellow, or green fluid from the tip of the penis (not urine or semen)
• When it occurs: Often in the morning, or noticeable on underwear
• Possible causes: Gonorrhoea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, non-gonococcal urethritis

When to worry: Any unusual discharge warrants testing.

Pain or Burning When Urinating

• What it feels like: Stinging, burning, or discomfort during urination
• Possible causes: Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, herpes (if sores near urethra), urinary tract infection

When to worry: Persistent pain or pain accompanied by discharge is concerning.

Testicular Pain or Swelling

• What it feels like: Aching, tenderness, or swelling in one or both testicles
• Possible causes: Epididymitis from chlamydia or gonorrhoea, other non-STI causes

When to worry: Any testicular pain should be evaluated – some causes are urgent.

Sores, Blisters, or Ulcers

• What they look like:
• Herpes: Clusters of small, painful blisters that burst and form ulcers
• Syphilis: Single, painless, firm sore (chancre)
• Genital warts: Flesh-coloured bumps, may be raised or flat

When to worry: Any new sores or lumps on genitals should be checked.

Rash

• What it looks like: Red spots or patches, possibly on palms and soles (syphilis), or more generalised
• Possible causes: Secondary syphilis, allergic reaction, other skin conditions

When to worry: Unexplained rash with other symptoms or after risky exposure.

Itching or Irritation

• What it feels like: Persistent itching in the genital area
• Possible causes: Pubic lice, scabies, herpes prodrome, general irritation

When to worry: Persistent itching that doesn't resolve.

Common Symptoms in Women

Unusual Vaginal Discharge

• What's normal: Some discharge is normal and varies through the menstrual cycle
• What's abnormal:
• Change in colour (yellow, green, grey)
• Change in consistency (thicker, thinner, frothy)
• Strong or unpleasant odour
• Increased amount
• Possible causes: Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, thrush

When to worry: Any significant change from your normal discharge.

Pain or Burning When Urinating

• What it feels like: Stinging or burning sensation during urination
• Possible causes: Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, UTI

When to worry: Especially if accompanied by discharge or pelvic pain.

Bleeding Between Periods or After Sex

• What it looks like: Spotting or bleeding when you wouldn't expect it
• Possible causes: Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, cervical conditions, other gynaecological causes

When to worry: Any unexplained bleeding should be evaluated.

Pelvic or Lower Abdominal Pain

• What it feels like: Aching or cramping in the lower abdomen, possibly one-sided
• Possible causes: Pelvic inflammatory disease (from chlamydia/gonorrhoea), ovarian cysts, other conditions

When to worry: Persistent pain, especially with fever, warrants urgent attention.

Pain During Sex

• What it feels like: Deep pain during penetration
• Possible causes: PID, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, other gynaecological conditions

When to worry: New onset of painful sex should be investigated.

Sores, Blisters, or Lumps

• What they look like: Similar to men – herpes blisters, syphilis chancres, genital warts
• Note: Sores may be internal (vagina, cervix) and not visible

When to worry: Any new lumps, bumps, or sores on or around the genitals.

Itching or Irritation

• What it feels like: Itching of the vulva or vagina
• Possible causes: Thrush, trichomoniasis, herpes, pubic lice, general irritation

When to worry: Persistent symptoms, especially with discharge or odour.

Symptoms in Both Sexes

Rectal Symptoms

If you've had anal sex:

• Discharge from the rectum
• Pain or discomfort
• Bleeding
• Itching
• Possible causes: Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, syphilis, HPV

Throat Symptoms

If you've had oral sex:

• Persistent sore throat
• Swollen glands
• Possible causes: Gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes (though usually asymptomatic)

Systemic Symptoms

Some STIs cause whole-body symptoms:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rash
• Weight loss
• Possible causes: Acute HIV, secondary syphilis, hepatitis

When to Seek Care Urgently

Some situations require prompt medical attention:

Seek Same-Day Care If You Have:

• Severe pelvic pain with fever (possible PID – can be serious)
• Sudden, severe testicular pain (may be torsion – emergency)
• Widespread rash with fever and feeling unwell
• Symptoms suggesting acute HIV (flu-like illness after risk exposure)

Don't Delay If You Have:

• Sores or ulcers on genitals
• Discharge with other symptoms
• Pain plus other concerning symptoms
• Symptoms after known exposure to an STI

When Symptoms May Not Be STIs

Not every genital symptom is an STI. Other causes include:

In Women

• Thrush (yeast infection)
• Bacterial vaginosis (not an STI, but related to sexual activity)
• Urinary tract infection
• Normal hormonal changes
• Contact dermatitis (reaction to products)

In Men

• Urinary tract infection (less common than in women)
• Balanitis (inflammation of the foreskin)
• Contact dermatitis
• Jock itch (fungal infection)

Both Sexes

• Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis)
• Ingrown hairs
• Folliculitis (infected hair follicles)
• Cysts

The key point: You can't diagnose yourself. Testing identifies the actual cause and ensures appropriate treatment.

The Importance of Testing

Why Symptoms Aren't Enough

• Most STIs don't cause symptoms
• Symptoms overlap between conditions
• You might have multiple infections
• Some symptoms resolve but infection persists

Who Should Get Tested

• Anyone with symptoms
• After unprotected sex with a new partner
• If a partner has an STI
• Regularly if you have multiple partners
• Before stopping condom use with a new partner

The Bottom Line

Recognising symptoms can prompt you to seek help – but the absence of symptoms doesn't mean you're clear. If you notice any of the symptoms described, get tested. If you haven't got symptoms but have had risk exposure, get tested too.

Early detection means early treatment, preventing complications and protecting partners.

Get Tested Today

Whether you have symptoms or just want peace of mind, our confidential STI testing provides answers. Book your test now.