A sexually transmitted disease (STD), also known as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), can be transmitted through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Anyone who has sex can be exposed to and become infected with STDs.
Using a condom from beginning to end during any type of sex (ie, vaginal, oral, or anal) can help reduce your risk of STDs, but even condoms aren’t 100% effective.
The best way to find out if your sexual partner has an STD is to get tested. Although STDs can cause symptoms, sometimes a person can be asymptomatic, which means they can be infected with the STD without showing any signs of it. So you should never assume that someone doesn’t have an STD just because they don’t have symptoms.
However, there are some telltale signs of an STD that you should be aware of when they cause symptoms.
Sores or blisters in the mouth or genitals.
Sores or blisters on the genitals or mouth can be caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) or herpes. HSV-1 is known as oral herpes and is spread from mouth to mouth. However, in some cases, it can also cause genital herpes through oral sex. It is important to note that HSV-1 is not always considered an STD and is most often transmitted through non-sexual means.
HSV-2 is genital herpes. Sometimes, HSV-2 is asymptomatic, but it can cause blisters or open sores on the genitals. As they begin to heal, the sores may become more scabby. HSV-2 can spread from one person to another even after the sores have healed. Unlike HSV-1, HSV-2 is most often transmitted through sexual contact.
Genital warts.
Genital warts can be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most common STDs. Usually, HPV causes no symptoms, but when it causes warts, they can appear in a few different ways. Warts can be small and grayish or fleshy. They can grow individually or in groups. Although known as genital warts, they can be transferred to another person’s mouth and throat through oral sex.
Rash or signs of itching on the genitals or elsewhere.
Itching near the genitals can be caused by something as harmless as an adverse reaction to a new laundry detergent, but it can also be a sign of an STD. Also, a rash on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet may be associated with syphilis. However, in many cases, a rash or darkened skin in the genital area is due to a fungal overgrowth (tinea cruris, or “itch virus” in men). This is probably the most common cause of genital rash and is not considered an STD.
Abnormal vaginal or penile drainage or vaginal pain with intercourse.
Vaginal discharge is normal, but if it takes on a different color, smell, or consistency, it may be a sign of infection. Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomonas can all cause abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis. Additionally, vaginal pain during sex can be the result of many different conditions or circumstances. However, any new vaginal pain during intercourse could be related to an STD.
Throat infections.
Of course, many diseases can cause a sore throat, not just STDs. However, if a person has swollen glands, sores in their mouth or throat, or a visible yeast infection in their mouth, these may be signs of an STD. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HPV and syphilis can all affect the mouth and throat.
Persistent flu-like symptoms.
Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, and body aches that persist can be a sign of an underlying STD such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or HIV. If you or a partner have symptoms like this that last for a long time, it’s important to see a healthcare provider.
Basic foods.
Again, the symptoms described above may not always occur when a person has an STD. The best way to take care of your sexual health is to practice safe sex and get tested for STDs when you have a new sexual partner. There are also preventative measures such as vaccines and medications available to reduce a person’s risk of contracting certain STDs, and almost all STDs are curable, with the exception of herpes and HIV.
Bibliographical references:
Ducre, K. Medically reviewed by William Terranova, MD on September 5, 2022. (2020, September 4). How to tell if someone has an STD.
Mayo Clinic. (2022, May 5). Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
