STD Symptoms: Get Evaluated Online

Common STD symptoms include unusual vaginal or penile discharge, burning or pain with urination, genital sores or blisters, itching, pelvic pain, testicular pain, pain during sex, and bleeding between periods. Many STDs cause no noticeable symptoms, so testing may still be appropriate after a possible exposure.

Common STD symptoms in men include penile discharge, burning during urination, sores or blisters around the genitals, genital itching, testicular pain or swelling, and rectal pain or discharge. Different infections can cause similar symptoms, so testing is often needed to determine the cause.

Early symptoms may include burning when urinating, penile discharge, genital irritation, sores, blisters, or testicular discomfort. The timing varies considerably depending on the infection. Some men have no symptoms even when they have an STI.

Gonorrhea and chlamydia are common causes of penile discharge, but other infections and non-STD conditions can cause it as well. Testing can help identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.

STD symptoms in women may include unusual vaginal discharge, burning with urination, genital sores, itching, pelvic or lower abdominal pain, pain during sex, and bleeding between periods. These symptoms can also occur with conditions that are not sexually transmitted.

Early symptoms can include changes in vaginal discharge, painful urination, genital irritation, sores, spotting, or pelvic discomfort. Some infections cause few or no early symptoms. Testing is more reliable than symptoms alone for determining whether an STI is present.

There is no single timeframe. Symptoms can appear within days for some infections, while others may take weeks, months, or longer to become noticeable. The absence of symptoms does not rule out an infection.

Yes. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and several other sexually transmitted infections can occur without noticeable symptoms. Testing may be recommended after a known or possible exposure even when you feel completely well.

An online consultation can help evaluate your symptoms, exposure history, and existing test results, but symptoms alone usually cannot confirm a specific STD. Your provider may recommend laboratory testing before treatment.

Some STIs can be evaluated and treated through telehealth when the diagnosis and treatment are appropriate for online care. A licensed provider can review your symptoms, exposure history, and available test results and prescribe medication when medically appropriate. Some infections require testing, an injection, examination, or other in-person care.

No. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections such as chlamydia and syphilis and are used for gonorrhea as part of recommended treatment, but they do not treat viral infections such as genital herpes or HIV. Taking antibiotics without knowing the cause of your symptoms can result in incorrect treatment.

Over-the-counter pain relievers or other products may temporarily relieve certain symptoms, but they do not cure common bacterial STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis. Do not rely on OTC products as a substitute for appropriate testing and treatment.

Symptoms may improve or disappear even when an infection is still present. That does not necessarily mean the infection has cleared. Untreated infections can sometimes cause complications or continue to spread to sexual partners.

You usually cannot tell from symptoms alone. Urinary tract infections, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, skin conditions, and other medical problems can cause symptoms that overlap with STIs. A healthcare provider can review your symptoms and exposure history and determine which tests or evaluation may be appropriate.

Seek prompt medical evaluation for severe pelvic or abdominal pain, significant testicular pain or swelling, high fever, severe illness, or rapidly worsening symptoms. In-person care may also be needed when your diagnosis requires laboratory testing, an examination, an injection, or another treatment that cannot be provided through telehealth.