Warning Signs of STIs
In most cases, STIs are asymptomatic and therefore not immediately recognized, but they can present clinical signs and may even have serious health consequences.
For example, in women, gonococcal infection is most often asymptomatic (70% of cases). When symptomatic, it most often presents as cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix). It can cause pelvic pain, purulent leucorrhea associated with painful urination, dysuria, etc. Without treatment, gonorrhea can lead to endometritis and salpingitis with a risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
In men, the same infection almost always presents with urinary symptoms such as painful urination, inflammatory discharge and balanitis.
Take also the example of Chlamydia which is asymptomatic in men in 50% of cases and between 50 to 90% in women.
If untreated, Chlamydia can lead to conjunctivitis in men and endometritis or salpingitis and even infertility in women.
Genital herpes is reported by pain, burning or the appearance of small sores on the genitals.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can cause genital warts.
Syphilis manifests as a painless chancre or a skin rash after a few weeks.
It is crucial to consult a health professional at the onset of these symptoms or after a risk exposure.
Detecting and treating STIs quickly protects your health and that of your partners.