Disease Symptoms

1. What are the common symptoms of STDs?

STDs can cause physical symptoms like bumps or sores on the skin, itchy discharge, pain or burning during urination (peeing), fever, or symptoms like the flu. But all of these symptoms can be caused by other illnesses that are not sexually transmitted. Some STDs do not cause any symptoms at all. So, you can see how difficult it would be to diagnose a STD just based on symptoms you may be experiencing.

2. Can I have an STD and not know it?

Yes. Many STDs can take weeks, months or years before symptoms show. Some people never develop symptoms for some STDs. STDS can still be given to someone else even when a person is not experiencing symptoms.

3. How do I know if my partner is infected?

The simple answer is that you may not know your partner is infected unless he or she tells you. Remember, because some STDs don't show any symptoms, your partner may not even know if he or she is infected.