Recognising STI symptoms

A change in colour, smell, consistency or volume of genital discharge is one of the most common signs of a bacterial STI. Clear or white discharge is often normal, but yellow, green, grey, or foul-smelling discharge warrants investigation.

Painful or painless sores on the genitals, anus, or mouth can be caused by several different infections. The location, appearance, and whether they are painful or painless all provide important diagnostic clues.

A burning or stinging sensation when passing urine — sometimes called dysuria — is a symptom shared by several STIs and urinary tract infections. It should not be dismissed or attributed to dehydration alone.

A rash on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet is a particularly distinctive symptom. Combined with other signs such as a sore throat or swollen glands, it may indicate secondary syphilis and requires prompt medical evaluation.

Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the groin, neck, or armpits can occur in the early stages of several infections. In the context of a recent sexual exposure, groin lymph node swelling should always be assessed.

Most STIs cause no symptoms in the majority of people who have them. Chlamydia, for example, is asymptomatic in around 70% of women and 50% of men. The absence of symptoms does not mean the absence of infection.