Many people wonder how to tell if they have an STD. STD stands for sexually transmitted disease and can cause unpleasant symptoms. But sometimes you don't notice it at all. In this article, we explain what the possible symptoms are, when to take action, and what you can do if you think you have an STD.

What are the common symptoms of an STD?

STDs can cause many different symptoms. Not everyone has the same symptoms, and some people don't even have any symptoms at all. Still, there are some common symptoms that can indicate an STD:

• Pijn of branderig gevoel bij het plassen: Dit is een veelvoorkomend symptoom van SOA’s zoals chlamydia en gonorroe.
• Discharge from the penis, vagina, or anus: With an STD, the discharge may change. For example, a different color, smell, or thickness.
• Itching or irritation: This may occur in the pubic area or around the anus.
• Ulcers, vesicles or warts: These are obvious signs of an STD, such as herpes or genital warts.
• Pain during sex: If you experience pain during sex, it could be a sign of an STD, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.

Note that many of these symptoms can also come from other causes. Still, it is important to take action quickly if you have these types of symptoms.

STD without symptoms: Is that even possible?

Yes, you can have an STD without having symptoms. This makes it difficult to know if you are infected. Some STDs, such as chlamydia, don't always produce noticeable symptoms but you can pass it on. If you are in a relationship and you have cheated, it is helpful to get tested because your partner can have symptoms. Recent studies did show that the long-term effects of chlamydia are much less serious than long thought.

Specific symptoms per STD

Some STDs have specific symptoms. Below we discuss the characteristics of a few common STDs.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common STD. The STD can be symptomless but symptoms can also be as follows:

• In women: pain in the lower abdomen, abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding between periods.
• In men: discharge from the penis or pain in the scrotum.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea often produces obvious symptoms:

• In men: yellow-green discharge from the penis and pain when urinating.
• In women: discharge that smells strong and painful urination. These symptoms are often mistaken for a bladder infection.

Genital herpes

Herpes causes painful blisters or sores around the genitals or anus. These can also burst open, causing sores.

Genital Warts

Genital warts are small, cauliflower-like warts that appear on or around the genitals or anus. They are usually not painful, but can be itchy.

When should you go to the doctor?

If you have symptoms that may indicate an STD, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor or an STD clinic soon. Even if you have no symptoms but have had unprotected sex and are cheating or starting a new relationship, it is wise to get tested. The family doctor can help determine which tests you need and advise you on next steps.

What to do if you think you have an STD?

If you think you have an STD, it is important to act as soon as possible:

1. Get tested with an STD Test: This can be done at your doctor's office or at a special STD clinic. A test can include a urine test, swab, or blood test.
2. Avoid sex: Until you know for sure what is going on, it is better not to have sex, or always use a condom to prevent further spread.
3. Inform your sex partners: If you have an STD, it is important to inform previous sex partners. They should also get tested, even if they have no symptoms.

How can you prevent an STD?

The best thing you can do to prevent an STD is to have safe sex. In most cases, that means using a condom, whether for vaginal, anal or oral sex. Condoms greatly reduce the chance of infection, but do not always provide full protection (for example, against herpes or genital warts). Regular testing is also important, especially if you have alternating sex partners.