Sexually transmitted diseases, STDs, are infections that are transmitted from one person to another, usually during vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse. When not treated, STDs can lead to serious health problems.
According to VeryWellHealth, symptoms of STDs may include:
1. Anal blisters or sores. Clusters of tiny, painful blisters on the anus showcase genital herpes spread through anal intercourse. Anal intercourse can also cause a large, open sore on the anus as a result of syphilis.
2. Swollen lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes in the groin are common with most STDs. With HIV, swollen lymph nodes are common around the neck.
3. Itchy pubic hair. Itchy pubic hair can happen with pubic lice. if you look closely, you will likely notice grey or brownish eggs attached to the base of the hair shaft and may even see lice crawling on the skin.
4. Linear red, itchy bumps: A scabies infestation will lead to red, itchy bumps, which normally appear in lines. Scabies can affect the genital and other parts of the body also.
5. Widespread rash. A widespread rash can occur in some people who have recently been exposed to HIV. The same can happen with secondary syphilis, the form of disease that develops years after the initial syphilis infection.
6. Flu-like symptoms. Headache, fever, chills, body pain, and fatigue affect most people during the early stages of HIV.
Some of these symptoms are most times confused with other conditions. Because of this, it is vital to consider whether an STD is involved if odd symptoms show up shortly after intimate contact, particularly if no protection were used.
