The most important thing to know about this subject is that you CAN'T always tell if someone has an STD!!
Some STD's don't have any symptoms, so you should never think "no symptoms means no infection."
What guys may notice is:
- going to the bathroom a lot
- burning when you take a leak
- unusual discharge from the penis which may appear watery, thicker, or smell funny
- bumps, sores (painful or painless), blisters on the penis or around the scrotum
- bottom line, if it doesn’t feel right to you, don’t wait. Go talk to your health care provider
What girls may notice is:
- going to the bathroom a lot
- burning when she pees
- thick, smelly, or runny discharge from the vagina
- pain during sex
- bleeding during or after sex
- bleeding when she's not on her period
- bumps, sores (painful or painless), blisters on the vulva (outside of the vagina) and the vagina
Here's something else to know – nice girls and guys can have STDs. How someone dresses, how much money they have, or where they live aren't guides for whether they have an infection.
Since some STDs have no symptoms, it's important to go to your doctor, community clinic, or Planned Parenthood to be tested for STDs if you are having sex or you have a new partner. You don’t need to be embarrassed about going; it shows you care about your health and the health of your partner!
If you think you might have an infection, you can find a Planned Parenthood health center near you, either for more information or to make an appointment. Getting tested is not painful and it’s easy.