It is very common to worry that vaginal symptoms may be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Sometimes the symptoms of vaginal infections can be similar to symptoms of an STI.
If you are concerned that your vaginal symptoms may be a sign you have an STI see your doctor and get it checked it out. You can also use our symptom checker iSPYSTI which helps to diagnose STIs and other common vaginal conditions.
The most common STIs and their symptoms include:
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a very common bacterial STI affecting both men and women. Many people do not notice any symptoms. Symptoms may include:
- Stinging or burning when passing urine.
- Discharge from penis (often clear).
- Redness at opening of penis.
- Change in vaginal discharge.
- Pelvic pain, including pain during sex (women only).
- Irregular bleeding (especially after sex).
Genital warts (Human papillomavirus/ HPV)
Many people do not notice symptoms as you can have this virus and not have any warts. Symptoms may include:
- painless bumps around the genitals and buttocks.
A HPV vaccine is available
Trichomoniasis
A genital infection caused by the organism Trichomonas vaginalis. Some people do not experience any symptoms. In women, symptoms may include:
- Frothy yellow-green vaginal discharge.
- Unpleasant vaginal odour.
- Vaginal itching and burning.
Mycoplasma Genitalium
A bacterium that infects the urethra, cervix and anus. Many people do not notice symptoms. Symptoms may include:
Men:
- Inflammation of the urethra (the urine passage).
- Stinging or burning when passing urine.
- A discharge from the penis.
Women:
- Pain in the pelvic area and pain during sexual intercourse.
- An abnormal vaginal discharge.
- A burning when passing urine.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Gonorrhoea
Many people do not notice symptoms. Symptoms may include :
- Discharge from the penis, vagina or anus.
- Stinging or burning when passing urine.
- Sore, dry throat.
Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus/ HSV)
Many people do not notice any symptoms as you can have this virus and not have herpes lesions or sores. Symptoms may include:
- Blisters or sores on and around the genitals and buttocks.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Many people do not notice any symptoms. Symptoms may include:
- A flu-like illness.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Skin rash.
Jo, age 38
“. . . It was quite distressing because initially what I thought was the thrush didn’t clear up – well nothing changed after I took that treatment – I thought maybe I had a STI.”
If this sounds like you, you are not alone. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms today
Use our symptom checker:
