What are the symptoms of STIs?

I am Dr. Leandro Mena, I’m an infectious disease specialist. And you can ask me anything.

So, the most common symptom of having a sexually transmitted infection is actually having no symptoms.

But, if people develop symptoms, it can produce a burning urination, sometimes discomfort or pain during sex, and sometimes with more severe disease even abdominal pain or pelvic pain. Diseases, like syphilis, can produce a rash or a small lesion in your genitals.

So, symptoms can be very diverse depending on the disease.

STIs, sexually transmitted infections, are always a big deal. They can cause, you know, severe consequences down the road.

That’s why it’s so important that people who are sexually active get tested for STIs. And if they have one, they get treated.

This video is a joint production of KFF’s GREATER THAN and CDC’s LET’S STOP HIV TOGETHER. This information is shared for educational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The views expressed are those of the featured medical professional and reflect information available to that professional at the time of filming.

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