If you suspect you have symptoms that could indicate an STD or sexual infection (STI), then you should book an appointment with one of our specialist private doctors to get fast, confidential STD testing, diagnosis, and STD treatment.
Please note that most people who have STIs don’t notice any symptoms, so it is important to come for a check-up at one of our local clinics in London or Manchester if you have had a change in sexual partner or have a new partner, even if it feels like nothing is wrong.
What are STD symptoms in men and women?
Genital lumps, bumps, sores and ulcers.
It’s crucial to see a doctor or nurse if you have any lumps, bumps, sores, or ulcers (also known as genital lesions) on the penis, vagina, vulva, or anus. It can be difficult to work out which symptoms are due to an STD and which are due to other infections or skin conditions. Many people worry unnecessarily when they notice something, and some conditions are quick and easy to treat. So it’s best to visit a doctor as soon as possible to get potential STD symptoms diagnosed.
Our friendly private GPs at our walk-in clinics in London and Manchester can check for common STDs such as warts and herpes, less common STIs such as syphilis, and non-STD causes including molluscum contagiosum or other skin lesions.
Genital rash (on penis, vagina, vulva or anus)
Unless the rash is in the form of lumps, bumps, or ulcers (holes in the skin), a genital rash is unlikely to be due to an STD, as only three STDs affect the genital skin specifically. These are warts, herpes, and syphilis. If you have STD symptoms, such as a genital rash, you should see a doctor or nurse specialist.
Genital ulcers (penis, vagina, vulva or anus)
If you have ulcers on the genital skin, they are probably symptoms of STDs that indicate that you should visit your nearest SameDayDoctor clinic. Two STDs cause genital ulcers: herpes and syphilis.
Hepatitis B or C symptoms
Hepatitis B or C may give symptoms of jaundice (yellow skin) and feeling unwell but sometimes there are no symptoms.
Book a consultation today in one of our private clinics for an expert diagnosis of STD symptoms by one of our specialist STD doctors or nurse practitioners. The examination is optional, and we offer fast same-day or next-day STD testing results.
HIV symptoms
Some people who contract HIV initially experience a flu-like illness around 2–6 weeks after exposure.
HIV symptoms are often severe and very unlike those of the common cold, i.e., runny nose and sneezing.
HIV seroconversion illness normally consists of a high temperature or fever, a rash all over the body, swollen glands, and aching all over.
If you are worried, then visit your local SameDayDoctor clinic today for an HIV test, walk in where advertised, or arrange a phone or email consultation to talk about your concerns and the HIV treatment available.
Itching or sore vulva / vagina
Itching or soreness of the vagina or vulva is very common. There are a number of causes, but symptoms are most likely to be due to a non-sexual infection such as candida, also known as thrush, or vulval skin problems.
Pain when passing urine
Painful urination can mean different things to men and women. In women, it is most likely to be due to a simple urine infection, bladder infection, or cystitis and is unlikely to be an STD symptom. In men, painful urination is much more likely to be an STD such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or the condition ‘non-specific urethritis’. You need a urine test to find out which infection is causing the problem and determine the correct treatment.
Come to a SameDayDoctor clinic today for same-day or next-day STD test results and immediate STD treatment.
Pelvic pain in women
Pelvic pain in women may be due to an STD such as Chlamydia or gonorrhoea. It could be due to pregnancy or a gynaecological problem. It is important to get examined quickly to avoid complications. SameDayDoctor can arrange an ultrasound scan.
Penile discharge / Discharge from penis
A urethral discharge from the end of the penis is likely to be due to a sexually transmitted disease such as Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or NSU.
You should get examined by a doctor or nurse specialist, get tested for STDs, and get treated quickly to avoid complications.
Period problems
A change to your period may be due to an STD such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, or Trichomonas. It could be due to women’s health issues related to pregnancy, your contraceptive method, or a gynaecological problem. You should see a doctor for a pregnancy test and examination to look for the cause of the problem.
Rectal or anal symptoms
Sexual infections like Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, warts, or LGV (Lymphogranuloma venereum) can cause a discharge from the back passage or lumps or soreness close to the anus. Examination and swab tests can determine the cause.
Syphilis symptoms
Most people do not notice symptoms, but symptoms of syphilis can start with a primary ‘chancre’ or ulcerated lesions with raised edges on the genitals or mouth. Several weeks later, people may have a flu-like illness with a fever, a rash all over the body, and swollen glands or lymph nodes. You should see a doctor quickly for an examination, testing, and the treatment you need.
Testes / Testicular pain or swelling
Testicular pain or swelling is likely to be due to epididymitis, orchitis, or epididymo-orchitis, which is often caused by an STD, so you should get yourself tested for STDs. It is important to exclude other causes such as torsion or twisting of the testis, so you should be examined by a doctor urgently if you have these symptoms. We can also arrange a testicular ultrasound scan if necessary.
Vaginal discharge / Discharge from vagina
Vaginal discharge may be due to a non-sexual infection such as candida or BV or an STD such as Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or trichomonas. It could be due to a tampon left inside or a gynaecological problem. You should see a doctor for examination, testing, and treatment as soon as possible.