Keeping an eye out for changes in your body that could indicate an STI is always a good thing to do, but it is important to know that many folks don’t show symptoms when they get an STI. A symptomless STI can be the most dangerous as someone who doesn’t know they have it is more likely to pass it on to other sexual partners. Additionally, not knowing you contracted an STI might mean you take longer to get treatment – which for some infections can cause more significant long term health impacts. This is why regular testing is so important; it lets you detect infections faster, get treated to cure or control, and be more confident you aren’t passing anything along to any sexual partners.

Having STI symptoms that clear up also doesn’t mean that the STI is gone. A common factor in many STIs is that they don’t go away on their own. If you have one you can pass it on and still end up with long-term health complications regardless of what symptoms you had and how long they were present.

That being said, there are a few symptoms it is a good idea to be aware of:

• Rashes, unusual colours, or bumps around your genitals or mouth
• Pain, discomfort, or non-menstrual bleeding during sex or urination
• Unusual smells, discharge, or fluids coming from or around your genitals
• Itchy, sore, or painful feelings on or around your genitals
• Sores, warts, or unusual skin growths around your mouth or genitals

If you notice any of these symptoms it is a good idea to get tested /examined. You can book an appointment with a family doctor, sexual health clinic or visit your local walk-in. If you let the people you are booking with know that you are showing symptoms, the presence of symptoms may change the priority you get depending on where you are booking. You can use the SUGAR Health Registry to find testing options near you.

Be mindful of these symptoms when having sex, and consider not having sex until you get these symptoms examined by a healthcare professional. If you are going to have sex you should let your partner know about the symptoms you have and allow them to make an informed decision. You can also consider using barrier protection (condoms, dental dams, etc) and/or other STI prevention methods, or have sex using other parts of your body.. You could also use this time to explore other forms of intimacy with your partner, try having phone sex, masturbating next to each other, giving each other massages, or take time for non-sexual intimacy like cuddling, cooking dinner together, trying out a new hobby, or something else you’ll both enjoy.

You can learn more about where HEAL NS got this information from at: SUGAR Health, MayoClinic
*disclaimer: we do not necessarily endorse all of the information, content, or language used in these references.