Sometimes symptoms don’t appear for weeks or months, and may go away, although you can still have the infection. If left untreated, many STIs can be painful or uncomfortable, and can permanently damage your health and fertility. This is why it is important to be tested regularly. 

These are the most common signs of an STI; if you experience any of the following, you should seek advice:

  • Unusual discharge from the vagina
  • Discharge from the penis
  • Pain or burning when you pass urine (pee)
  • Itches, rashes, lumps or blisters, mainly around the genitals or anus (back passage), but can be on other parts of the body.
  • Pain and/or bleeding during sex
  • Bleeding between periods (including those using hormonal contraception)
  • Bleeding after sex
  • Pain in the testicles
  • Pain in the lower abdomen (belly)

However, if you don’t recognise any of these symptoms, and notice or experience something that isn’t normal for you, or doesn’t feel right then please seek advice from your GP or a sexual health clinic.