When do symptoms of STDs start?

 

Before you read about the symptoms of STD, also known as STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection), you should be aware that most sexually transmitted diseases have no symptoms at all. Also, the symptoms of STD depend upon which sexually transmitted disease you have.

 

An STD's symptoms and signs may start to show up within a few days or weeks, but they can also take months or years  to appear.Having unprotected sex always increases your chance of getting an STD, and using condoms appropriately can help to reduce the risk significantly. However, no method is foolproof, and STD symptoms aren't always obvious. It is possible to have an STD and be completely unaware of it. If you think you have one based on the STD warning signs, go to a sexual health clinic or your doctor for STI testing and treatment.¹

 

When do STD/STI symptoms appear?

The duration between exposure to an STI and experiencing its symptoms depends on the disease. The following are the most frequent STIs and their incubation periods:

 

Chlamydia

The disease is caused because of a bacterial infection of the genital tract. Chlamydia infections can be challenging to diagnose in the early stages since they usually show little or no symptoms. It takes around one to three weeks for symptoms to show after being exposed to Chlamydia, and they are generally mild or short-lived.

 

The following are possible signs and symptoms:

 - Painful urine

- Lower abdominal pain

- Bleeding between periods in women

- Vaginal discharge in women

- Discharge from penis in men

- Testicular pain in men

- Women experience pain during sexual intercourse

 

Gonorrhea

When you have gonorrhoea, bacteria can grow in your mouth, throat, eyes, and anus. The earliest symptoms of gonorrhoea usually appear within ten days of exposure. But some people may have been infected for months before showing any symptoms.

 

The following are some of the signs and symptoms of gonorrhea:

- Penis or vaginal discharge that is thick, cloudy, or bloody

- Pain or a burning sensation while urinating

- Heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding in between periods 

- Painful or swollen testicles

- Constipation that hurts

- Anal itchiness

 

Genital Herpes

Symptoms may appear within 4 to 7 days but may not start for months or years. The following are some of the signs and symptoms:

- Tiny and painful blisters surrounding the genitals

- Tingling or itching around the genitals

- Pain while peeing 

Most people are unaware that they have genital herpes since there are no symptoms or the symptoms are so minor that they go unnoticed.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a common STI caused by the microscopic one-celled parasite trichomonas vaginalis. This bacteria spreads through sexual contact with someone who already has the infection.

In men, the bacteria reach the urinary tract but rarely cause symptoms. But, trichomoniasis generally affects the vaginal area in women. The symptoms can appear anywhere between five and twenty-eight days after exposure and range from slight discomfort to severe inflammation.

The following are possible signs and symptoms:

- Vaginal discharge can be clear, white, greenish, or yellowish.

- Discharge from penis in men 

- Strong vaginal odour

- Itching or discomfort around the vaginal area

- Irritation or itching around the penis

- Pain during sex

- Pain while peeing

 

HIV

The first symptoms may appear after 2 to 6 weeks. These might be among them:

 - Flu-like symptoms include high fever, sore throat, headaches, and aching muscles or joints

- Red rashes on the body

 Not every infected person will experience these symptoms. However, it only lasts a week or two in people who show these symptoms.

 Even if the infection remains in your body, you may not experience any more symptoms for many years after the first symptoms have disappeared.

 Syphilis

 Symptoms usually develop after 2 to 3 weeks; however, they can appear sooner or later. Here are some of them:

- A blotchy rash and flu-like symptoms that may occur many weeks later 

- A small rash and flu-like symptoms that may occur many weeks later 

These symptoms are not always visible, and they might come and go.

 

Genital Warts

Symptoms of genital warts can appear anywhere from three weeks, months, or even years after contact with the virus that causes them. The following are some of the signs and symptoms:

- Small, flesh-coloured or grey swellings in your genital area

- A cauliflower-like growth of several warts that are close together

- Itching or discomfort in the genital area

- Bleeding during sex

However, genital warts do not always cause symptoms. Warts on the genital area can be as small as 1 millimetre in diameter or can grow into enormous clusters. Warts can also occur in the mouth or throat of someone after having oral sex with an infected person.

Scabies

 Symptoms of scabies can take up to 6 weeks to manifest if you've never had them. But it might take four days if you've had scabies before. The following are some of the signs and symptoms:

 - Itching in the genital area(normally worse at night)

- A spotty red rash

When to get tested?

You need to diagnose and treat STDs as soon as possible to maintain your sexual health. While it is crucial to avoid testing for STDs too early, knowing the incubation periods for the most common illnesses may help to determine whether to seek medical attention.

If you have a sexually transmitted disease, whether bacterial, viral, or parasitic, seeking medical treatment can help you prevent long-term health consequences.