Knowing whether you have an STI
STIs often have no clear symptoms. You cannot always see whether you have an STI. Get yourself tested by your general practitioner or _W_municipal public health service_W_ (GGD) if you want to know for sure if you have an STI.
Man talking with a health professional.
Symptoms
If you have one of the following symptoms you might have an STI:
- discharge from the urethra, vagina or anus (yellow, greenish, brownish, smelly or bloody). It is usually normal to have discharge from the vagina (vaginal discharge). If the discharge smells strongly or changes colour, it may be a symptom of an STI;
- changes to your skin: blisters, warts, sores or discharge on/in/around the penis, vagina, anus or mouth/throat;
- pain and/or a burning feeling when you go to the toilet;
- itching of the penis, vagina, anus or pubic hair;
- bleeding or abdominal pain when having sexual intercourse (penetration);
- pain in one or both of the testicles (man);
- blood in your faeces.
Vaginal infections
Some symptoms in women (discharge, itching vagina, burning feeling while urinating) can be caused by two fungal infections: candida or bacterial vaginosis.
They are not transmitted sexually (not STIs). They are called vaginal infections.
Ask your general practitioner for advice.
STI treatment
The symptoms of an STI can disappear while you still have the STI. You still need to be treated. Most STIs can be cured or their symptoms can be treated.
A consequence of not treating an STI can be that you have difficulty getting pregnant (infertility).
STIs can also have other serious consequences for your health if they are not treated. Ask your general practitioner or municipal public health service (GGD) for advice.