People usually think sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the same thing and use these terms interchangeably. Not every sexually transmitted infection turns into a sexually transmitted disease. However, every sexually transmitted disease starts as a sexually transmitted infection first.
Let’s look at some of the most common STIs that turn into STDs if not diagnosed and treated early.
1. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs that can turn into an STD if not treated early. The bacteria that cause chlamydia is called chlamydia trachomatis and can infect both men and women of any age group.
The bacteria is spread mainly through sexual intercourse or contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids. It might not present with symptoms initially as the incubation period of the bacteria varies from a few days to even months. However, you can still pass it on to a sexual partner.
Symptoms of chlamydia vary for men and women. Women often experience:
- Vaginal discharge with a strong odor
- Painful sex
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Nausea
- Burning sensation while urinating
Men often experience:
- Penile discharge
- Swollen testicles
- Nausea
- Burning sensation while urinating
2. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is another common STI that can turn into an STD if left untreated. Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria neisseria gonorrhoeae. Like chlamydia, gonorrhea doesn’t present symptoms initially because the bacteria can take days or months to show symptoms.
Gonorrhea can affect all age groups, but as per the CDC, it’s most common in teenagers and young adults between 18 and 25.
Gonorrhea symptoms also differ in men and women. Men usually experience:
- Penile discharge
- Discoloration of the penis
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Swollen testicles
- Pain in testicles
- Rectal bleeding
- Painful bowel movements
- Swollen lymph nodes
Women often experience:
- White, yellow, or green vaginal discharge
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Heavier periods
- Pain during vaginal intercourse
- Rectal bleeding
- Painful bowel movements
- Swollen lymph nodes
3. HIV/AIDs
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is another common STI that can turn into a deadly STD if not treated early. HIV slowly destroys a person’s immune system, increasing the risk of other infections. The last stage of HIV is called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) where the immune system can’t fight illnesses on its own.
Not every who gets HIV gets AIDS because HIV can be treated with appropriate medication.
HIV can be contracted through unprotected sex with an infected partner or sharing needles with an infected person. Initially, HIV may present flu-like symptoms for a few people. These include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Sweating at night
- Throat infection fatigue
- Ulcers in the mouth
- Muscle pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
These symptoms may appear within 2 to 4 weeks of first contact. These symptoms also go away and reappear. At this stage, the infection is termed Acute HIV.
If you have had unprotected sexual intercourse with a person or are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, get it checked by a doctor immediately. If you can’t visit the hospital, make sure you speak to an online doctor today!
FastDocNow is an online healthcare service. Our panel of virtual doctors provides virtual medical consultations for STDs, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and more. We also have in-lab testing and imaging services. Get in touch with us now for more details.
