Many STDs have no symptoms. That’s why many people don’t even know they have an STD. If symptoms do occur, the most common are:

Girls:

• Pain or burning when you pee or have sex
• Red, irritated or swollen genital skin
• Unusual discharge (which can smell differently, have a different color than usual or both) from the vagina
• Unexplained bleeding during intercourse
• Bumps, sores or rashes in the genital area
• Pelvic pain
• Bleeding between periods

Boys:

• Pain or burning when you pe or have sex
• Red, irritated or swollen genital skin
• Unusual discharge from the penis
• Bumps, sores or rashes in the genital area

If you have any of these symptoms, get tested right away.

If you are engaging in vaginal, anal or oral sex, it’s important to get tested at least once a year. Since most STDs have no symptoms, regular testing can help you detect, treat or cure STDs before they cause long-term harm to you or your partner/s.

Most clinics and hospitals offer free or low-cost STD testing. To find a clinic near you, check our Get Tested page or locate a Planned Parenthood near you at 1-800-230-PLAN (7526). You can also find a confidential testing center near you.

Got a question about STDs? Call the American Social Health Association’s national hotline at 1-919-361-8488. The hotline is open 8 a.m.–8 p.m. EST.