STI Q&A: Let’s Talk Symptoms, Oral Spread, and So Much More

July 15, 2024

This entry was posted in STI's

No one wants to contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI). But unfortunately, they are so common in the United States and around the world. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly 68 million Americans have an STI—that’s about 1 in every 5 people in the US.

There are eight primary STIs that people can contract in the US, which include:

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Hepatitis (B and C)
Herpes [Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 and 2]
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis

One of the reasons STIs are so widespread in America is that many people infected do not show symptoms or realize they are infected. Without knowing about an infection, it’s easy to unintentionally spread the infection to others, who may then spread the infection further.

Today, we’re diving into certain facts about STIs by answering several common questions regarding them.

Is There a Difference Between an STI and an STD?

STI and STD are used interchangeably to talk about the same thing: an infection that is transmitted through sexual contact.

Historically, STD (sexually transmitted disease) was used as an umbrella term for any infection a person could contract or spread through sex and sexual activity.

However, “disease” is a misleading term to use. It implies that the person with an infection is continuously showing signs or symptoms of an infection, which is not always the case. It also implies that the infection cannot be cured, which is also not always the case.

Calling them STIs is far more accurate since they are infections that a person can either catch or spread.

However, it is important to recognize that some infections do have the potential to lead to disease. These include:

Chlamydia, which can cause pelvic inflammatory disease if left untreated
Gonorrhea, which can cause pelvic inflammatory disease if left untreated
Hepatitis B, which can lead to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma
HIV, which can lead to AIDS if not managed properly
HPV, which can lead to certain forms of cancer, including cervical cancer, if not caught early
Syphilis, which can lead to organ damage, dementia, and other issues if left untreated

What Are the Symptoms of an STI?

STI symptoms will depend on the infection. The following are all symptoms that women can experience if infected with the associated STI:

Symptoms of Chlamydia

Burning when urinating
Discolored, foul-smelling discharge (white, yellow, or gray)
Frequent urination
Lower abdominal pain
Pain during sex
Painful periods or increased pain during menstruation
Pus in the urine
Vaginal bleeding (not menstruation)
Vaginal burning or itching

Symptoms of Gonorrhea

Abnormal discharge that may be thin, watery, green, and/or yellow
Heavier periods
Lower abdominal pain
Pain while urinating
Vaginal bleeding (not menstruation)

Symptoms of Hepatitis B or C

Abdominal pain
Darker urine
Fatigue
Fever
Jaundice
Joint pain
Light, pale stools
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting

Symptoms of HIV

Abnormal discharge that is often thick and white
Fever
Heavier periods
Irregular periods
Lower abdominal pain
Muscle aches
Pain during sex
Pain when urinating
Rashes
Recurrent yeast infections
Sore throat
Swollen lymph nodes
Upper belly pain
Vaginal pain or burning

Symptoms of HPV

Genital warts

Symptoms of Herpes (HSV 1 and 2)

Tingling, itching, or burning at the infection site (mouth or genitals)
Sores, blisters, or ulcers that develop at the infection site (mouth or genitals) and heal after a few days or a couple of weeks

Symptoms of Syphilis

(Stage 1)

Painless, round sores that appear in or around the genitals
Non-itchy rashes on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet

(Stage 2)

Skin rashes
Fever
Swollen lymph glands
Sore throat
Fatigue
Weight loss
Headaches
Muscle aches
Hair loss
Sores in the mouth or genitals

(Stage 3)

Permanent damage to the:
- Brain
- Nerves
- Eyes
- Heart
- Liver
- Bones

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis

Itching, burning, or soreness in the genitals
Pain when urinating
Abnormal discharge that is often thin, foul-smelling, and discolored (white, yellow, or green)
Pain during sex
Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
UTI-like symptoms

For more about these STIs and their symptoms, check out the following articles:

Can I Get an STI Through Oral Sex?

Yes, most of the eight primary STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, hepatitis, herpes, HIV, and HPV) can be spread through oral sex. The only exception is trichomoniasis, as research shows it is not transmitted orally. HIV has a low risk of oral transmission, but it is still possible.

Partners who are infected in the mouth, lips, or tongue with an STI can spread it to their partner through kissing or by performing:

Fellatio (oral stimulation of the penis)
Cunnilingus (oral stimulation of the clitoris)
Anilingus (oral stimulation of the anus)

Partners who are infected with an STI in the penis, vagina, or anus can spread it to their partner by receiving:

Fellatio (oral stimulation of the penis)
Cunnilingus (oral stimulation of the clitoris)
Anilingus (oral stimulation of the anus)

If you contract chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, or HPV in your mouth through oral sex, you could experience symptoms like:

Sore throat
Sores on the tongue or lips
White spots in the back of the mouth
Warts in the mouth or throat
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes

Hepatitis infections do not lead to symptoms in the mouth or throat, but you can experience the same bodily reactions if contracted orally.

For more details, check out our article, Can Oral Sex Cause an STI?

Which STIs Are Curable, and Which Are Not Curable?

There are four STIs that are completely curable:

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis

Infections can clear up with antibiotics (for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) or medications (for trichomoniasis).

That means the other four are not curable:

Hepatitis (B and C)
Herpes (1 and 2)
HIV
HPV

While hepatitis, herpes, and HIV are not treatable, antiviral medications and management regimens are available to help manage symptoms and even suppress the infections, which helps reduce the likelihood of spreading the infection to others.

HPV is also not curable, but the symptoms it may cause can be treated. Genital wart removal is possible, and if infection leads to precancerous cells or cervical cancer, there are treatment options to fight the cells or strive to rid the body of the cancer completely.

How Can I Prevent Spreading or Contracting an STI?

There are several options to prevent spreading or contracting STIs:

Abstinence – Not having sex guarantees you won’t contract anything you don’t want to contract or spread anything you don’t want to spread.
STI Testing – If both you and your partner get tested before engaging in sex for the first time and remain monogamous during the relationship, you will help safeguard yourself and your partner from catching or spreading a surprise STI.
Barrier Protection – Protection options like condoms and dental dams can help prevent the spread of most STIs during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Your Sexual Health Is So Important to Protect. If You’re Dealing With an STI, Want to Know Your Status, or Want to Learn About How to Prevent Spread, Talk to Women’s Clinic of Atlanta.

Our compassionate medical team offers judgment-free STI testing and STI treatment if necessary. We’ll be glad to help you maintain your health and safeguard yourself against STIs in the future.

Schedule an appointment by texting “appointment” to 404-777-4771 today.

Women’s Clinic of Atlanta is HIPAA compliant and AAAHC accredited.

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