STI Symptoms in Men and Women: Signs, Causes, and When to Get Tested

STI symptoms in men and women — signs of STIs and STDs including discharge, sores, and pain, clinical guide by CA Medlynks
Medically reviewed by Dr. Duncan Ajowi, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist · Last updated: 2026-07-23
Key Takeaways
  • Many STIs cause overlapping symptoms — discharge, sores, pain, or itching can point to several different infections, so symptoms alone cannot tell you which STI you have.
  • Symptoms often differ between men and women, and for the same infection one partner may have symptoms while the other has none.
  • Many STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and HIV, can cause no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages — testing is the only way to know for sure.
  • A standard HIV test does not screen for other STIs — if you have symptoms, a comprehensive STI panel is usually recommended.

Treatable STIs Like Chlamydia Are Sharp on the Rise
and More Common Than HIV

Statistical prevalence of sexually transmitted infections across sub-Saharan Africa and Kenya regional data.

Chlamydia prevalence trends and STI prevalence by sex statistics
Chlamydia prevalence increased by over 35% in sub-Saharan Africa between 2010 and 2020.
Common curable STIs like Trichomoniasis (6.8%) and Chlamydia (6.6%) are significantly more prevalent than HIV (4.5%) among women in the region.
Young women aged 15 to 24 years face a disproportionately higher burden of curable STIs compared to men.

Data Sources: WHO Global STI Progress Report & Kenya National HIV Estimates

Your Symptoms & What Usually Causes Them

A quick reference overview of common symptoms and their possible causes.

NOTE: Making decisions based on symptomatic guessing is very risky. A proper medical consultation and testing is highly recommended to ensure proper treatment.
If you notice these symptoms...
Unusual discharge or pain during urination
Gonorrhoea Chlamydia Trichomoniasis Mycoplasma
Genital sores, blisters, or open ulcers
Genital Herpes (HSV) Syphilis
Intense itching, soft lumps, or warts
Thrush / Candidiasis Genital Warts (HPV)
Flu-like fever, distinct body rash, or chronic sore throat
Possible Acute HIV

STI Symptoms in Men vs. Women

The same infection can show up differently — or not at all — depending on sex.

Common STI Symptoms in Men
  • Discharge from the penis (clear, white, yellow, or green)
  • Burning or pain when urinating
  • Pain or swelling in one or both testicles
  • Sores, blisters, or bumps on or around the penis
  • Many men with chlamydia or gonorrhoea have no symptoms at all.
Read the full guide to STI symptoms in men →
Common STI Symptoms in Women
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge (unusual colour, smell, or amount)
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Pelvic pain or pain during sex
  • Bleeding between periods or after sex
  • Sores, blisters, or bumps around the vagina or vulva
  • Many women have no symptoms, and untreated chlamydia or gonorrhoea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and fertility complications.
Read the full guide to STI symptoms in women →

Key Facts to Know About STIs and HIV

Understanding a few key facts about sexually transmitted infections can help you make informed decisions and choose the right test.

Many STIs Cause Similar Symptoms
  • A sore throat, rash, discharge, itching, or genital sores can all be caused by different sexually transmitted infections.
  • Symptoms alone cannot tell you whether you have HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, or another STI.
Many STIs Have No Symptoms
  • Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and even HIV may cause no symptoms at all, especially during the early stages.
  • Even if you feel healthy, you may still pass the infection to your partner.
An HIV Test Alone Isn't Enough
  • A standard HIV test does not detect chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, HPV, or trichomoniasis.
  • If you have symptoms, your clinician may recommend a comprehensive STI panel instead of an HIV test alone.
Early Testing Makes Treatment Easier
  • Most bacterial STIs are highly treatable when diagnosed early.
  • Early diagnosis helps reduce complications and protect both you and your partner.

What Should You Do Next?

The next step depends on your symptoms and when you may have been exposed. Here's a simple guide to help you choose the most appropriate action.

I Have Symptoms

If you have symptoms we recommend you get tested and treated as early as possible. Visit our website to see the options →

I Had Recent Exposure

With an HIV-positive partner within the last 72 hours

  • HIV Testing
  • PEP Assessment (within 72 hours)
  • Follow-up Testing
You may be eligible for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) within 72 hours of exposure.

Learn more about PEP →

I'm Worried

  • Routine STI Screening
  • Preventive Health Advice
Not sure where to start? See our guide to STI testing options in Nairobi →

STI Testing at CA Medlynks Nairobi

At CA Medlynks, we provide confidential, evidence-based STI testing in a comfortable clinical environment. Whether you have symptoms, recent exposure, or simply want peace of mind, our clinical team will recommend the most appropriate testing based on your individual needs.

Our Services
  • Comprehensive STI PCR Panels
  • HIV Testing & Management
  • Syphilis & HPV Screenings
  • Mycoplasma Testing
  • Fertility-related Infection Screenings
  • Specialized Doctor Consultations
Why Patients Choose Us
  • Confidential & discreet testing protocols
  • KENAS-accredited advanced laboratory testing
  • Highly experienced, empathetic medical staff
  • Rapid turnaround times for critical diagnostics
See Our Packages →

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some of the most common questions about STI symptoms, confidentiality, and when to seek medical care.

Q What are the symptoms of STIs in men? +
In men, common STI symptoms include discharge from the penis, burning or pain during urination, pain or swelling in one or both testicles, and sores, blisters, or bumps on or around the penis. However, many men with chlamydia or gonorrhoea have no symptoms at all, so a negative symptom check does not rule out infection.
Q What are the symptoms of STIs in women? +
In women, common STI symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge, pain or burning during urination, pain during sex or pelvic pain, bleeding between periods or after sex, and sores or bumps around the vagina or vulva. Many women have no symptoms at all, and untreated chlamydia or gonorrhoea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Q Can I have an STI without symptoms? +
Yes. Many sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia and HIV, may not cause noticeable symptoms, especially during the early stages. Regular STI screening is recommended if you have been sexually active or think you may have been exposed.
Q Does a sore throat mean HIV? +
Not necessarily. A sore throat may occur during acute HIV infection, but it is also commonly caused by viral illnesses and other sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis. Symptoms alone cannot determine which infection you have.
Q Can I have more than one STI? +
Yes. Co-infection is common. It is possible to have HIV together with another STI or multiple bacterial infections at the same time. This is one reason why comprehensive STI testing is often recommended.
Q When should I get tested after unprotected sex? +
The ideal timing depends on the infection being tested because different STIs have different window periods. If the exposure occurred within the last 72 hours, seek medical advice immediately to determine whether Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) may be appropriate.
Q Are my results confidential? +
Yes. All consultations, laboratory tests, and results at CA Medlynks are handled with strict confidentiality. Your privacy is protected throughout the testing and treatment process.

Meet Our Medical Team

This article has been medically reviewed by experienced clinicians at CA Medlynks and is based on current international and Kenyan national STI guidelines.

Dr. Paul Yonga

Dr. Paul Yonga

Medical Director & Infectious Disease Specialist
Qualifications
  • MBChB — Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery
  • MSPH — Master of Science in Public Health
  • FRCP (Edin) — Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
Areas of Expertise
  • Travel Medicine & Tropical Diseases
  • Infectious Diseases Management
Dr. Duncan Ajowi

Dr. Duncan Ajowi

Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Qualifications
  • Master of Medicine (MMed), Obstetrics & Gynaecology – University of Nairobi
  • Diploma in Laparoscopic Surgery – Henrob Hospital, Uganda
Areas of Special Interest
  • High-Risk Pregnancy Care & Screening
  • Fertility Evaluation & Infection Management
  • Gynaecologic Cancer Screening & Preventive Care

Medical References & Guidelines