The symptoms listed below can also be attributed to other health problems. Therefore, it is a good idea to carry out STI tests regularly. In the table you will find typical symptoms of the seven STIs that our STI Essential covers:

1. Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis)
Types D-K are responsible for chlamydia infections of the urinary and genital tract. This manifests itself, for example, as inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis) or inflammation of the ureter (urethritis) with burning when urinating or discharge.

Symptoms in men include pain when urinating and abnormal discharge from their penis. If the infection is left untreated, the bacteria can spread and cause inflammation of the prostate or female internal sex organs, which can result in infertility. It can also cause inflammation of the conjunctiva, known as swimming pool conjunctivitis, as it can be transmitted through water.

In women, the infection usually occurs without symptoms , so that they can easily transmit it to men, who then develop symptoms. Infection is particularly dangerous during pregnancy, as the unborn child can be harmed. Type L1-L3 infections lead to the sexually transmitted lymphogranuloma inguinale, which manifests itself in swollen lymph nodes in the groin. This form of chlamydia occurs primarily in tropical and subtropical regions.
2. Gonorrhea (clap)

2-7 days after infection, men experience an acute phase of inflammation of the urethra (urethritis) with itching , purulent discharge, painful urination and frequent urination. Some men may not notice any symptoms for up to a month. If the infection is not treated, inflammation of the prostate can occur in the chronic phase.

Women can be infected without experiencing any symptoms and the disease can remain undetected and untreated for a long time. Otherwise, a variety of local inflammatory reactions in the area of ​​the bladder or the female reproductive organs such as the ovaries are possible, with the risk of infertility. An infection is particularly dangerous during pregnancy, as the unborn child can be harmed.
3. Trichomonads (Trichomonas vaginalis)
Most people infected with Trichomonas vaginalis have no symptoms and the infection can go undetected for years.

Trichomoniasis affects both women and men. Symptoms are more common in women.
Symptoms may appear 5 to 28 days after infection. Symptoms include pain, burning or itching in the penis , urethra (urethritis) or vagina (vaginitis) . A foul-smelling, thin vaginal discharge is also possible. Symptoms for both sexes may increase during intercourse and urination.

4. Mycoplasma genitalium
It causes inflammation of the urethra (urethritis) in both men and women, which is accompanied by mucous-purulent discharge from the urinary tract and painful urination .

In women, it can also cause inflammation of the cervix ( cervicitis) and the internal genital organs, which can lead to infertility in the long term.

5. Mycoplasma hominis
After infection, the main symptom is inflammation of the ureter (urethritis). It is also associated with male infertility. In women, inflammation of the vagina (vaginosis) or the cervix (cervicitis) occurs.
6. Ureaplasma parvum
In rare cases, invasive infections of the urinary and genital areas can occur.

This can manifest itself as an inflammation of the ureter (urethritis ). However, Ureaplasma parvum has also been found in many healthy men.
7. Ureaplasma urealyticum
An infection can cause urinary tract disease (urethritis ) and bacterial vaginosis .

In addition, inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis) or, in men, inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) can occur.

A common symptom associated with this infection is a "fishy" smell, as the bacteria break down urea. Untreated infections are associated with infertility in both men and women.