Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are diseases, which are transmitted during sexual intercourse oral and anal sex. STDs are serious and painful and can cause major health problems. Some STDs infect the sexual and reproductive organs, others (such as HIV and syphilis) also cause general body infections. Most STDs can be cured if you get treated early. Sometimes, you can have STDs with no signs or symptoms. At other times the symptoms will go away without treatment but you still have the STD and you must get treatment in order to get rid of the STD.

The following common symptoms may occur in infected men and women.

• A drip or unusual discharge from the sex organ
• Sores, bumps or blisters on or near the sex organs anus or mouth
• Burning pain when you urinate (pee) or have a bowel movement
• A swelling or redness in your throat
• Swelling in your groin, the area around your sex organs.

In addition women may present with the following symptoms:

• Pain in the area between your belly bottom and sex organs
• Burning or itching around your vagina
• Vaginal bleeding between periods
• Pain deep inside the vagina when you have sex

If you think you have an STD, please visit a health care provider. Most health centres clinics private doctors and hospitals treat STDs. No matter where you get treated your condition will be kept confidential. Remember to follow your health care provider’s instructions carefully and do not share or take medication from other persons.

The following STDs may cause genital discharge:

• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Burning pain when you urinate (pee) or have a bowel movement
• Bacterial Vaginosis
• Trichomoniasis

The following STDs may cause genital discharge:

• Chancroid
• Genital Herpes
• Syphilis
• Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)
• Granuloma Inguinale (GI)