If you think you may have been exposed to an STD, it’s important to know the early warning signs and get tested immediately. You can find your nearest testing center by inserting ‘STD/STI testing near me’ or ‘private STD test near me’ in your search engine. If you do receive a diagnosis of an STD, there are treatments and medications for various kinds that can help with specific STD symptom management, such as the Herpesyl supplement for genital herpes. Here are the early warning signs of common STDs:

1. Chlamydia

Chlamydia affects the genital tract with a bacterial infection. Symptoms include painful urination and abdominal pain in the lower area. Specific to men with chlamydia, you may experience testicular pain and discharge for the penis. Specific to women with chlamydia, you may experience vaginal discharge, pain during sexual intercourse, and bleeding in between periods.

2. Genital herpes

Genital herpes occurs when the herpes simplex virus (HSV) enters mucous membranes or small breaks in your skin—it is highly contagious. Most people with this never know they have it, as symptoms are so mild. The first episode is typically the worst, so you should watch out for signs like small, itchy, and painful red bumps, blisters, or sores around the genitals, anal area, or inner thigh. The first episode may also come with flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, and muscle aches.

3. Gonorrhea

Like chlamydia, gonorrhea is a bacterial infection of your genital tract; however, it can also grow in your anus, eyes, throat, and mouth. Signs and symptoms include: pain or burning during urination, painful bowel movements, anal itching, and thick, cloudy, and/or bloody discharge from the penis or vagina. Specific to men, you may experience swollen testicles that are painful. Specific to women, you may experience heavy bleeding during menstruation or bleeding between periods.

4. Human papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a very common STD that causes genital warts and puts females infected at high risk of developing cervical cancer. Signs and symptoms include flesh-colored or gray swellings in the genital area, a cauliflower-shape cluster of warts, genital area itching or discomfort, and bleeding during or after sexual intercourse. Warts can also appear in the mouth or throat if oral sex is involved.

5. Hepatitis

Hepatitis A, B, and C are contagious viral infections that directly impact the liver. Signs and symptoms include: nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, abdominal discomfort or pain, appetite loss, dark urine, itching, yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes, and muscle or joint pain.