Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common infection which is transmitted sexually. If it is untreated, it can lead to infertility. Chlamydia is often underdiagnosed because the symptoms can be very non-specific or in some cases, non-existent. If symptoms are present, they include burning and itching of the genitals, discharge or painful urination. This STI can also occur in the throat or rectum.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is not an STI. But, it is a complication which can develop following multiple STIs, specifically gonorrhea and chlamydia. When you have PID, the bacteria spreads to the uterus and female reproductive tract. It can result in infertility. Some of the signs you may have include fever, pelvic or low abdominal pain, pain when urinating, discharge, painful intercourse and light bleeding.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis (also called trich) is a common, but curable sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by parasitic protozoa called Trichomonas vaginalis. There are 1 million new cases of trich that occur in the U.S. every year. This STI is one to be cautious of because women may have symptoms, but men do not. However, this STI can leave you more susceptible to contracting HIV if you are exposed. This makes it important to be tested and treated. It is spread via sexual contact with someone who is infected. Only 30% of people develop symptoms, which can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Other symptoms are green, yellow or gray discharge, a foul order from the vagina, itching in or around the vagina, and pain during sex or when urinating.
Bottom Line
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that nearly 20 million new sexually transmitted infections occur annually, but many go unreported and are often undiagnosed. If your physician is treating you and they diagnose you with a urinary tract infection (UTI), make sure they also check for other sexually transmitted infections. Since the symptoms of UTIs can mimic those of STIs it’s important to make sure you rule out any exposure to an STI. Iff you find you are diagnosed with an STI, ensure that you receive the proper treatment.
Most Commonly Misdiagnosed STIs was originally published on blackdoctor.org
