STI Symptoms in Men and Women: Signs You Should Get Tested
From Mascot Healthcare Clinic, Akoka (Yaba), Lagos
Hello Friend! Many sexually transmitted infections are completely silent — but when symptoms do appear, they are easy to dismiss as something minor. Knowing what to look out for helps you act early, when treatment is simplest. Here are the signs that should prompt a test, in both men and women.
Symptoms That Affect Everyone
- Pain or a burning feeling when urinating
- Sores, blisters, bumps or ulcers around the genitals, anus or mouth
- Itching, tingling or rash in the genital area
- Pain during sex
- Swollen lymph nodes, fever or flu-like feelings after a risky exposure
Signs More Common in Women
- Unusual vaginal discharge — a change in colour, smell or amount
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
In women, infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea can quietly spread to the reproductive organs and threaten future fertility — which is why prompt testing matters so much.
Signs More Common in Men
- Discharge from the penis
- Pain or swelling in the testicles
- Irritation at the tip of the penis
The Catch: No Symptoms Doesn't Mean No Infection
Here is the part people miss most often: the majority of STIs show no symptoms for a long time. You can feel completely well and still carry — and pass on — an infection. That is exactly why testing, not waiting for symptoms, is the only reliable way to know your status.
When to Test
If you notice any of the signs above, don't wait — book a test. And even without symptoms, a screen is wise after a new partner or unprotected sex. Timing matters, though, because each infection takes a while to become detectable; see our guide on when to test after exposure.
For the full picture — packages, prices and what to expect — read our complete guide to STI testing in Lagos. Testing at Mascot is confidential, and most results are ready within 24–48 hours.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lawal Taiye (MBBS, Ibadan) — Mascot Healthcare Clinic, Akoka, Lagos. If you have severe pain, high fever or a spreading rash, seek care promptly.