1. Unusual sores, blisters, or wounds
Painful or painless sores may signal herpes, syphilis, or chancroid.
Test: STI panel including syphilis and HSV when indicated Treatment: Early treatment prevents transmission and complications2. Abnormal discharge
Yellow, green, thick, foul-smelling, or milky discharge is NOT normal.
Possible causes: Gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis Test: NAAT swab or urine test Treatment: Curable with antibiotics if treated early
3. Strong or unusual genital odor
Persistent odor may point to bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. – Fishy smell
Test: Vaginal swab or microscopy Treatment: Simple oral medication4. Genital itching or rash
Itching is often dismissed but can mean fungal infection or STI.
Test: Physical exam plus lab testing Treatment: Antifungal or targeted therapy6. Pain during urination or sèxx
Burning or pain is a red flag for urinary or sexually transmitted infections.
Test: Urine analysis and STI screen Treatment: Treatable when caught early.7. Recent unexplained fever or body weakness
Early HIV and syphilis can look like flu.
Test: HIV rapid test, RPR/VDRL Fact: Early HIV treatment = normal life expectancy
8. Bleeding outside normal cycles
Post-sex bleeding or unexpected spotting is NOT normal.
Possible causes: Cervical infections, polyps, STIs Test: Pelvic exam, Pap smear
9. Scars from previous untreated infections
Past untreated STIs increase risk of infertility and complications.
Test: Fertility evaluation if history is concerning Lesson: Ask questions, do not assume
10. When last did you BOTH test?
Silence is not reassurance.
Routine tests everyone should do:•HIV
•Syphilis
•Hepatitis B & C
•Gonorrhea
•Chlamydia
•HPV (where applicable)
Have you had your Hep B, HPV VACCINE AND enrolled in the Prep clinic?
Bottom line
Bottom lineHealthy sèxx starts with honest conversations, not darkness and assumptions.
Checking is not disrespect.
Testing is not mistrust.
Protection is not a mood k1ller.
