When do symptoms of STDs start?

Written on March 7, 2023 by Gillian (Gigi) Singer, MPH, Sexuality Educator & Certified Sexologist. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.

Table of contents

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Herpes
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasis
• Hepatitis C
• HIV
• Related content

You may be wondering: when do symptoms of STDs start? The fact of the matter is many STDs will not show symptoms—this is why many people go untested, undiagnosed, and untreated. Keep reading to learn about the common and potential symptoms of some of the most common STDs.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common virus, with over 100 different types (most of which are harmless) that infect about 14 million people per year and pose a greater risk to those assigned female at birth [1]. In fact, the majority of sexually active people who aren’t vaccinated against HPV will become infected at some point in their lives, and most never know they have the virus [1].

Most times, HPV doesn’t show any symptoms, but the most common, regardless of sex assigned at birth, include common, plantar, flat, and genital warts [1].

Chlamydia

Many people with chlamydia don’t experience symptoms and, thus, don’t seek testing or care. If symptoms do appear, it is usually between one and three weeks after unprotected sex with an infected person [2].

Potential symptoms for vulva owners [3]:

• Abnormal discharge
• A burning sensation while peeing
• Vaginal bleeding (after sex or between periods)
• Pain during sex
• Pelvic pain
• Fever

Potential symptoms for penis owners [3]:

• Abnormal discharge
• A burning sensation while peeing
• Swelling in one or both testicles
• Rectal pain
• Anal discharge and/or bleeding
• Burning or itching at the tip of the penis
• Pain during sex
• Pelvic pain
• Fever

Gonorrhea

“Gonorrhea is an STD that can cause infection in the genitals, rectum, and throat,” says the CDC, “It is very common, especially among young people ages 15-24 years” [4]. If symptoms do appear, it is usually between 1 and 14 days after unprotected sex with an infected person [5].

Potential symptoms for penis owners [6]:

• Painful urination
• Pus-like discharge from the tip of the penis
• Pain or swelling in one testicle

Potential symptoms for vulva owners [6]:

• Increased vaginal discharge
• Painful urination
• Vaginal bleeding between periods, such as after vaginal intercourse
• Abdominal or pelvic pain

Rectal symptoms [6]:

• Anal itching
• Pus-like discharge from the rectum
• Spots of bright red blood on toilet tissue and having to strain during bowel movements

Throat symptoms [6]:

• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Herpes

There are two herpes simplex viruses—HSV-1 and HSV-2. The first often causes oral herpes, which is commonly recognized as cold sores, and the second is associated with genital herpes [7]. According to the CDC, “Most people with genital herpes have no symptoms or have very mild symptoms. Mild symptoms may go unnoticed or be mistaken for other skin conditions like a pimple or ingrown hair. Because of this, most people do not know they have a herpes infection” [7].

If symptoms do appear, it is usually between 2 and 12 days after exposure [7].

Potential symptoms (during an “outbreak”) [7]:

• Oral cold sores
• Blisters/sores on or around the genitals, rectum, or mouth
• Flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, body aches, or swollen glands) also may occur during the first outbreak
• Smelly genital discharge
• Burning when peeing
• Bleeding between periods (if you have a menstrual cycle)

Syphilis

The CDC states, “Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause serious health problems without treatment. Infection develops in stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary)” [8]. If symptoms do appear, it is usually around 21 days after exposure [8].

Each stage can consist of different symptoms [8]:

Primary stage symptoms:

• Firm, round, painless sores in, on, or around the penis, vagina, anus, rectum, lips, and/or mouth

Secondary stage symptoms:

• Rough, red/reddish-brown skin rashes and/or sores in/on your mouth, vagina, anus, palms of your hands, bottoms of your feet
• Fever
• Swollen lymph glands
• Sore throat
• Patchy hair loss
• Headaches
• Weight loss
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue (feeling very tired)

Latent stage:

• No visible symptoms

Tertiary syphilis (most people with untreated syphilis do not develop tertiary syphilis):

• Damage to your internal organs

When/if syphilis spreads to the brain, nervous system, eyes, or ears, the following symptoms may appear:

• Severe headache
• Muscle weakness and/or trouble with muscle movements
• Changes to your mental state (trouble focusing, confusion, personality change) and/or dementia (problems with memory, thinking, and/or decision-making)
• Eye pain and/or redness
• Changes in your vision or even blindness
• Hearing loss
• Ringing, buzzing, roaring, or hissing in the ears (“tinnitus”)
• Dizziness or vertigo (feeling like you or your surroundings are moving or spinning)

Trichomoniasis

The CDC notes, “Only about 30% develop any symptoms of trichomoniasis” and “although symptoms vary, most people who have trich cannot tell they have it” [9]. Those who do get symptoms often do within 5 to 28 days of getting the infection [9].

Potential symptoms for penis owners [9]:

• Itching or irritation inside the penis
• Burning after peeing or ejaculating
• Discharge from the penis

Potential symptoms for vulva owners [9]:

• Itching, burning, redness, or soreness of the genitals
• Discomfort when peeing
• A clear, white, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge (i.e., thin discharge or increased volume) with a fishy smell

Hepatitis C

“If symptoms occur with a new infection, they usually appear within 2 to 12 weeks, but can take up to 6 months to develop,” offers the CDC [10].

Potential symptoms:

• Yellow skin or eyes
• Loss of appetite
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Fever
• Dark urine
• Light-colored stool
• Joint pain
• Fatigue

HIV

Depending on the person and the stage of the infection, different symptoms can appear for HIV. Within 2 to 4 weeks after infection with HIV, about two-thirds of people will have a flu-like illness, which can include [11]:

• Fever
• Chills
• Rash
• Night sweats
• Muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Mouth ulcers

Related content

What STD causes itching?

STD testing for seniors: what you need to know

Is there a cure for HIV/AIDS?

References

1. HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). Cleveland Clinic. URL. Accessed March 3, 2023.
2. Symptoms - Chlamydia. NHS choices. URL. Accessed March 3, 2023.
3. STD facts - Chlamydia. Center for Disease Control and Prevention Web site. URL. Updated 2022. Accessed November 1, 2022.
4. STD facts - Gonorrhea. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. URL. Published August 22, 2022. Accessed March 3, 2023.
5. Gonorrhoea. NHS inform. URL. Accessed March 3, 2023.
6. Gonorrhea. Mayo Clinic. URL. Published October 5, 2021. Accessed December 21, 2022.
7. STD facts - Genital herpes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. URL. Published January 3, 2022. Accessed March 3, 2023.
8. STD facts - Syphilis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. URL. Published February 10, 2022. Accessed March 3, 2023.
9. STD Facts - Trichomoniasis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. URL. Published April 25, 2022. Accessed March 3, 2023.
10. STD Facts - Hepatitis C. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. URL. Published July 28, 2020. Accessed March 3, 2023.
11. Symptoms of HIV and AIDS: What to look for? HIV.gov. URL. Accessed March 3, 2023.