People are always asking themselves and their health care providers what is normal and what is abnormal when it comes to symptoms in the genital area. When to worry and when not to worry—that is the question. This article describes common symptoms in the genital area as well as some possible causes of those symptoms; it will help you to decide when a symptom could be the result of a sexually transmitted infection. Many different infections have similar symptoms, however, so examination and testing are usually the only way to know for certain what is causing the symptoms. See your health care provider any time you have a concern, and also for regular checkups.
Many sexually transmitted infections may never produce symptoms, or may take a long time—sometimes months or years—to produce symptoms. So, as you read this chapter, remember that just because you don’t have the symptoms listed here doesn’t necessarily mean you are free of the infection. Testing is the only way to find out. The first part of this chapter describes common genital symptoms in women, the second part describes common genital symptoms in men, and the third part describes symptoms that can occur in women and men. Within the section describing each symptom, possible causes of these symptoms are listed in alphabetical order. If you are having any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to stop having sex and see your health care provider. And ask your partner to be evaluated. It is also a good idea to be evaluated while you are having the symptom. Some conditions may cause symptoms at first, but after a while the symptoms go away. After the symptoms have disappeared, it may be more difficult or even impossible to diagnose what caused them.
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