What do STI sores actually look/feel like early on (herpes vs HPV vs a cut/ingrown hair), and when is it unsafe to have sex even if it ‘doesn’t seem that bad’?
Herpes sores usually start as tingling then clusters of fluid-filled blisters that turn into painful ulcers, HPV warts are slow-growing, painless bumps, and cuts or ingrowns tend to be linear or hair-related—any new sore or raw patch on genitals, anus, or mouth is a reason to pause sex until you’re checked.
If I don’t have obvious symptoms, what are the sneaky early warning signs (like mild pelvic pain, bleeding after sex, sore throat after oral) that people miss with stuff like chlamydia or gonorrhea?
Sneaky early signs of chlamydia or gonorrhea in women include light bleeding after sex, mild pelvic ache, subtle discharge or odor changes, burning when you pee, sore throat after unprotected oral, or rectal discomfort after anal—reasons to get tested even if symptoms are mild.
How do I tell if weird discharge/itching is just like a yeast infection or BV, vs an STI starting—what are the early signs that should make me book a test ASAP?
Any sudden change in discharge, smell, or itch that feels new for your body—especially after a new partner or unprotected sex—is enough reason to book an STI test rather than assuming it’s “just yeast” or BV.