How do I know if I have an STD?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as STIs (sexually transmitted infections), can go undetected for a long time. Many people carry them without symptoms, making them difficult to detect and increasing the risk of unknowingly transmitting them.

How to detect an STD

If you suspect you might have an STI, you can see your general practitioner to ask you for a specific test or You can do it on your own with a test analysed in a reliable laboratory.

However, the time is of the essence in this type of infection, and extensive or specific analyses are not always requested. For this reason, many people opt for more streamlined and discreet alternatives, such as the STD self-test you can do from home with Ailin.

These tests analyse several key biomarkers through blood and urine samples and provide reliable results within 48/72 hours. In addition, they include a STI consultation personalised medical, where a professional reviews the results with you and, if necessary, indicates the appropriate treatment.

A fast, private and complete way to take care of your sexual health without leaving home.

Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases in men

The symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI or STD) in men can vary greatly depending on the type of infection. Some STIs can occur without obvious symptoms, while others do have clear signals. The most common signs include:

• Burning or discomfort when urinating, frequent in infections such as chlamydia, the gonorrhoea or the trichomoniasis.
• Abnormal discharge, especially in cases of gonorrhoea o chlamydia.
• Pain or inflammation, which can accompany infections such as chlamydia.
• Genital ulcers, sores or warts, common in the genital herpes, the syphilis (in its initial phase) or the HPV.
• Itching, irritation or redness in the intimate area, associated with trichomoniasis, herpes o HPV.

It is important to remember that not all symptoms appear immediately after exposure. Some infections can take a long time to days or even weeks This makes it difficult to detect without diagnostic tests.

Symptoms of STDs in women

For women, the symptoms of an STD can include go unnoticed or easily confused with other gynaecological conditions, such as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. However, when they do occur, the most common signs include:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge, which may be due to chlamydia, gonorrhoea o trichomoniasis.
• Itching, irritation or burning in the genital area, common in herpes, trichomoniasis o HPV.
• Pain or discomfort when urinating, present in cases of chlamydia, gonorrhoea o trichomoniasis.
• Pain during sexual intercourse, frequent in chlamydia o gonorrhoea.
• Intermenstrual bleeding or bleeding after intercourse, which may be related to STDs such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
• Sores or warts on the vulva, vagina, or cervix, associated with the HPV, genital herpes o syphilis.

Conclusions

STDs do not always manifest themselves clearly, and often have no symptoms. That's why regular check-ups are the best way to detect any abnormalities early and protect your health and the health of others.

At Ailin we make it easy for you: you can take an STI test from home, privately and with clear results that you can interpret together with our professionals by booking a medical consultation. Because taking care of yourself shouldn't be complicated.

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Bibliographical references

1. Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. [cited 2025 July 22]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/pruebas-de-laboratorio/pruebas-de-infecciones-de-transmision-sexual-its/

1. Types of sexually transmitted diseases and their symptoms [Internet]. Hospitalcima.es. [cited 22 July 2025]. Available from: https://www.hospitalcima.es/es/actualidad/114/sintomas-ets

1. Del Pozo León JL. Sexually transmitted diseases: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Clínica Universidad de Navarra [Internet]. https://www.cun.es. Clínica Universidad de Navarra; [cited 2025 July 22]. Available from: https://www.cun.es/enfermedades-tratamientos/enfermedades/enfermedades-transmision-sexual