In some cases, STD symptoms are visible to the naked eye. However, sometimes STD symptoms are a bit more mysterious and can be confused with other heath conditions. For example, genital herpes does not always present itself as multiple, painful looking blisters in the genital area that last for weeks. Depending on the infected individual, a herpes outbreak could consist of one small irritated bump on the lower abdomen that goes away on it’s own in a few days. Most people would attribute this type of “outbreak” to a pimple, razor burn or some other minor skin irritation. In most situations, the thought of having herpes, or any other STD for that matter, would not cross the mind of someone having this minor symptom. However, while this small, irritated bump is ignored, the herpes virus would more than likely be passed to any individual coming in contact with it. The same holds true for the human papillomavirus when it presents itself as genital warts. The STD symptoms associated with genital warts even when present are often not visible to the naked eye. Genital warts can be microscopic and flesh colored, making them nearly impossible to see or even feel. The same is true of genital warts as it is with genital herpes. Both viruses are passed via skin to skin contact with an infected partner. Both of these viruses, along with syphilis, do not require the exchange of body fluids in order to be transmitted. Therefore, wearing a condom does not protect individuals from contracting these STDs simply because skin to skin contact still occurs even with the use of a condom. We certainly aren’t insinuating that condoms are not a necessity. Preventing the exchange of body fluids during sexual contact is extremely important. However, it is important to realize that a condom does not protect individuals against all STDS.
Find out what other STD symptoms you should be worried about by clicking the link below: