Doctor reveals the hidden STI symptoms you should never ignore – warning Brits to get tested urgently
A DOC has revealed the hidden STI symptoms you need to know about and warned people may need to get tested urgently.
While most people are aware of the common symptoms caused by a sexually transmitted infection, such as sores or a burning sensation down there, an STI can produce other symptoms around the body.
Dr Manoj Malu, founder and director of Clarewell Clinics, has issued a warning to Brits to be on the lookout for any alarming symptoms, even ones people may not expect.
Dr Malu told the : "When someone thinks of STIs, they generally think of the genital symptoms.
“It is important to be aware that most STIs are quite capable of producing symptoms away from the genital area."
Read More on Health
ANAL LUMPS
The doc said that many patients with lumps around the anus can understandably think they have piles but anal warts can often be confused with piles and so get treated incorrectly.
EYES RED AND STICKY
Dr Malu explained: "It is easy to dismiss sticky red eyes as hay fever.
"However, it is important to remember that chlamydia and gonorrhoea also can cause similar symptoms, especially if you have had intimate contact with someone with these infections.
Most read in Health
"I leave it to your imagination as to how these genital infections can get into our eyes. Syphilis can also produce redness of the eyes along with some floaters and disturbance of vision.
"One may have developed some symptoms which are easy to dismiss - like subtle skin rash, feeling a bit feverish and tired.
"A syphilis infection affecting the eyes is a serious matter not to be taken lightly."
HAIR LOSS
Dr Malu said: "Syphilis in its second stage, which can occur any time from a couple of months up to 2 years after first getting it can produce hair loss.
He added though that hair loss just doesn’t appear on the scalp but can also happen to eyebrows, eyelashes, armpits as well as from arms, legs and the trunk.
JOINT PAIN
Dr Malu warned: "Some patients present with painful swelling of large joints (elbow, wrist, knee and ankles) due to underlying chlamydia infections.
“This happens because the lining of our joints have some antigens very similar to ones found in these bacteria.
Read More on The Sun
A particularly serious complaint is a septic infection of the joints caused by gonorrhoea where the joint becomes acutely red, hot and swollen, with the condition needing emergency treatment in hospital.
The doctor said: "Destruction of knee joints due to late syphilis was a common sight before the advent of penicillin but fortunately rare now."
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The Sun news desk?
Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4104. You can WhatsApp us on 07423 720 250. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours