STD's

Uh-oh.

You've spotted something strange "down there."

Could it be a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?

What are some of the symptoms of an STD?

1. Abnormal discharge: Any discharge that has a strong odor and/or that's frothy or discolored could be a sign of chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or bacterial vaginosis (BV).

2. Burning sensation while urinating: This could be a sign of chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, PID or BV. It also could be a sign of a urinary tract infection that is not an STD.

3. Tingly, itchy painful sores on or around genitals, rectum or thighs: This could be a sign of genital herpes.

4. Bleeding between menstrual periods: This could be a sign of chlamydia, gonorrhea or PID.

5. Firm, round, painless sores on the genitals followed by a rough, reddish rash on palms and bottoms of feet: This could be a sign of syphillis.

6. Vaginal itching: This could be a sign of genital herpes or BV. It also might be a sign of a yeast infection, which is not an STD.

7. Painful intercourse: This could be a sign of chlamydia or PID.

8. Soft, moist, cauliflower-ish warts on vulva, vagina, penis, scrotum, groin or thigh: This could be a sign of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Every year, millions of Americans contract sexually transmitted diseases. Some STDs such as chlamydia are curable, yet carry risk of serious complications if left untreated. Others such as genital herpes cannot be cured, but can be managed with medications.