Managing genital symptoms

Not every symptom around your genitals comes from a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Your body goes through natural changes that can cause symptoms too. Infections that aren't passed on through sex can do the same.

Call a doctor or the 16263 health line if you become very ill and have:

• severe pain
• a high temperature
• nausea and/or vomiting

A single ulcer (sore) could be a sign of a recent syphilis infection, especially if it doesn't hurt.

Painful ulcers may be due to herpes, other infections or a recent injury. Taking a photo of your ulcer can help, so you can show it to the sexual health clinician at your appointment.

If you think you have mpox (monkeypox), or you've been in contact with someone who has mpox in the last 21 days, phone your local service before you go in person.

Pain in the lower tummy has many causes. Problems of the bowel or urinary tract are two examples, and there are many gynaecological conditions too.

Some STIs, such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia, can very occasionally spread up into the womb and cause pelvic pain and/or deep pain during sex.

If you have pain like this and think you have been at risk of an STI, you should contact your local service.

If there is any chance you could be pregnant, take a pregnancy test.

Discharge from the end of the penis could mean you have an STI such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, whether or not it hurts when you pee. Book a consultation online or contact your local sexual health service for advice.

Gonorrhoea and chlamydia usually affect just the urinary tract. But sometimes the infection can spread to the testicle and/or the epididymis (the small tube next to the testicle).

This causes painful swelling, and you should get treatment urgently.

Book a consultation online or phone for advice.

Having several genital ulcers could point to genital herpes, which is caused by the same virus as cold sores.

Herpes is an extremely common virus. It sometimes causes symptoms, and these mostly clear up on their own. This means your immune system deals with it itself, though it can take a few days for the symptoms to settle.

Sometimes the ulcers are itchy before they become sore. You may feel pain when you pee, because the urine stings the ulcers.

A doctor can diagnose and treat milder cases. If you're worried about your symptoms, you could also contact your local sexual health service for advice.

Sometimes the hair follicles around your genitals or groin (the tiny pockets each hair grows from) become inflamed. This is called folliculitis, and it may be more common if you shave the area. At first it can look like a small pimple. It may be itchy and sore, but in most cases it clears up on its own. If you're worried, see a doctor.

Warts are another common cause of new spots or lumps on the genitals. Molluscum is also a possible cause. And sometimes teenagers notice lumps that are completely normal.

If you think the lumps are likely to be genital warts, they might clear up on their own. One third of warts disappear within 6 months. Your doctor may be able to prescribe treatment, or refer you to a sexual health clinic if treatment doesn't work.

Genital skin can be sensitive. Itching is often a sign that you're doing something, or using a product, that irritates the skin. If itching is your only symptom, it isn't often related to an STI.

Itching around or inside the vagina is often due to thrush. You can get treatment over the counter at your local pharmacy.

If you've changed your method of contraception, you might notice a change in your bleeding pattern. This should settle, but if you have any concerns, talk to your contraception provider.

Chlamydia can sometimes cause bleeding after sex or between periods. If you've had unprotected sex with a new sexual partner and notice this type of bleeding, get tested for STIs.

There is separate advice on what to do if your vaginal discharge changes.

• use a soap substitute (emollient) to add moisture instead of soap, you can buy these from pharmacies
• use non-soap bath additives, such as unfragranced bath oil, instead of bubble bath
• treat athlete's foot straight away, so it doesn't spread to your genital area when you pull your underwear on
• if you have a penis with a foreskin, always pull the foreskin back gently but fully when you wash, and dry gently with a towel before you replace the foreskin

• Avoid soap on or near your genital area, because it can be drying.
• Keep products like shampoo or conditioner from running onto your genital skin.
• Leave out bubble baths, essential oils, soap and shower gels in the bath, as they'll get onto the genital skin and may cause irritation.
• Wet wipes shouldn't be used on the genital skin.
• Steer clear of feminine washing products, even if they say they are pH balanced, as they disrupt healthy bacteria in the vagina.
• Don't 'douche' (wash out the vagina with water or other products), as it damages the healthy vaginal organisms and changes their natural balance.
• Fabric softeners should not be used.

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