How do you know if you have an STD or HIV?

By Kendall @ Planned Parenthood | Aug. 11, 2011, 2:19 p.m.

how do you know you have a std or hiv?

Some sexually transmitted infections have symptoms that you can recognize, but many sexually transmitted infections can go unnoticed for a long period of time, or even for your whole life. It can take more than 10 years for HIV symptoms to show up. If you’re noticing symptoms — itching, burning during urination, and sores on your genitals are some common ones — then it’s important to get yourself tested. But the only way to know for sure if you have an infection is to get tested. Since there are different tests for different infections, you and your health care provider can decide what tests make the most sense for you. Learn more about STD testing.

Tags: STDs, HIV, sexually transmitted infections, symptoms