STDs and Lower Back Pain: Is there a Connection?
Just about everyone experiences a pain in the back now and again. Indeed, studies suggest that back pain accounts for 264 million lost work days every year. Though most of the time back pain is a fleeting nuisance, it can occasionally be the result of something more sinister. Indeed, certain STDs and conditions caused by STDs can lead to pain in the abdomen and the pelvis/lower back. Here’s everything you need to know about STDs and lower back pain –– and how to tell if you’re at risk!
Common STD Symptoms
It’s worth noting here that back pain is not a symptom commonly associated with most STDs. Though some individuals will experience forms of abdominal or lower back pain in certain instances, most of the time STDs will remain asymptomatic. And when back pain does occur as a result of STDs, it’s usually accompanied by one or more other symptoms –– most notably discharge from the genitals.
STDs that Cause Back Pain
The two main STDs that can lead to a literal pain in the back are chlamydia and gonorrhea. Women who contract these diseases in particular are at risk for developing a condition called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). (Syphilis can also increase a woman’s chances of getting PID as well.) PID is often characterized by pain in the abdomen or in the pelvis. However, PID causes more than mere discomfort. Rather, PID can lead to a host of problems including scarring of the fallopian tubes, infertility, and complications during pregnancy. Only in very rare instances will men experience back pain due to an STD.
Rare Circumstances
If left untreated, STDs can sometimes infiltrate the nervous system and affect the body in drastic ways. Syphilis, for instance, can wreak havoc on an individual’s bones or joints in its third stage. It’s even possible for syphilis to contribute to paralysis. And in extremely rare instances, individuals with untreated gonorrhea can develop gonococcal arthritis, which causes pain and inflammation of the joints. Lastly, while some STD bumps/sores can appear in or on the anus, it’s highly unlikely for any STD pustules to form on the lower back.
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Hi. Can STI/STD's that were treated with a course of antibiotics still cause issues? I struggle with recurring thrush and BV – it's like they take turns. I have severe pain in my pelvic area most days and the pain in my lower back is even worse than that. It often keeps me awake at night. I am not on a medical insurance plan, and govt medical care in my city is horrid. I was never officially diagnosed with an STI or STD, but a doctor once put me on all the antibiotics for each possibility (not to take the pills all at once of course) to rule them out and/or treat them. But this was over a year ago and I'm still struggling. This has gotten to a point where it's depressing me that I'm always in pain or have discomfort. I haven't been in a sexual relationship going on 2 years now because I can't even imagine being intimate with this pain and discomfort. Please help
ReplyI’m really sorry to hear that you’re dealing with this—it sounds like a tough situation and you’re coping with a fair amount of discomfort and distress!
While you mentioned that you’ve not been officially diagnosed with an STI/STD, some of the conditions you describe certainly can cause long-term issues if untreated or not treated properly. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), for instance, can result from untreated STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea, and it might cause persistent pelvic and lower back pain.
However, the symptoms you describe might also be related to other conditions, such as Endometriosis or Interstitial Cystitis, which are non-infectious but still can cause severe discomfort and could require a different kind of treatment.
Chronic thrush (yeast infection) and Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) can also be recurrent and sometimes hard to manage. Yet, these are not sexually transmitted infections per se but rather imbalances in the vagina flora that may cause symptoms like itch, discomfort, and unusual discharge.
While professional healthcare is always the best idea to get a diagnosis and suitable treatment, I understand that your access is limited.
It’s of utmost importance here to find a way to a healthcare service that can give you, if not direct attention, at least advice on the next steps to take, like a public health clinic, a sexual health clinic, or a women’s health center. Some might offer sliding-scale payment options or assistance for those with financial constraints. There are also telemedicine services that may be cheaper and allow you to consult with a healthcare professional over the phone or online.
Meanwhile, managing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, keeping up good hygiene practices might slightly alleviate your symptoms. Remember that persistent symptoms or pain often need medical attention—please take care and prioritize your wellbeing.
ReplyI had sex a day ago and since then I have been having chronic lower back pain. I am male. Please what could be the cause? The sex was unprotected.
ReplySeveral factors could potentially contribute to lower back pain following sexual activity. Some possibilities include:
Muscular Strain: During sexual activity, you can use a range of muscles that you might not regularly engage. It’s possible to strain or overexert these muscles, leading to soreness or pain. This type of pain would typically feel like an ache or stiffness.
Positioning: Some sexual positions can put extra stress on the back. If you were in a position that required an unusual or prolonged arch or bend in the back, it might lead to discomfort afterward.
Underlying Medical Conditions: If you have a pre-existing back condition, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other spinal issues, certain movements during sexual activity might exacerbate the problem.
Unrelated Causes: It’s also possible that the back pain you’re experiencing is coincidental and unrelated to the sexual activity. Did you lift something heavy, sleep in an unusual position, or engaged in another activity that strained your back?
Infections: While less likely, especially given the short timeframe you mentioned, infections can sometimes cause symptoms like back pain. For instance, a kidney infection can cause flank or lower back pain, fever, and other symptoms. However, it would be unusual for an infection contracted from unprotected sexual activity to manifest symptoms within a day.
Other Causes: There are many potential causes of back pain, ranging from benign to more serious. It could be related to something else you’ve done recently or an unrelated medical issue.
If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like fever, numbness, tingling, or problems with urination, you should seek medical attention immediately. Even if the pain is mild, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare professional if it doesn’t improve or if you’re concerned about any potential risks associated with unprotected sexual activity.
ReplyI have a severe tailbone pain that has lasted for more than 5years and despite all treatments, it persists. Can this be as a result of an STD?
ReplyChronic pain regardless is very stressful and damaging so keep working to find a resolution! Tailbone pain (coccydynia) typically isn’t a direct symptom of STD’s. The most common causes of tailbone pain are trauma to the coccyx area (e.g., a fall), prolonged sitting on a hard or narrow surface, degenerative joint changes, and childbirth. There are other causes as well, and some people experience coccydynia without an apparent reason.
However, it’s worth noting a few things:
Referred pain: Some conditions, including infections, can cause pain that feels like it’s coming from one area of the body when it’s actually originating from another. This is called referred pain.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): This is an infection of a woman’s reproductive organs and can be caused by some STDs, primarily gonorrhea and chlamydia. While PID can lead to chronic pelvic pain, it doesn’t typically cause pain specifically in the tailbone.
Other symptoms: If you suspect that you might have an STD or STI, think about other symptoms that might be present, like abnormal discharge, itching, pain during intercourse, sores, or rashes in the genital area, etc. If any of these are present, it would be more indicative of a potential STD or STI than tailbone pain alone.
Multiple conditions: It’s also possible to have more than one condition at the same time. For example, someone might have an STD or STI and also have an unrelated issue causing tailbone pain.
Seeking medical advice: Persistent pain, especially for as long as you’ve experienced, requires a thorough examination by a healthcare professional. If you have concerns about STDs or STIs, they can provide appropriate testing. For tailbone pain, it would also be helpful to see specialists like an orthopedic doctor or a physical therapist.
In summary, while tailbone pain in and of itself isn’t a typical symptom of an STD, you should definitely be pursuing every option to find the cause and get treatment as it soulds like to are. The “Medical system” can be challenging so never give up, and never surrender!
ReplyHi
ReplyDoes know pain and back ache a sign of std ?
Many conditions can cause back pain, especially for women, and not all are related to STD’s. However, some STDs can lead to symptoms that might include pain or discomfort in various parts of the body.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs and can be caused by various pathogens, including those responsible for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Symptoms might include pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, pain during sex, vaginal discharge, fever, and possibly backache.
Kidney Infections: An untreated UTI or STD can, in some cases, lead to a kidney infection. Symptoms of a kidney infection might include back pain (often located around the flanks), fever, chills, nausea, and frequent urination.
Other STDs: Other STDs like herpes, syphilis, or trichomoniasis might cause a variety of symptoms, but backaches are not the most common symptom associated with these infections.
Non-STD Causes: Numerous non-STD conditions can lead to back pain, including muscle strain, herniated discs, osteoporosis, arthritis, and more. It’s essential not to jump to conclusions based solely on the presence of back pain.
If you’re concerned about an STD or any other health condition, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance tailored to your symptoms and situation, and they may offer testing, diagnosis, or treatment if necessary. Remember, many STDs can be asymptomatic (showing no symptoms), so regular testing is essential if you’re sexually active and have concerns about potential exposure.
ReplyMy partner has pimples in manhood and consult a doctor and they think of STD which on my side didn’t tested I’m scared of my health
ReplyIf your partner has pimples on his genitals it may be related to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and is important for both of you to get tested. It’s understandable that you may feel scared about your health in this situation.
Getting tested for STIs is an essential step in understanding your sexual health status and addressing any potential concerns. It’s important to remember that many STIs can be asymptomatic, meaning they may not show any noticeable symptoms. Therefore, even if you don’t have any symptoms, it’s still recommended to get tested if there is a possibility of exposure.
Visiting a healthcare professional or a sexual health clinic will allow them to assess your situation and provide appropriate testing options based on your specific circumstances. They can also offer guidance on safe sex practices and provide information about preventing future infections.
Remember that seeking medical advice is crucial in addressing any concerns or potential risks to your health. Open communication with healthcare professionals will help ensure proper diagnosis, treatment (if necessary), and peace of mind regarding your sexual health.
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