What STD Causes Stomach Pain and Diarrhea?

What STD Causes Stomach Pain and Diarrhea?

It’s easy to assume that STDs only affect the genital region. However, certain STDs can affect many different areas of the body. And it’s possible to experience STDs symptoms in the eyes, mouth, on the soles of your feet, the palms of your hands, and within your abdomen. If left untreated, it’s even possible for STDs to spread to the joints. So what STD causes stomach pain and diarrhea? Though these conditions are common and can result from a number of factors, HIV can cause stomach pain and diarrhea. In addition, chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which is characterized by pain in the lower back and abdomen.

Is Stomach Pain a Common STD Symptom?

The easiest way to answer this question is to say that stomach pain is not uncommon for people with certain STDs. While individuals with an STD may be more likely to experience other symptoms, it’s entirely possible to develop stomach pains as a result of an STD. In its early stages, HIV bears a strong similarity to influenza. And it’s easy for individuals to confuse the two sets of symptoms. A few of these symptoms include: nausea, fatigue, headaches, fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

As mentioned above, women who have chlamydia or gonorrhea are at risk for developing pelvic inflammatory disease if they remain untreated. Not only is pelvic inflammatory disease painful, but it can also contribute to infertility.

STDs and Painful Bowel Movements

In addition to diarrhea, some STDs can affect the anus and cause painful bowel movements. Indeed, it’s possible for STDs to exist with the rectum. Rectal chlamydia and gonorrhea may cause painful bowel movements and discharge from the anus. Furthermore, herpes bumps can occur on or around the anus as well.

Identifying STD Symptoms

Diarrhea, stomach cramps, painful bowel movements –– all of these issues may come about because of an STD, but then again, they may not. The problem is that it’s extremely difficult to identify an STD from a single symptom out of context. Remember, certain activities (like anal and unprotected sex) can increase the likelihood of STD transmission. What’s more, STDs can cause a myriad of different symptoms. Yet, there’s no way to determine which of these issues will manifest –– if any. In reality, STDs can remain asymptomatic for long periods of time.

The only way to know for sure what’s causing problems like stomach pain or chronic diarrhea is to consult a medical professional and get tested for STDs. Note that Same Day STD Testing offers oral and rectal swab tests for both chlamydia and gonorrhea. You can learn more about the tests here. A urine test cannot detect oral chlamydia or gonorrhea.