7 Things That Can Seem Like STI Symptoms But Might Not Be

Itching in the genital area can easily be mistaken for STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, or trichomoniasis. But as Dr. Angela Jones, Astroglide’s resident sexual health advisor, tells Bustle, "This could be something as simple as a dermatitis, i.e. caused by something that is coming into direct contact with your vagina or vulva such as pads, certain materials, and soaps." This could also be a result of a "vaginitis-like yeast" or bacterial vaginosis. But if you are unsure, consult with your doctor.

When you think bumps in the genital area, it's easy to automatically assume herpes. But as Dr. Susan Bard, MD of Manhattan Dermatology Specialists tells Bustle, bumps in that area can also be folliculitis, which is an inflammation or infection of the hair follicle. Folliculitis can show up as sore, itchy, red or white bumps that pretty much look like pimples. "This often occurs after shaving and is exacerbated by sweat and friction," she says. Women can also have vestibular papilomatosis, which are growths that can show up on the vulva. These growths can show up in a line or in patches on both sides of the vulva. These typically look like smooth, round bumps that are about one to two millimeters in diameter. According to Dr. Bard, these are perfectly common but can be misdiagnosed as genital warts. Unlike genital warts, these don't require treatment. Finally, using new condoms or lubricants can also cause contact dermatitis, which can show up as "itchy sometimes even scaly plaques" in the genital area.

Fordyce spots, which are tiny yellowish bumps that are found on the lips and genitals can also be mistaken for STIs like herpes. But according to Dr. Bard, these are "normal oil producing glands that are there to keep those areas lubricated." These too do not require treatment.

Unusual spotting or bleeding after sex can be alarming and can be associated with gonorrhea or chlamydia. But as Dr. Jones says, this can also be attributed to "benign things" such as uterine or cervical polyps, ovarian cysts, or uterine fibroids. If it becomes persistent, or you're in pain, it is best to check in with your OB/GYN.

For some, U by Kotex partner Dr. Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, tells Bustle that vaginal discharge could also be mistaken for something abnormal or cause for concern. However, this is totally common. "This is all part of the body’s process to help keep the vagina moist and aid in natural cleansing," Dr. Shepherd says. "The thickness and amount varies through your menstrual cycle because of hormone fluctuations." White to clear discharge that is watery to stretchy is considered normal, though it varies from person to person. That's why it's important to pay attention to its color, smell, and consistency in order to know what's normal for you. "If you start to experience abnormalities in color, consistency, the amount of discharge or experiencing discomfort like itching, it’s important to consultant with a trusted health care provider," she says.

As Dr. Robert Huizenga tells Bustle, some of the most common urinary tract infection symptoms can be mistaken for an STI. These include discomfort during urination, frequent urination, abnormal smell, and blood in the urine. "These symptoms most often represent a a bacterial infection of the bladder that can be associated with sex but is not a [STI]," he says.

Bacterial vaginosis can have similar symptoms as an STI, like bad smelling vaginal discharge, itching or even painful intercourse. But as Dr. Kristamarie says, these symptoms can be caused by factors that lead to a bacterial imbalance in the vagina.

If you are exhibiting any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about it. These may not be caused by an STI, but even if it is, there's nothing to be ashamed of. Regardless, it's still a good idea to check with your health care provider to get the right treatment for you.