Knowing whether you have an STI
Symptoms
If you have one of the following symptoms you might have an STI:
- discharge from the urethra, vagina or anus (yellow, greenish, brownish, smelly or bloody). It is usually normal to have discharge from the vagina (vaginal discharge). If the discharge smells strongly or changes colour, it may be a symptom of an STI;
- changes to your skin: blisters, warts, sores or discharge on/in/around the penis, vagina, anus or mouth/throat;
- pain and/or a burning feeling when you go to the toilet;
- itching of the penis, vagina, anus or pubic hair;
- bleeding or abdominal pain when having sexual intercourse (penetration);
- pain in one or both testicles (man);
- blood in your faeces.
Vaginal infections
Some symptoms in women (discharge, itching vagina, burning feeling while urinating) can be caused by two fungal infections: candida or bacterial vaginosis.
They are not transmitted sexually (not STIs). They are called vaginal infections.
Ask your family doctor for advice.
STI treatment
The symptoms of an STI can disappear while you still have the STI. You still need to be treated. Most STIs can be cured or their symptoms can be treated.
STIs can seriously damage your health and the health of your partner if they are not treated. For example: you may have difficulty getting pregnant (infertility).
Ask your family doctor for advice.
More information or help needed?
Family doctor
You can talk to a family doctor about almost every intimate issue. If necessary the family doctor can refer you to a specialised health professional. Find a family doctor in your neighbourhood:
Community health centre (wijkgezondheidscentrum)
You can visit a family doctor in a community health centre. Other care professionals such as nurses and social workers also work at community health centres. Care is provided free of charge. Find a community health centre in your neighbourhood:
Gynaecologist
In Belgium, you can make an appointment directly with the gynaecologist without a referral from your family doctor. However, your family doctor can help you find a gynaecologist.
Elisa Centrum - UMC Saint-Pierre
Anonymous and free HIV and STI testing
02 535 30 03
Helpcenter ITG
Help with HIV and sexual health issues. Free and anonymous STI and HIV testing.
03 216 02 88
S clinic - UMC Saint-Pierre
STI testing and treatment
02 535 37 32
Centre S (Sida Sol)
HIV and STI testing
04 287 67 00
Dokters van de wereld - Antwerpen
Free medical care - Free counselling and HIV testing (no appointment needed), every day between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
03 231 36 41
Dokters van de wereld - Brussel
Free medical care
02 225 43 00
Dokters van de wereld - La Louvière
Free medical care
S.A.S.E.R.
Service de Santé Affective Sexuelle et de Réduction des Risques (Sexual Health Service and Risk Reduction) - Anonymous and free STI and HIV testing
081 77 68 20
SIDA-I.S.T. Charleroi-Mons
AIDS-STI Charleroi-Mons - Free and anonymous STI and HIV testing
071 92 54 10
Ex aequo
For men who have sex with men in Brussels and Wallonia. Help with questions and problems concerning HIV and sexual health and free HIV and STI tests. You need to make an appointment for tests.
02 736 28 61