*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Symptoms

The symptoms of reactive arthritis usually develop shortly after you get an infection, such as a sexually transmitted infection or bowel infection.

The main, and sometimes only, symptom of reactive arthritis is pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints and tendons.

It can also affect the:

genital tract
eyes

However, not everyone will get symptoms in these areas.

You should see your GP as soon as possible if you have any of these symptoms, especially if you have recently had diarrhoea or problems peeing.

Joint symptoms

Reactive arthritis can affect any joints, but it's most common in the knees, feet, toes, hips and ankles.

Symptoms include:

pain, tenderness and swelling in your joints
pain and tenderness in some tendons, especially at the heels
pain in your lower back and buttocks
sausage-like swelling of your fingers and toes
joint stiffness - particularly in the morning

Genital tract symptoms

Sometimes, you can also have symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI). These include:

needing to pee suddenly, or more often than usual
pain or a burning sensation when peeing
smelly or cloudy pee
blood in your pee
pain in your lower tummy
feeling tired and unwell

Eye symptoms

Occasionally, you may get inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis or, rarely, iritis).

Symptoms can include:

red eyes
watery eyes
eye pain
swollen eyelids
sensitivity to light

See an eye specialist or go to A&E as soon as possible if one of your eyes becomes very painful and the vision becomes misty.

This could be a symptom of iritis - the sooner you get treatment, the more successful it is likely to be.

Other symptoms

Reactive arthritis can also cause:

flu-like symptoms
a high temperature (fever)
weight loss
mouth ulcers
a scaly rash on the hands or feet

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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