I know you guys aren't doctors but I want to prepare myself until I am able to see one.

I've had lower back pain for over a year now. It always came and went, but recently has been a consistent ache. I've made excuses for it until now/didn't think as much of it. It feels the same as my period cramps and intensifies to a point that no amount/combination of OTC drugs have helped it. At first I thought it was just bad menstrual cramps but now I realize otherwise.

What are the chances this could be an STI? This is/has been my only symptom, but I have read that it is one symptom of some STIs.

I have only had unprotected sex with my boyfriend, who has had no symptoms of anything, either. However I understand some STIs show no visible symptoms and you can carry them for years before they show any.

I guess I'm hoping for someone to tell me that if I had an STI, this particular symptom wouldn't be the only one. But I also want to brace myself for the possibility. I've read of a few conditions that could include this kind of pain that aren't STIs, but I am less fearful of those - because they would not be contagious.

Thanks in advance.