Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) do not only affect women; men can also be affected. Sometimes, these conditions show no symptoms, so they need to be monitored.
Male STDs can be caused by several factors, such as bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections transmitted through sexual contact. These conditions can occur due to poor hygiene of the genital area.
It is important to note that not all male STDs show symptoms. Sometimes, the symptoms that do appear may resemble other medical conditions. To diagnose STDs in men, it is necessary to undergo examinations or observe the symptoms first.
Therefore, it is important for men to know the types of STDs that can affect them.
Types of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men
Here are several types of sexually transmitted diseases that men can experience:
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1. Gonorrhea
One type of sexually transmitted disease in men is gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is caused by a bacterial infection, Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This condition is characterized by the discharge of white, yellow, or green fluid from the penis. In addition, there may be a burning sensation or pain during urination.
These symptoms can appear around 10–20 days after the infection begins. However, in some cases, symptoms may appear months after the infection.
2. Chlamydia
Another sexually transmitted disease that can affect both men and women is chlamydia. This condition is caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria and often does not cause symptoms. In some cases, symptoms may appear weeks after infection.
Potential symptoms include pain during urination, itching, or a burning sensation in the urethra. Additionally, a clear, white, or cloudy discharge may come out of the penis.
3. Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is another condition that men may experience. This disease is caused by the herpes simplex virus. It can be transmitted through sexual intercourse without using a condom, kissing, or oral sex.
Symptoms that may be experienced include small bumps on the penis, painful open sores on the skin of the penis, and common flu-like symptoms (fever, loss of appetite, headache).
4. Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease in men caused by the Treponema pallidum bacteria. It usually begins with a sore on the genitals or mouth that is painless but contagious if contacted.
The symptoms of this disease vary for each man, depending on the stage of the disease, such as:
Primary syphilis: a small, painless sore at the initial site of infection.
Secondary syphilis: symptoms include rashes all over the body, accompanied by warts in the mouth or genital area, sore throat, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
Latent syphilis: no symptoms appear at this stage. The symptoms may not return, but the disease can progress to a more severe stage.
Tertiary syphilis: complications from untreated syphilis that affect the eyes, bones, joints, heart, liver, blood vessels, and brain.
5. Balanitis
This condition is caused by inflammation of the head of the penis. It often occurs in uncircumcised men and is caused by a fungal infection. Symptoms include swelling and redness on the skin or tip of the penis, pain during urination, and red bumps on the skin of the penile head.
6. Genital Warts
One sexually transmitted disease that men may experience is genital warts. This infection is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to the growth of warts on the genitals.
The disease begins with an open wound that bleeds and eventually turns into a wart. Genital warts can be transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
7. Epididymitis
This is one of the male sexually transmitted diseases that affects the epididymis, a coiled tube behind the testicles responsible for storing and transporting sperm. It is caused by a bacterial infection and typically affects men aged 14–35.
Symptoms include redness, swelling, and severe pain in the scrotal area. The pain can spread to the groin. This condition may also cause painful urination, fever, and chills.
8. Orchitis
This sexually transmitted disease is characterized by swelling in one or both testicles accompanied by pain. Other symptoms may include body aches, fatigue, nausea, headaches, fever, chills, and a rapid heartbeat.
How to Prevent the Transmission of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men
Some of the sexually transmitted diseases mentioned above can be prevented through a few simple measures, such as:
Maintaining cleanliness of the genital area and surroundings
Using condoms during sexual intercourse
Regular reproductive organ check-ups
Getting vaccinated for HPV and hepatitis
Avoiding sharing sex toys
Avoiding sexual activity with multiple partners
These are some sexually transmitted diseases that can affect men. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, consult a doctor immediately. Refrain from sexual activity to prevent further transmission.
Source:
Huai, P., et al. (2020). Prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the general population: a meta-analysis. BMC Infectious Diseases volume 20, Article number: 589.
Wang, Q., et al. (2020). National Guidelines on Diagnosis and Treatment of Gonorrhea in China. International Journal of Dermatology and Venereology 3(3):p 129-134, September 2020.
World Health Organization. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
