STIs or sexually transmitted infection are as common to men as it is to women. The asymptomatic symptoms in men are their only difference which can be cured either through medication or by surgery. A yearly check-up is advisable for men since they almost never show symptoms especially when he is sexually active with multiple partners.
Chlamydia
This infection is transmitted through Chlamydia trachomatis microbes and one of the most common in men. There has been a reported 45% increase in Chlamydia mainly due to the availability of STI tests that can even be done at home. It can be detected from a period of one to three weeks after onset of symptoms.
The signs and symptoms that are presented in men when they become infected with the disease include a tingling or burning on the opening of the penis that extends to the testicles, penile discharges, and pain during entire urination. If it’s the rectal area that is infected, the pain will be felt in the rectum intermittently throughout the day or during bowel movements, and draining or discharges from the rectum. The throat can also be infected with Chlamydia when oral sex is involved.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is caused by microbes called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Symptoms include enlarged or swollen testicles, pain during urination, and green, white or yellow discharges from the penis. It can be very painful when it infects the rectal area and symptoms include solid, hard, and painful bowel movements, rectum tingling and soreness, and rectal discharges. If transmitted through oral sex, the throat will become very sore and worsen if untreated. Men will also experience epididymitis, in which there will be swelling at the back curved portion of the testicles. The symptoms usually start between two to thirty days after a man has become infected. Infertility would be the effect of gonorrhea if it is not treated.
Syphilis
It is often termed as a ‘deadly but silent’ STI since it could lie dormant in the system for weeks, months, and even years before its effects could be felt. Sores called chancre sores around the genitalia would be the first stage which will look like a hard indentation on the skin that normally disappears from three to six weeks even without treatment. Rashes that will either look like tan spots or angry red spots will show on the soles of the feet or the palms during the second stage of the disease. If untreated, the disease will affect major organs of the body which will make the infected person experience dementia, blindness, and eventually death.
Herpes
Herpes has two types of infection: herpes simplex infection 1 (Hsv-1) and herpes simplex 2 (Hsv-2). The Hsv-2 virus is the causative factor in genital herpes that will show as open sores on the genital area that will eventually progress to ulcers. Getting rid of the virus would take five weeks or more and is one of the most painful STIs.
STI testing should be part of the health regimen of every person, man or woman when they are sexually active with multiple partners. Prevention is still the key but if infected, testing and strict adherence to treatment will be the best remedy.