STD/STI for Men
You may not realize you’ve acquired an STD because you might not have symptoms. However, that doesn’t mean that STD/STIs aren’t affecting your health.
By being aware of changes in your body and practicing safe sex, you can protect yourself and your partner. Consistently and properly using condoms and other barrier methods makes transmission less likely.
Complications of STIs
Complications of STDs can be minor, such as inflammation of the eyes and pain in the pelvic region but other complications can be life threatening or cause lasting harm, such as:
- heart disease
- infertility
- arthritis
- HPV-related cancers
Symptoms of Common STI/STDs in Men
Chlamydia
Pain when urinating, pain in the lower abdomen, and penile discharge.
Genital Herpes
Include itching and pain, tiny fluid-filled or red-colored bumps, and ulcers that may eventually leave scabs.
Genital warts and human papillomavirus (HPV)
Small areas of swelling around the penis (in the case of genital warts), cauliflower-shaped warts, and itching around the penis.
Gonorrhea
Burning during urination, yellow or green discharge, and pain in the testicles.
HIV
Fever, rash, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms worsen as HIV progresses.
Trichomoniasis
Symptoms are rare in men, but they can include itching on the penis, painful urination, and penile discharge.