Signs and Symptoms of Common STDs in Men

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While most STDs and STIs do cause symptoms, many are easily mistaken for other conditions. In some cases, there are no symptoms at all. Understanding the risks and knowing the signs and symptoms of common STIs in men and people with a penis is crucial for anyone who’s sexually active.

Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial STI that’s transmitted during anal, oral, or vaginal sex with someone who acquired chlamydia. Common symptoms of chlamydia in those with a penis include:

• pain when urinating
• penile discharge
• swollen testicles

Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a bacterial condition that can affect the anus, throat, or urethra.
It’s transmitted during anal, oral, or vaginal sex with a person who has acquired it. Most people with gonorrhea don’t display any symptoms at all.
For those who do, common symptoms include:

• pain when urinating
• a green, white, or yellow discharge from the penis

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a form of hepatitis caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). Hepatitis A usually requires no treatment and goes away on its own, but it’s highly contagious.

Symptoms of hepatitis A include:

• eating contaminated food
• eating contaminated raw shellfish
• polluted water
• neglecting the use of condoms or other barrier method when having sexual contact with someone who has the virus
• being in contact with contaminated fecal matter

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a form of hepatitis that is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Unlike other common STIs that can produce more obvious symptoms focused around the genitals, hepatitis B causes a dangerous inflammation of the liver.

Many people who have transmitted hepatitis B won’t display symptoms at all. Those who do, often mistake symptoms for a cold or flu. Even if a person has no symptoms, the virus can continue to damage the liver if it’s left untreated. This is why it’s important to see a healthcare provider on a regular basis (such as an annual wellness visit) to check for signs and get tested.

When symptoms of hepatitis B are present, they commonly include:

• loss of appetite
• feeling lethargic
• low-grade fever
• muscle and joint pain and aches
• nausea
• vomiting
• jaundice (yellow hue to the skin and dark urine)

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases today. Most people will eventually acquire one strain of the virus during their lifetime. HPV can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with a person who has acquired the virus and is most commonly transmitted through anal, oral, or vaginal sex. Most common symptoms can include:

• genital warts (flat and flesh-colored or clusters of tiny bumps described as having a cauliflower appearance)
• warts in the mouth or throat (spread through oral sex)

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial STI that can be transmitted through anal, oral, or vaginal sex. This ancient disease is still quite prevalent today and increasing in prevalence.

Syphilis has four different phases: 1- primary, 2- secondary, 3-latent, 4-tertiary. Each phase has its own set of symptoms. The symptoms of primary syphilis in men and people with a penis may include:

• a very small, firm, and painless sore where the bacteria entered the body, usually on the penis, anus, or lips that can be easily missed
• swollen lymph nodes in the area near the sore

Symptoms of secondary syphilis may include:

• a skin rash that doesn’t itch, commonly found over the body that includes the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
• tiredness
• sore throat
• headache
• swollen lymph nodes

Syphilis can cause serious medical issues and death if it reaches this stage, even several years after transmission.

Preventing STDs and STIs

Many people can contract an STI without experiencing any visible symptoms. This means that practicing safer sex is crucial if you want to prevent transmission.

The only way to completely prevent an STI is abstinence from any type of sexual contact or contact with open sores and bodily fluids of a person who contracted it. But there are other ways to prevent STIs, too.

Condoms during intercourse and dental dams or barriers during oral sex are proven effective when used correctly. Refraining from sex with multiple partners and instead opting for a monogamous sexual relationship can also help to prevent STIs.

Source: Healthline.