Sexually transmitted infections in men

Still staying on men’s health, it is important to address sexually transmitted infections.

There are various infections that can be transmitted sexually and have different symptoms or, in some cases, none at all. Men tend to exhibit fewer symptoms than women and in some infections, the man may have no symptoms.

Signs and symptoms

STDs may present with symptoms, though a big number may have none. However, even in the absence of symptoms, you can still transmit the infection.

Some STDs have no symptoms initially, though they later may develop.

Common symptoms include urethral discharge (yellowish or pus-like), pain on passing urine, pain in the testes, genital ulcers, sores, and warts. The type of symptoms will depend on the infection. Infections that cause ulcers and sores include herpes and syphilis.

Gonorrhoea causes urethral discharge. Chlamydia may cause no symptoms, although you may experience pain in the testes.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) may cause genital warts. However, in many cases, one has no symptoms. If you had unprotected intercourse and suspect you might have been infected, it is important to see a doctor.

Remember that even without symptoms, you may spread the infection, often causing severe complications to your sexual partner.

HIV and hepatitis are sexually transmitted infections but can also be acquired through non-sexual means (including blood transfusion, from mother to baby, and through contaminated needles).

HIV usually has no symptoms soon after infection, though it may later present with opportunistic infections as the disease advances.

Hepatitis will present with pain in the abdomen and yellowing of the eyes and urine.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of STIs depends on signs, symptoms, and where possible, laboratory tests.

Laboratory tests will be determined by the symptoms you have or the suspected diagnosis and may include analysis of the discharge or even swabs of ulcers.

In the case of syphilis and HIV, a blood test is done.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the STI you have. In some cases, based on the symptoms, the doctor will give you a broad range of antibiotics to cover other STIs beyond those that have been confirmed since some are not symptomatic, as mentioned earlier.

In addition, it is important to have your sexual partner(s) treated, whether she has symptoms or not. This will include any sexual partner you had in the past one month. It is important to get them treated.

Your doctor will advise that you return for a repeat test a month or so after treatment to confirm that the disease was cleared. Most STIs can be easily cured if treated early.

Complications of STDs

Complications include inflammation of testes and prostate and, in some cases, infertility.

Syphilis can cause cardiovascular and nervous system complications (in fact, in olden days, it would cause a condition called “general paralysis of the insane” in that it caused paralysis and insanity by affecting the spinal cord and the brain.

This is rare now since it is easily treated). HPV infection is usually asymptomatic, though it can cause warts and, in some cases, cancer of the penis after many years.

The biggest problem with HPV is that once it is transmitted to a female partner, it can after many years lead to cancer of the cervix.

It is important to have any STI, whether symptomatic or not, treated early as untreated STIs greatly increase the risk of acquisition and transmission of HIV.

Prevention
The ABCs of prevention apply here: Abstinence, being faithful to one faithful partner, and use of condoms.

Prompt treatment also helps prevent onward transmission and development of complications. It is important to be routinely screened for STIs — just talk to your doctor.