What Are The Common Symptoms Of STDs In Men?

According to the World Health Organisation, more than 1 million new potentially sexually transmitted infections are acquired daily.¹ Isn't it alarming? Yes, these numbers are frightening yet true. We cannot change the numbers though, but we can definitely take a few precautions so that we don’t catch any such infection. An STD test is the best next step you may take to ensure your reproductive and sexual health. 

In this blog, we are going to discuss common symptoms of STDs in men. But before that, let us quickly unravel the term ‘Sexually transmitted diseases’. 

Sexually Transmitted Diseases- Causes & Transmission

Sexually Transmitted Diseases is a serious condition where infections are transmitted between sexually active partners through vagina, mouth, anus or penis.² Sexually transmitted infections progresses into sexually transmitted diseases where signs and symptoms would slowly start appearing. However, in some cases, these infections could be transferred nonsexually such as during pregnancy or childbirth, from mothers to their offspring, or through blood transfusions or an infected needle. ³

What Causes Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

• BACTERIA: Includes Gonorrhea, syphilis, and Chlamydia
• PARASITES: Includes Trichomoniasis
• VIRUSES: Includes HPV, Oral herpes & Genital herpes ^{3 ,4} 

Different Kinds Of STDs In Men

There are around 20 known types of sexually transmitted diseases.⁴ In this blog, we are discussing about 8 common STDs in men. Let us now discuss them in detail, one by one. 

1. Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis and is treatable with antibiotics. However, sexually active young individuals are at higher risk of getting Chlamydia because of their common behaviors and biological factors. It often shows no symptoms but can cause serious health problems. ⁵

Symptoms:⁵

• Abnormal discharge from penis
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Pain and swelling in the testicles 
• Mycoplasma Genitalium

2. Mycoplasma Genitalium

After Chlamydia, Mycoplasma Genitalium is the second most common cause of urethritis (lower urinary tract infection) & is closely associated with HIV & STD infections. ⁶

Symptoms:

• Irritation and discharge from male reproductive organ
• Increased frequency of urinating 
• Testicular pain ⁶

3. Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is another treatable STD which infects genitals, rectum and throat. Prevalent among young sexually active individuals between 15-24 years of age, it is caused by a bacteria known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It uses glucose as a means to enter layers of epithelial cells, secreting mucus & leads to inflammatory reactions on the surface of the body.^6,7

Symptoms:

• Burning sensation while peeing⁶
• Sore throat
• Inflammation of the rectum
• Pain while excreting faeces ^6,7

4. Syphilis

Caused by a spiral-shaped bacteria called Treponema pallidum, syphilis occurs in several stages.⁸ 

Symptoms:

• Primary Stage- Painless sore is noticed in or around areas like penis, rectum, throat & mouth, which usually vanishes between 6 weeks.⁸
• Secondary Stage- There are many visible symptoms in the second stage. Skin rashes appear in the mouth and penis region. Headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, sore throat and fatigue are few other signs of syphilis. ⁸
• Latent Stage- Symptoms are not visible as they usually disappear and reappear in the later stage.⁸
• Tertiary Stage- Syphilis harms the internal organs like brain & nervous system. Symptoms like severe headache, muscle movements, changes in mental state & even hearing loss are seen. In severe cases, it may lead to death of the individual. ⁸

5. HSV-1

Oral herpes, or HSV-1 is an infection caused by Herpes Simplex Virus. It affects the face & mouth, often causing fever blisters & cold sores. ⁹ HSV-1 is not completely curable but yes, proper medications can control its outbreak.

Symptoms:⁹

• Appearance of blisters around mouth or penis
• Pain and itching around the genitals
• Small blisters or bumps around the genitals, anus or mouth
• Burning sensation while urinating

6. Trichomoniasis

A protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis causes trichomoniasis or ‘trich’. Mostly, infection spreads in the lower genital tract like the vulva, vagina, cervix, or urethra). Approximately 70% of people affected with this infection show no signs or symptoms. ¹⁰

Symptoms:^6,10,11

• Itching and irritation inside the penis
• Burning sensation after urinating 
• Discomfort while ejaculating
• Discharge from penis 

7. HSV-2

HSV-2 or genital herpes is caused by Herpes Simplex Virus, found in skin and saliva, & affects the genital area. ^{9 ,11}

Symptoms:^11,12

• Cold sores around mouth, lips and tongue
• Appearance of fluid-filled blisters around lips, mouth or tongue
• Itching, pain and burning sensation while urinating
• Fever & muscle aches

Why Do You Need an STD Test?

Teenagers,young adults (15 to 24 years) and sexually active people with multiple partners are at the highest risk of getting an STD.⁷ 

• The symptoms of STDs in men are asymptomatic. If you’re sexually active, getting an STD test is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health.  
• STDs are commonly transmitted. There are about 1 million new cases of potential curable STIs acquired daily. ⁶
• Furthermore, the cases of STDs are rising notably.⁶

In A Nutshell

If you’re sexually active, you must have a basic understanding of common symptoms of STDs in men. The blog gives a sneak peek into the different types of infections, their symptoms and the potential risks involved. However, the rising rate of STDs nowadays is alarming. Therefore, it’s advised to keep a regular check if you’re sexually active and experiencing any of the symptoms discussed above in the blog. 

To make the process discreet and easy, LifeCell offers an extensive, self-collection test kit- “STD Test - Male” that can test for 7 different types of infections at the ease of your home. It's convenient to use, hassle-free and can be discreetly done, giving you a user-friendly experience. Moreover, the detailed result reports are delivered within 3 days to help you seek appropriate treatment at the right time.

What’s more required? Just order your kit right away.