What are the most common sexually transmitted diseases for men?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and infections (STIs) include a wide range of conditions. Some can be cured with treatment, while others, like herpes, have no cure but can be managed with medication, and each has symptoms of varying severity. In fact, many men contract certain common STDs and never realize it. Some of the most common STDs Dr. Gray screens for and treat include:
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta estimates that almost everyone who’s sexually active will contract HPV at some point in their life. In some cases, this can cause genital warts, but nearly all men notice no symptoms. HPV is incurable and can cause cervical cancer in women, so it’s important to get regular STD screenings. A vaccination is available that can protect against HPV if you have don’t already have it.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common infection in male sexual organs. You might not notice any symptoms of this infection, and it can usually be treated easily with antibiotics.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is an extremely common disease in both women and men. Men could experience anything from no symptoms to painful urination and discharge from the penis that can last up to two weeks. Gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics.
Genital herpes
Herpes causes painful sores near the genitals and there is no cure for it, but it is not associated with any major health risks and can be managed with medication. It’s important to know that someone can transmit herpes even without visible sores.
How do I know if I have a sexually transmitted disease?
If you’re sexually active, it’s vital that you get a regular STD screening from Dr. Gray. Some of the most common STDs can show no symptoms in men, making a screening the only way to catch them. Even if you’re asymptomatic, you could still pass the disease to your partner, so it’s important to get tested at least once or twice a year.
It’s also very common to experience painful or unpleasant symptoms when you’ve contracted an STD, including:
- Painful bumps, blisters or lesions on or around your penis
- A white or yellow oozing or discharge from the penis
- Painful urination
- Painful ejaculation
- Itching or rash on the testicles or groin or tip of the penis
- Pain or swelling of the testicles
Sometimes, men can experience ambiguous, flu-like symptoms in the early stages of an STI that makes it difficult to pinpoint the source.
What should I expect in an STD screening?
It depends on what your symptoms are, but your doctor will probably want a blood or urine sample, or a swab of the urethra or any discharge or sores. Your provider can perform these tests right in the office and give you a treatment recommendation.
If you want to be screened for STDs and STIs or are interested in treatment, call A Healthy You today or set up an appointment online.
