Male STIs

An STI is an infection or disease that is primarily passed from one person to another through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

STIs, or Sexually Transmitted Infections, are a more accurate term than STDs, which stands for Sexually Transmitted Diseases. This distinction is important because STIs are infectious conditions rather than a disease state of the body. These infections are caused by various bacterial and viral agents, making STI the preferred descriptor for these health concerns.

Recognising the significance of identifying symptoms is essential for achieving accurate diagnoses and implementing effective treatment plans. By paying close attention to these indicators, we can better understand underlying health issues and take proactive steps towards recovery.

Syphilis is an infection that develops due to the bacteria T. pallidum. Spread by a syphilitic sore during oral, anal, or vaginal sex. The main sign is a painless sore on the genitals, rectum, mouth, or another part of the skin. These sores resolve on their own. However, without treatment, T. pallidum will remain in the body, reactivating and damaging organs, including the brain.

It is a tiny, often difficult-to-detect bacterium that infects the urinary and genital tracts. While not as widely known as Chlamydia or Gonorrhea, it is increasingly recognised as a cause of urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) in men.

The parasite Trichomonas Vaginalis causes Trichomoniasis (Trich). Often no symptoms occur but can include itching on the penis, painful urination and penile discharge. Antibiotics treat Trich.

Chlamydia Trachomatis is a bacteria. Pain when urinating or in the lower abdomen, with penile discharge, are common symptoms. Most people with Chlamydia, however, do not experience symptoms. Testing both partners is sensible, even if only one has symptoms. Antibiotics treat Chlamydia successfully.

Symptoms caused by Neisseria Gonorrhoeae bacteria include burning during urination, yellow or green discharge, and pain in the testicles. Antibiotics successfully treat the bacteria. However, there is some concern Neisseria Gonorrhoeae is becoming drug-resistant. Practising safe sex is not just about HIV.

Skin-on-skin contact transmits the Human Papillomavirus. Intercourse is not required. Most people carry the virus. HPV, when active, can cause areas of swelling, cauliflower-shaped warts and itching around the penis. Medication is applied to the warts to clear them. HPV may cause Penile Cancer.

Two types of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) cause Genital Herpes. Symptoms include itching, pain, tiny fluid-filled blisters and ulcers (that may leave scabs). Similar to cold sores but on the genitals. It’s possible to transmit herpes even if you don’t have sores or symptoms. As cold sores outbreaks resolve alone, so does Genital Herpes. Antiviral medications can help. Future episodes are likely.

HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune cells. It spreads through some, but not all, bodily fluids, including semen, vaginal and anal fluids, and blood. Symptoms include fever, rash, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms worsen as HIV progresses. HIV isn’t curable currently. Several types of drugs stop HIV from replicating and taking over cells. Using condoms reduces transmission.