Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in men can often be cured or managed; therefore, it is critical to recognize the symptoms so that you can get treatment quickly. Many men will show no symptoms when infected with an STD, so it's a good idea to get annual screening, especially if you are under the age of 26.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), chlamydia is the most common STD in the United States. From 2004 to 2008, the rate of chlamydia infections increased 45 percent due to better testing. Symptoms usually occur within 1 to 3 weeks after exposure. Infected men will experience discharge from the penis, a burning sensation while urinating and burning or itching around the opening of the penis. The testicles are usually not affected. If chlamydia is present in the rectum, men will experience discharge, bleeding or rectal pain. Chlamydia can also be transmitted to the throat during oral sex.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria neisseria gonorrhoeae. Symptoms can include burning with urination, while, yellow, or green discharge from the penis and swollen or painful testicles. Rectal symptoms include discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding and painful bowel movements. A sore throat will develop if the bacteria are in the throat. Symptoms can take 2 to 30 days to appear after exposure. Gonorrhea can cause epididymitis, a painful condition of the ducts attached to the testicles. This condition can cause a man to be infertile of left untreated.
Syphilis
You could be infected with syphilis for years before you develop symptoms. The primary stage of syphilis presents itself as a single sore, called a chancre. The chancre appears firm, round, and painless. It usually goes away on its own in 3 to 6 weeks. The second stage of syphilis appears as a rash on the skin and mucous membranes. The rash can be rough, red or brown spots that appear on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. You may also experience fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss and fatigue. The rash will resolve on its own, but the disease will progress to the late stage. The late stage of syphilis shows no symptoms, but the infection is still in the body. The late stage of syphilis affects the brain, nervous system, heart, liver, bones and joints. People in the late stage of syphilis can experience paralysis, numbness, blindness, dementia and death.
Herpes
Herpes can be caused by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simples virus 2 (HSV-2), though genital herpes is most often caused by HSV-2. Infections first present as one or more blisters in the genital or anal area. The blisters open, leaving a painful, weeping ulcer that can take up to 5 weeks to heal. The first outbreak is usually the most severe and painful. Over time, the outbreaks are less frequent and less uncomfortable.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by a single-cell protozoan parasite called Trichamonas vaginalis. Men often show no symptoms, or they can have temporary irritation of the penis, mild discharge or slight burning after urination and ejaculation.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the immune system making the infected person more vulnerable for other opportunistic diseases. Often, when a person is infected with HIV, he has no signs of being infected. Flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes can develop about 2 to 6 weeks after exposure. Other signs of an HIV infection include diarrhea, unexplained fatigue, mouth sores, and rash. However, these symptoms may not develop for 10 years after the original exposure. Having another STD can increase your chances of being infected with HIV.
