Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men

Introduction:

Sexually transmitted diseases are infections that spread from one human to another through sexual contact. It is a dangerous disease because it can easily spread. For an infection to occur, there must be an exchange of semen or other fluids with a person infected with the disease. Some persons with STDs remain asymptomatic, or the symptoms can develop within a few days or weeks. It can lead to more serious complications if not detected early. STDs affect millions in developing and developed countries. It affects both males and females, but the symptoms are different; men have more noticeable STDs.

What Are the Different Types of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men?

Some STDs do not produce signs and symptoms. The types of STDs in men include.

• Gonorrhea (bacterial infection).

• Chlamydia (bacterial infection).

• Trichomoniasis (a parasitic infection).

• Genital herpes (viral infection).

• Syphilis (bacterial infection).

• Human papilloma virus (HPV) (viral infection).

• Herpes simplex virus (viral infection).

• Hepatitis B and C (viral infection).

• Human immunodeficiency disease (HIV/AIDS) (viral infection).

• Zika virus (viral infection).

What Is the Mode of Transmission of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men?

Different microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, can cause STDs. STDs are passed from one person to another through sexual contact, but the disease can also be transmitted through anal sex, oral sex, skin contact, mouth, rectum, or bodily fluids. The disease is also seen among people who share infected needles. STDs do not spread through shaking hands, sharing clothes, or sharing toilet sheets.

Who Are at Risk of Developing Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

People at risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases include.

• Teenagers and young adults are at risk.

• An individual engaged in sexual activities with multiple partners.

• Drug users who share infected needles.

• Sex workers.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men?

Sexually transmitted diseases may remain asymptomatic in some people, and the virus and bacteria may remain latent for weeks and years in the body. The disease may cause further complications and life-threatening disease if left untreated. There are different types of STDs that cause different symptoms. The most common STDs and the symptoms they cause are as follows.

1. Chlamydia - Chlamydia is caused by gram-negative and nonmotile bacteria known as Chlamydia trachomatis. The symptoms include.

• Pain while urinating.

• White, cloudy, and unusual discharge from the penis.

• Pain in the lower abdomen.

• Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra).

• Pain and swelling of testicles.

2. Gonorrhea - Gonorrhea is caused by bacteria known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The symptoms include.

• Pain or burning sensation on urination.

• Pain and swelling in the testicles.

• Yellow or green discharge from the penis.

3. Syphilis - The bacteria Treponema pallidum causes syphilis. The symptoms are hard to notice because they vary in different stages. The symptoms include.

• Primary Syphilis - Painless, firm, and round sore.

• Secondary Syphilis - Painful, itchy, and a rough red rash. Reddish brown spots on the palms of hands and soles of feet. Large grey or white lesion around groin, mouth, nose, and armpits. Hair loss, sore throat, fever, headache, fatigue, and swollen glands.

• Tertiary Syphilis - The stage can be fatal and cause serious complications in organs like the heart, brain, liver, eyes, and nervous and muscular systems. The symptoms include blindness and muscle atrophy.

4. Genital Herpes - Genital herpes is caused by genital simplex viruses 1 and 2. The symptoms include.

• Blisters on the penis, scrotum, anus, buttocks, and inner thighs.

• Pain and burning during urination.

• Fever.

• Headache.

• Fatigue.

• Body ache.

• Nausea.

• Lack of appetite.

5. Hepatitis B and C - Hepatitis is a viral infection that leads to liver inflammation. The symptoms of hepatitis B and C are the same and include.

• Nausea.

• Fever.

• Dark urine.

• Extreme fatigue.

• Bloated abdomen.

• Yellowish tinge eyes and skin.

• People with chronic Hepatitis B are at increased risk of liver cancer.

6. Human Papilloma Virus (Human Warts) - It is a viral infection. Most men who acquire the human papillomavirus do not develop symptoms. The symptoms include:

• Warts, lumps, and sores on the penis, scrotum, anus, mouth, or throat.

• Bumps vary in size and can be flesh or red-colored, raised, flat, and clumped like cauliflower.

• Genital warts are found around the anus or penis.

• Increased risk of developing genital and oral cancer.

7. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) - HIV is caused by the virus that attacks the immune system. Most men do not develop symptoms after they are infected. It can take many years for an infection to develop. The symptoms include:

• Fever.

• Bodyache.

• Nausea.

• Decrease in immunity.

8. Trichomoniasis - Trichomoniasis is caused by protozoa Trichomonas vaginalis. The symptoms include:

• Genital discharge.

• Burning or pain in the urethra after urination and ejaculation.

• Itchy, watery, or white discharge from the penis.

• Soreness and swelling around the head of the penis or foreskin.

What Is the Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Disease?

The investigation is as follows

1. Urine Test - The test shows positive results if the bacteria is in the urine from a sexually transmitted infection. A urine test is prescribed in case of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis.

2. Blood Test - The test shows positive results if the disease infects the blood. A blood test is prescribed in case of syphilis, genital herpes, hepatitis B and C, and HIV.

3. Fluid Samples - They show results if the person has active sores and warts. The test will help to diagnose the infection. A swab from the infected site like the genital area, rectum, throat, anus, urethra, fluid from open sores and warts, and cheeks and sending the sample to the laboratory for analysis.

What Is the Treatment for the Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

Some sexually transmitted diseases show symptoms and some remain asymptomatic for weeks and years. If the infection is diagnosed early, the doctor should start prompt treatment. The treatment includes.

1. Gonorrhea - The treatment includes.

• Antibiotics.

• Injection of Ceftriaxone.

• An oral dose of Azithromycin and Doxycycline.

2. Chlamydia - The treatment includes antibiotics such as Azithromycin and Doxycycline twice for seven days.

3. Syphilis - The treatment includes the injection of Penicillin in the late and early stages.

4. Herpes - The infection is treated with antiviral drugs such as Acyclovir, Famciclovir, or Valacyclovir orally, topically, or intravenously.

5. Hepatitis B and C - The vaccines are available for Hepatitis B and C.

6. Human Papilloma Virus - The treatment includes

• Cryotherapy (uses liquid nitrogen to freeze warts).

• Electrocautery (uses electric current to burn warts).

• Laser therapy (light is used to vaporize warts).

• Medicated creams (applied directly on warts).

7. Human Immunodeficiency Virus - It is treated with a combination of drugs called antiretroviral therapy.

8. Trichomoniasis - The infection is treated with Metronidazole and Tinidazole.

How to Prevent the Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men?

The infection can be prevented by following measures.

• Limiting the number of sexual partners.

• Use of condoms during sexual intercourse.

• Use clean needles while injecting drugs.

• Counseling about STDs.

• Get vaccinated.

• Get tested regularly.

Conclusion:

Sexually transmitted disease is a serious global issue and concern. An untreated patient will suffer serious health problems and can even lead to death. Doctors recommend vaccines and prophylactic measures for all patients. The nurses have to assist the patient with physical examination and counseling, and healthcare providers must monitor the dosing, check the side effects, and counsel the patients on medication.