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Understanding Sexually Transmitted Infections in Men

Maintaining sexual health is crucial for overall well-being, but many men are unaware of the risks and implications of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Whether you're sexually active or simply seeking to stay informed, understanding STIs, their symptoms, and the importance of regular testing as a man can help you protect yourself and your partners. This guide covers the basics of STIs, the types of infections, their symptoms, and how to manage your sexual health effectively.

What is a Sexually Transmitted Infection?

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is any infection transmitted through sexual contact, which may not always involve full intercourse. Both men and women are susceptible to the same range of STIs, but the way these are present in men and women can vary. Importantly, many STIs show no symptoms, making regular testing crucial, especially with new or multiple partners. Regular screening ensures that men are not unknowingly infected and do not pose a risk to their partners.

STD blood test

Types of STIs and Their Symptoms

Because STI is a blanket term for a wide range of different infections, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, each STI presents with different symptoms and each will require a different kind of test. For STIs like genital ulcers, lumps, or rashes, a physical examination at a sexual health clinic (GUM clinic) is recommended. Other STIs, especially those without symptoms, can be detected through urine tests, blood tests, or swabs. One Day Tests offers self-tests for various infections, typically using PCR tests to identify genetic material from different infections.

Chlamydia


Chlamydia is one of the infections that can be tested by PCR testing. It is one of the most common STIs in the UK. It is particularly common in men and women under the age of 25 and the NHS recommends that sexually active people in this age group get tested annually for chlamydia and after any episode of unprotected sex with a new or casual partner.


About 50% of infected men will show no symptoms of chlamydia but the infection may cause burning during urination, discharge from the urethra, or anus, and pain and swelling in the testicles. Untreated, chlamydia can eventually cause long-term damage to the testicles which can impact male fertility, but the most feared complication of chlamydia is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in women which often leads to fertility problems. It is for this reason that men mustn’t transmit chlamydia to women. Fortunately, chlamydia is usually very straightforward to treat with a short course of antibiotics.


Gonorrhoea


Gonorrhoea can also be identified with self-performed urine or swab testing. Similarly to chlamydia, it can cause discomfort during urination which is usually accompanied by discharge from the penis or anus. About 10% of people will experience no symptoms but these infections will still be picked up by testing. It is a bacterial infection and can also be treated with antibiotics.


Trichomoniasis


(Caused by the parasite Trichomonas Vaginalis) can cause no symptoms in up to half of people. When it does cause symptoms, men usually get discharge from the penis, pain on urination and irritation and swelling of the foreskin or the head of the penis. Trichomoniasis can be treated with a course of an antibiotic called metronidazole.


Mycoplasma Genitalum


Mycoplasma Genitalum is the last of the infections that can be picked up on a self-performed urine or swab sample. It is often not included in routine sexual health screenings although as many as 1 in 50 people may carry the bacteria. It often causes no symptoms and no lasting harm, but it can cause discharge, pain on urination, and testicular pain. Like the infections described above, it can be treated with antibiotics.

STI male consultation

Blood Borne Viruses

Blood borne viruses include HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Each of these is carried in the blood of those infected and can be transmitted by exposure to that blood, such as needle sharing or unsterilised tattoo equipment, or have been given a blood transfusion in a country that does not check for these infections in blood products. However, they can all also be acquired through sexual contact.


HIV


HIV is often the most feared STI due to its potential to cause serious, life-threatening complications if undetected and untreated. However, modern treatments have transformed the outlook for people with HIV, enabling them to live normal, long lives and reducing the likelihood of transmission. Early detection and treatment are crucial.


In the early stages, HIV may cause a brief flu-like illness, but it often remains symptomless for a long time while silently damaging the immune system, leading to AIDS. Blood tests for HIV typically check for HIV 1 (found worldwide) and HIV 2 (more common in West Africa). HIV has an incubation period of up to 90 days, so testing should be done (or repeated) 90 days after potential exposure.


Additionally, the P24 test detects a protein produced by the virus, which can be identified 2 to 3 weeks after exposure but usually disappears after 1 to 2 months. Ideally, an HIV test should include all three components for the most accurate results.


Hepatitis B


Hepatitis B primarily affects the liver and, while not common in the UK, is more prevalent in other parts of the world. Men who engage in sexual activity abroad are at a higher risk. Hepatitis B often presents no symptoms or only mild ones, such as abdominal pain, fever, fatigue, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).


Most individuals recover from hepatitis B within 1 to 3 months. However, in some cases, the infection becomes chronic, potentially leading to severe liver damage and, ultimately, liver failure. If diagnosed with hepatitis B, antiviral treatments are available, typically under the care of a liver specialist.


Hepatitis C


Hepatitis C is similar in many respects to hepatitis B. It often causes no symptoms until late in the illness when significant liver damage has occurred which can take many years. Like hepatitis B, it can be treated with antiviral medication under the care of a liver specialist.


Syphilis


This is a bacterial infection that initially causes sores or lumps in the anogenital region and sometimes fever, swollen glands, or a rash on the palms and soles. These symptoms sometimes disappear on their own, but this does not mean that the infection has gone.


Before treatment was available, syphilis would often progress to cause severe complications and, ultimately, death. Thankfully it is now easily treated with antibiotics. There are several blood tests for syphilis. At One Day Tests, we test for ‘IgG’. This will tell you if you have ever had an infection, but not necessarily if you have a current infection. A positive result should therefore prompt some further investigations.


Herpes


Beyond the infections previously mentioned, some STIs are more challenging to diagnose with blood tests or swabs and require a medical professional's evaluation. Herpes is a prime example, caused by a virus similar to the one that causes cold sores around the mouth.


Herpes typically manifests as painful blisters, sores or ulcers around the genitals, especially during the first outbreak. These ulcers will eventually disappear but tend to recur periodically, with subsequent outbreaks generally becoming less severe and less frequent. While herpes can often be diagnosed through a physical examination, a special swab is ideal for confirming the infection, usually performed at a sexual health clinic. Although herpes cannot be cured, antiviral medication can reduce the duration and severity of outbreaks.

STI blood tests

Other Parasitic Infections

Parasitic infections, such as pubic lice and scabies, can cause severe itching. Scabies, in particular, is associated with a characteristic rash. Typically, these infections do not require diagnostic tests and are easily treated.


For many parasitic infections, the prognosis is excellent if treated promptly. As many of these infections cause few or no symptoms, regular screening is a prudent way to ensure everything is fine and to maintain peace of mind.

Men’s STI Checks With One Day Tests

Maintaining sexual health is crucial for overall well-being. Regular screening for STIs can help detect infections early, ensuring prompt treatment and reducing the risk of complications. Whether you are experiencing symptoms or simply seeking peace of mind, One Day Tests offers comprehensive blood tests for men to meet diverse needs.

Our Sexual Health Blood Tests

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an STI and an STD?

STI means ‘Sexually Transmitted Infection’ and STD means ‘Sexually Transmitted Disease’. They are basically just two slightly different terms for the same thing.

How can I test if I have an STI?

It depends which STI you are testing for but STIs are tested for using a variety of urine samples, swabs, and blood tests.

Can you test yourself for an STI?

Yes, self test kits using urine samples and swabs can be used to test for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas, and mycoplasma genitalum. These tests are easy to perform at home and you usually send them back to the lab through the post. 

What are 5 common symptoms of an STI?

STIs cause a wide range of symptoms but common symptoms in men are discharge from the penis, pain on urination, testicular swelling, rashes or ulcers, or bumps on the genitals. Often STIs cause no symptoms at all but you may still infect other people. 

Is an STI curable?

Most STIs are straightforward to cure, this includes infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomonas. Others, such as hepatitis B and C can be cured but will need specialist treatment. Some STIs cannot be cured, this includes herpes which tends to recur throughout life, and HIV which cannot be cured but can be effectively managed with modern treatments.

Which STIs are not curable?

Some STIs cannot be cured, this includes herpes which tends to recur throughout life, and HIV which cannot be cured but can be effectively managed with modern treatments.

What does chlamydia look like in men?

Often chlamydia causes no symptoms in men but you may still be infectious. When symptoms do occur, they usually include pain when peeing, discharge from the penis and testicular pain or swelling.

Can you have an STI without knowing?

Yes, it is very common to have an STI without symptoms. This is why it is recommended to test regularly if you have new or multiple partners.


Can an STI lay dormant for years?

Some STIs do remain in the body without necessarily causing symptoms. The herpes virus lays dormant in the nervous system and may reactivate periodically. HIV often causes a mild ‘flu-like illness initially and then may cause no symptoms for some time until it causes a problem with the immune system.


If syphilis is untreated then this too can lay dormant for years and then re-emerge to cause health problems later in life – this is very uncommon now but was common in the era before antibiotics. Even more straightforward STIs like chlamydia are unlikely to go away by themselves although the symptoms may settle.

What is the easiest STI to catch?

This is difficult to say, but chlamydia is the most common STI in the UK and is easily passed from person to person so this is the most likely STI to catch.

How quickly do STIs kick in?

This depends on which STI, but most STIs have an incubation period (the time between contracting the infection and showing symptoms) of about 14 days.

What can be mistaken for an STI?

Many things have similar symptoms to an STI. Urinary tract infections cause burning when you pee like some STIs, and some skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema or fungal infections may look like an STI.

Which STI is also known as a silent disease?

Chlamydia is sometimes known as a ‘silent disease’ because it frequently causes no symptoms, but this is not unique to chlamydia.

What do STI bumps look like?

This depends on the infection. Herpes causes small blister-like lesions that may then turn into ulcers. Genital warts cause bumps that may look like smooth, fleshy lumps, or may have a more cauliflower-like appearance. Syphilis can also cause warty-looking lumps around the genitals or anus. If you have any skin lesions like this, it is best to be seen by a doctor or sexual health nurse.

What are the first stages of STI?

The first stage of most STIs is the incubation period when you have contracted an infection but have no symptoms. Symptoms after this depend on the infection.

What are 3 warning signs or symptoms of chlamydia?

For men, 3 warning signs for chlamydia are pain when peeing, discharge from the penis and pain and/or swelling of the testicles. Although it is important to remember, there may be no symptoms.

Does chlamydia go away?

No. The symptoms may settle but the infection usually lingers without treatment.

What does gonorrhoea look like?

The typical symptom of gonorrhoea in a man is a thick green or yellow discharge from the penis or anus, although it may cause no symptoms at all.

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