common STDs in Men symptoms and Signs

Published on 23 April 2025 at 21:23
Medical infographic showing a man's body with arrows pointing to different areas affected by STDs. Each arrow is labeled with a specific STD and the part of the body it commonly impacts—such as the genitals (herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia), mouth (syphilis

common STDs in Men symptoms and Signs

 

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), often present with a variety of symptoms in men. However, many STDs can be asymptomatic, meaning a person may have an infection without noticeable signs or symptoms.

 

General Symptoms of STDs in Men

- Unusual discharge from the penis or anus

- Pain or burning during urination

- Sores, blisters, or rashes on the genitals, anus, or mouth

- Itching or irritation in the genital or anal area

- Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the groin

- Pain or swelling in the testicles

- Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, sore throat)

- Unusual lumps or growths around the genitals or anus

 

Below are the symptoms of some of the most common STDs in men:

 

 

Chlamydia

- Often no symptoms

- Painful urination

- Penile discharge (cloudy or watery)

- Burning or itching around the penis opening

- Pain and swelling in one or both testicles (less common)

- Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding if infected rectally

 

 

Gonorrhea

- Frequently asymptomatic

- Painful urination

- White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis

- Pain or swelling in the testicles (less common)

- Rectal symptoms: itching, soreness, painful bowel movements, bloody discharge[1][3][5]

 

 

Herpes (HSV-1 or HSV-2)

- Tingling, itching, or burning sensation before sores appear

- Painful blisters or sores on the penis, scrotum, anus, buttocks, thighs, or mouth

- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin

- Flu-like symptoms: fever, muscle aches, feeling unwell

 

 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

- Most men have no symptoms

- Genital warts: flat, flesh-colored bumps or clusters with a cauliflower-like appearance on the penis, scrotum, or anus

- Rarely, warts in the mouth or throat[1][5]

 

Syphilis

Primary stage:  Small, firm, painless sore (chancre) on the penis, anus, or mouth; swollen lymph nodes near the sore

Secondary stage: Rash (often on palms or soles), sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, headache, hair loss

-Latent/Tertiary stages: Severe complications affecting multiple organs if untreated

 

 

Trichomoniasis

- Often asymptomatic

- Pain during urination or ejaculation

- Thin, white discharge

- Swelling or redness at the tip of the penis

 

 

HIV (Early Symptoms)

- Flu-like symptoms: fever, fatigue, sore throat, night sweats, diarrhea, joint pain

- Rash or ulcers in the mouth or elsewhere

- Symptoms may not appear for years after infection[5]

 

 

General Notes

- Many STDs can be present without symptoms, making regular testing important for anyone at risk.

- Symptoms may overlap with other conditions, so professional testing and diagnosis are essential.

 

If you suspect you have an STD or have been exposed, seek medical advice and testing from a healthcare provider or sexual health clinic. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and reduce the risk of spreading infections to others.

 

RELATED TOPICS: Men who have stds What Really happens?

Why STDs Are Spiking Among Men—and What You Can Do About It

The Silent Rise: Why STDs Are Spiking Among Men

Why STDs Are Spiking in Men: What You Need to Know

The Silent Spreaders: STDs Men Can Have Without Knowing

how to Tell what type of std you have as a man?

How do men get STDs

What are STD's?

 

 

Citations:

[1] Signs and Symptoms of Common STDs in Men - Healthline https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health-signs-of-common-stds

[2] Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sexually-transmitted-infections-stis/

[3] Signs and symptoms of STIs in men - Medical News Today https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323123

[4] Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) - Symptoms and causes https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240

[5] Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) in Men: Symptoms, Causes ... https://www.medcare.ae/en/health-library/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds-in-men-common-causes-signs-types-testing-treatment-more.html

[6] Pictures and Facts About STDs - WebMD https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/ss/slideshow-std-pictures-and-facts

[7] Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Information for Men - Healthline https://www.healthline.com/health/sexually-transmitted-diseases/men

[8] Sexually Transmitted Infections: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/s/sexually-transmitted-infections

[9] STD Symptoms in Men - Affinity Urgent Care https://www.affinitydrs.com/blog/std-symptoms-in-men

[10] Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) - Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9138-sexually-transmitted-diseases--infections-stds--stis

[11] STDs/STIs Symptoms, Testing, & Care | Gay or Bi Men & MSM https://carethatfitsyou.org/stds/

[12] Sexually transmitted disease (STD) symptoms - Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-symptoms/art-20047081

 

Add comment

Comments

There are no comments yet.