Engaging in sexual activity is not a crime, whether you're married or not. However, if you lack knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and don't undergo regular screenings while maintaining an active sex life, you risk contracting them. Although many of these infections are curable, it's crucial to have a good understanding of both.
Men, in particular, often hesitate to discuss their sexual activities with healthcare providers and may ignore the importance of regular STI and STD screenings, especially if they have multiple sexual partners or engage in unprotected sex. Some men believe that they are immune to infections, but this is a misconception. To shed light on the subject, we've taken the initiative to provide information on STIs and STDs. Let's explore:
STIs and STDs
The key difference between an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) and an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) is that an STI is an infection that can develop into an STD if left untreated. When an infection is transmitted to a man, the virus or bacteria starts multiplying in his body, potentially leading to a severe disease.
One of the significant challenges with STIs is that they often show no symptoms when first contracted. However, as the infection progresses to an STD, it can cause various health issues.
Body fluids or skin contact can spread bacteria, viruses, or parasites that cause infections. Additionally, infections can be transmitted through non-sexual activities, such as sharing needles with someone who has HIV. It's important to note that not all STIs progress to become STDs; for instance, human papillomavirus (HPV) often clears up without becoming an STD but can lead to genital warts or cervical cancer.
STIs in Men
If you're sexually active, it's essential to be aware of the STIs you might contract if you're not cautious. Here are some common STIs in men:
1. Chlamydia
This bacterial STI is one of the most prevalent infections in the US. It often presents no symptoms until several weeks after transmission. Common symptoms in men include pain during urination, penile discharge, and swollen testicles.
2. Gonorrhea
Another bacterial STI, Gonorrhea, can be transmitted through anal, oral, or vaginal sex, affecting the throat, anus, and urethra. Although most men infected with gonorrhea do not display any symptoms, some of the most common symptoms that may occur are pain while urinating and a green, white, or yellow discharge from the penis. Along with that, there are some less common symptoms that you may also display, such as swollen or painful testicles, painful joints, and rashes on your body.
3. Hepatitis A
The hepatitis A virus is responsible for causing Hepatitis A, a condition that typically resolves without the need for medical intervention. Nonetheless, it is notable for its high level of contagion. Infection can occur through various means, such as consuming food or water that has been contaminated, ingesting raw shellfish that carries the virus, or engaging in unprotected sexual activity with an individual infected with Hepatitis A. While there isn't a specific cure for this infection, there are available treatments aimed at alleviating the symptoms associated with Hepatitis A.
4. Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is the underlying cause of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) known as hepatitis B, with prominent symptoms often affecting the genital area in men. Additionally, it can lead to potentially severe liver inflammation. This infection can be contracted through exposure to the blood or bodily fluids of an individual infected with Hepatitis B. Although Hepatitis B may initially remain asymptomatic, it is sometimes mistaken for a common cold or flu. In the event that symptoms do appear, they can include a loss of appetite, fatigue, a low-grade fever, muscle and joint discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. Timely treatment for Hepatitis B is crucial because the virus can continue to harm the liver, even when symptoms are not evident.
5. Herpes
The herpes simplex virus, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect men in either their oral or genital regions, is the cause of herpes. In either case, it can result in the development of blisters on the fingers. Transmission occurs through direct contact with the mouth or genitals of an infected person. For men, herpes symptoms can appear within 2 days to 2 weeks following transmission. Common symptoms in men include a general feeling of unwellness, fever, loss of appetite, swollen or tender lymph nodes in the groin, muscle aches in the lower back, buttocks, thighs, or knees, as well as the formation of blisters on the lips, tongue, gums, genital area, and other parts of the body. Sensations like tingling, itching, and burning often precede the appearance of these blisters.
6. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is among the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affecting men today. HPV encompasses both low-risk and high-risk strains. Low-risk strains may lead to the development of genital warts, while high-risk strains can potentially result in cancers of the anus, throat, and penis. This STI is primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during oral, anal, or vaginal sexual activity. Common symptoms in men may include the presence of genital warts and warts in the mouth.
7. Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be acquired through oral, anal, or vaginal sexual contact. It progresses through four distinct phases, and symptoms in men may encompass painless sores, skin rashes, fatigue, a sore throat, and headaches.
Preventing STIs and STDs
Preventing STIs and STDs is vital, and many men underestimate its importance. Abstaining from physical contact isn't a guarantee of safety. Using condoms during sexual intercourse can be highly effective in reducing the risk of infection, even though they don't provide complete protection against all STIs.
Regular check-ups are a must. Getting tested for STIs and STDs ensures early detection and appropriate treatment if necessary.
In Conclusion
While discussing your sexual life with a healthcare provider might be uncomfortable, it's crucial to be aware of the existence of STIs and STDs. Being careless can lead to infection, potentially affecting your partner as well. Enjoying a healthy and pleasurable sexual life is important, but taking the right precautions and being responsible is equally vital.
Written by: Deepti Dogra
Edited by: Aniket Joshi