Male STIs

Symptoms of STIs in men can vary depending on the infection. Some men develop symptoms within days, while others may not notice symptoms for weeks, months, or at all.

Common symptoms of male STIs include:

• pain or burning when passing urine

• discharge from the penis

• sores, blisters, ulcers, or lumps on or around the penis

• itching around the genitals

• swelling in the groin

• testicular pain or swelling

• pain during ejaculation

• lower abdominal or pelvic pain

• non-specific urethritis (inflammation of the urethra)

• rash on the body, hands, or feet

• flu-like symptoms, such as fever and fatigue

You should arrange a sexual health assessment if you develop any of these symptoms, particularly after unprotected sex or sex with a new sexual partner.

There are many different types of sexually transmitted infections. Some are caused by bacteria, some by viruses, and others by parasites.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial STIs in the UK, particularly in younger adults. 

Many men have no symptoms. But when symptoms do occur, they can include:

• pain when passing urine

• white, cloudy, or watery discharge from the penis

• testicular pain or swelling

• non-specific urethritis

• discomfort around the tip of the penis

Chlamydia is usually treated with antibiotics. Without treatment, it can lead to epididymitis, fertility problems, and ongoing pelvic pain.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection that can affect the penis, rectum, throat, and eyes. Symptoms often appear quickly.

Symptoms may include:

• green, yellow, or white discharge from the penis

• pain when passing urine

• testicular pain or tenderness

• inflammation of the foreskin

• rectal discomfort or discharge

Treatment usually involves antibiotics. Some strains of gonorrhoea are becoming resistant to antibiotics, so early diagnosis and specialist treatment are important.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite. It’s less common in men than in women, and many men do not develop symptoms.

Possible symptoms include:

• irritation inside the penis

• pain during urination or ejaculation

• discharge from the penis

• non-specific urethritis

The infection is treated with antibiotic medication.

Genital warts

Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They appear as small growths or lumps around the penis, anus, groin, or upper thighs.

Symptoms can include:

• small flesh-coloured or grey bumps

• itching or irritation

• bleeding during sex in some cases

Genital warts are not usually painful, but they can be distressing and may spread without treatment. Treatment options include creams, freezing treatment, or minor procedures to remove the warts.

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Once infected, the virus remains in the body, and symptoms can return in flare-ups.

Symptoms can include:

• painful blisters or sores around the penis or anus

• itching or tingling before blisters appear

• pain when passing urine

• flu-like symptoms during the first outbreak

Antiviral medication can help reduce symptoms, shorten flare-ups, and lower the risk of transmission.

Pubic lice

Pubic lice, also called crab lice, are tiny insects that live in coarse body hair, most commonly pubic hair. They spread through close physical contact.

Symptoms may include:

• itching in the genital area

• visible lice or eggs in pubic hair

• skin irritation or inflammation

• small blue spots or blood spots on the skin

Treatment involves medicated creams or lotions and washing clothing and bedding thoroughly.

Scabies

Scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. It spreads easily through close skin contact, including sexual contact.

Symptoms include:

• intense itching, especially at night

• a raised rash

• small burrow marks on the skin

• irritation around the genitals, buttocks, or thighs

Scabies is treated using medicated creams or lotions. Close contacts and household members may also need treatment.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that develops in stages. Early diagnosis is important because untreated syphilis can cause serious complications affecting the brain, heart, and nervous system.

Symptoms vary depending on the stage of infection and may include:

• painless sores or ulcers on the penis, anus, or mouth

• swollen glands

• a rash on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet

• flu-like symptoms

• patchy hair loss

Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin injections.

HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the immune system. Without treatment, HIV can weaken the body’s ability to fight infection.

Some people experience short-term flu-like symptoms after first becoming infected, while others have no symptoms for years. Symptoms can include:

• fever

• sore throat

• swollen glands

• fatigue

• rash

• weight loss in later stages

There’s currently no cure for HIV, but modern treatment allows most people to live long, healthy lives and reduces the risk of passing the virus to others.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections are not classed as STIs, but sexual activity can sometimes contribute to UTIs or make them more likely to occur. Some symptoms can also overlap with those of STIs.

Symptoms may include:

• burning or pain when passing urine

• needing to urinate more often

• cloudy urine

• lower abdominal discomfort

• testicular pain in some cases

UTIs are usually treated with antibiotics. Your consultant may recommend testing to rule out an STI if symptoms overlap.

Male STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi that spread during sexual activity or close physical contact.

Risk factors for developing an STI include:

• having unprotected sex

• having multiple sexual partners

• having a previous STI

• not using condoms consistently

• sharing sex toys without cleaning them properly

• having sex while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• having a partner with an untreated STI

Some infections, such as genital herpes, HPV, scabies, and pubic lice, can spread through skin-to-skin contact even if penetration does not occur.

At Welbeck, our specialists provide confidential STI testing and assessment. During your consultation, your consultant will ask about your symptoms, sexual history, and general health.

Depending on your symptoms, you may also need a physical examination.

Tests may include:

• urine tests

• blood tests

• swab tests from the penis, throat, or rectum

• examination of sores, blisters, or rashes

• tests for HIV and syphilis

• ultrasound scans if testicular pain or swelling is present

Some infections can be diagnosed quickly, while others may require laboratory testing. In some cases, repeat testing may be recommended if symptoms continue or if you were tested shortly after exposure.

While it’s not always possible to prevent STIs completely, there are several ways to reduce your risk.

Ways to help prevent STIs include:

• using condoms correctly during vaginal, anal, and oral sex

• attending regular sexual health screenings

• limiting how many sexual partners you have

• avoiding sex if you or your partner has symptoms of an infection

• discussing STI testing with new partners

• avoiding sharing towels or bedding in cases of scabies or pubic lice

• having the HPV vaccine if eligible

Regular testing is especially important because many STIs cause no symptoms.

Many STIs can be treated successfully, particularly when diagnosed early. However, untreated infections can sometimes lead to serious complications.

Possible complications include:

• infertility

• epididymitis (inflammation of the coiled tube (epididymis) at the back of the testicle)

• chronic pelvic or testicular pain

• prostatitis

• reactive arthritis

• increased risk of HIV transmission

• damage to the heart, brain, or nervous system in untreated syphilis

• long-term immune system damage from untreated HIV

Some infections can also affect emotional wellbeing, relationships, and confidence. Seeking treatment early can help reduce the risk of complications and improve long-term health outcomes.

Treatment depends on the type of infection, your symptoms, and your overall health. Your consultant will explain your diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Treatment options may include:

• antibiotics for bacterial infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis

• antiviral medication for herpes and HIV

• medicated creams or lotions for scabies and pubic lice

• cryotherapy or topical treatments for genital warts

• pain relief medication

• follow-up testing to confirm the infection has cleared

• partner notification and testing

At Welbeck, our men’s health specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure you receive the best possible treatment as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.