What Are the Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Men?
Jun 11, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Luo Yong
Introduction
Genital warts:
- Grayish-white, flat, elevated papules or nodules on the vulva or perianal area, often accompanied by a foul odor—most likely flat condyloma.
- Cauliflower-shaped or cockscomb-shaped, pedunculated warts that are light red or grayish-brown—most likely anogenital warts (condyloma acuminatum).
- If the lesion is a dome-shaped papule and caseous material can be expressed upon puncturing the apex, molluscum contagiosum should be considered.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as venereal diseases, are infections primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse and predominantly affect the genital area. The five classic STIs include syphilis, gonorrhea, chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum, and granuloma inguinale. Specific symptoms of STIs in males are as follows:
① Ulcers on the external genitalia
For example, a round, indurated (cartilage-like hard), painless, solitary ulcer is highly suggestive of chancre (primary syphilis); a soft ulcer with jagged, irregular margins, shallow depth, associated pain, multiple lesions, and purulent exudate strongly suggests chancroid; ulcers evolving from clustered vesicles, soft in consistency and painful, are typically indicative of genital herpes.
② Genital or perianal growths (lesions)
Multiple, infiltrative, grayish-white, flat, elevated papules or nodules appearing moist, easily eroded, and accompanied by a foul odor—typically seen on the external genitalia or perianal region—are characteristic of condylomata lata (flat warts). Pinkish or gray-brown, cauliflower- or cock’s-comb-shaped, pedunculated warty lesions in the same regions that bleed easily suggest condyloma acuminatum (genital warts). Small, millet-sized, dome-shaped papules with central umbilication, a waxy surface sheen, and expressing a cheese-like substance upon puncture—located perianally or on the external genitalia—are consistent with molluscum contagiosum.
③ Urethral discharge
Purulent, thick, yellowish discharge from the urethral meatus—especially prominent upon waking—is highly suggestive of acute gonorrhea; whereas clear, viscous, scant urethral discharge points toward non-gonococcal urethritis.
