What Are the Symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Men?
Nov 02, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Yi
Introduction
1. Urethral pruritus: In males, this symptom is commonly associated with early-stage non-gonococcal urethritis or gonococcal urethritis.
2. Generalized rash: Characterized by light-red macules or dark-red papules distributed over the entire body—typically non-pruritic and non-tender; lesions may also appear around the palms and soles.
3. External genital warts: Typically located on the external genitalia or perianal region, presenting as multiple, infiltrative, grayish-white growths.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a common group of diseases primarily spread through sexual contact. Early detection is critical upon onset, as delayed diagnosis may lead to further transmission—with potentially serious consequences. Therefore, the symptoms that appear following an STI infection are of particular concern to many men. So, what symptoms might men experience when infected with an STI? Below, we address this question.
Common Symptoms of STIs in Men
1. Urethral Itching
Urethral itching in men often indicates early-stage non-gonococcal urethritis or gonococcal urethritis. Additionally, genital ulcers may occur: if the ulcer is round, indurated (cartilage-like hardness), painless, solitary, and soft, it is likely a chancre—characteristic of primary syphilis. If the ulcer has a jagged, irregular margin, is relatively shallow, painful, multiple, and covered with purulent exudate, it is more consistent with chancroid. If the ulcer evolves from clustered vesicles, is soft and tender, it is likely genital herpes.
2. Generalized Skin Rash
The appearance of light-red macules or dark-red papules over the entire body—typically asymptomatic (neither painful nor itchy)—along with “glove-and-sock”–type desquamation around rashes on the palms and soles, strongly suggests secondary syphilis. Furthermore, if the urethral meatus discharges thick, yellow, purulent discharge—especially pronounced upon waking—it may indicate acute gonorrhea. In contrast, a small amount of clear, mucoid discharge from the urethral meatus points toward non-gonococcal urethritis. Symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, dysuria, and nocturnal painful penile erections are highly suggestive of acute gonococcal urethritis.
3. Genital or Perianal Wart-Like Lesions
Multiple, infiltrative, grayish-white, flat, elevated papules or nodules appearing on the genitalia or perianal region—moist, prone to erosion, and malodorous—are characteristic of condyloma lata (flat warts), a manifestation of secondary syphilis. Conversely, cauliflower- or cockscomb-shaped, pedunculated, pinkish-red or grayish-brown wart-like growths on the genitalia or perianal area—easily bleeding upon trauma—are typical of anogenital warts (condyloma acuminatum), caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Lastly, discrete, dome-shaped, pearly-gray papules the size of millet grains—featuring central umbilication, a waxy surface sheen, and expressing a cheese-like substance upon puncture—are diagnostic of molluscum contagiosum.
The above outlines the most common symptoms associated with STIs in men. We hope this information proves helpful.
