Sexually transmitted disease (STD) is also known as venereal disease (VD). Both terms mean a bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infection that is passed on through unprotected sexual (vaginal, anal or oral) contact with an infected person. However, this does not mean that sex is the only way to transmit intimate infections. Depending on the specific pathogen, infections can also be transmitted through the use of shared needles or direct contact.

Symptoms of intimate infections in men

Intimate infections in men can be asymptomatic, which often results in unknowingly infecting others. Usually, the first symptoms are ignored by men or treated with “home methods”. This is because it’s embarrassing for most men, which makes them delay visiting a specialist. It should be emphasized that this behaviour is inappropriate and irresponsible as it can lead to serious health consequences such as infertility or the development of cancer.

Symptoms that should draw the attention of men are:

• pain or discomfort during intercourse;
• pain or discomfort when urinating;
• sores, bumps, or rashes on or around the penis, testicles, anus, buttocks, thighs or mouth;
• unusual discharge or bleeding from the penis;
• painful or swollen testicles.

Which doctor should you ask for help?

Intimate infections are diseases that must not be delayed. In the first place, you should contact your GP, who will provide you with the necessary and quick help. Depending on the severity of the infection and leading symptoms, he or she can refer us to specialists such as dermatologist/venereologist (skin lesions), urologist (pain and ailments of the urinary system) or gynaecologist (pain and ailments of the reproductive system).

Diagnosis of venereal diseases

In most cases, doctors are unable to diagnose the cause of an intimate infection based on symptoms alone. Therefore, it is recommended that tests be performed to confirm the diagnosis and establish the underlying pathogen. This is made possible by laboratory tests, especially those based on Real-Time PCR methods because each pathogen leaves its genetic trace. The test material may be a genital swab, depending on the site of the lesions – a penile swab or a urethral swab. Regardless of whether the material for the test is collected by medical personnel or independently at home, it should be handled based on the instructions of the diagnostic laboratory.

Testing is also recommended for people who change partners, even if they have no symptoms. The initial asymptomatic period of disease development may mask the multiplication of the pathogen, damage to organs and organs caused by it, and transmission to other people.

The genXone offer includes tests that enable the detection and identification of up to 20 pathogens causing urogenital infections during one analysis. The entire offer of tests for diagnosing urogenital infections is HERE.

Treatment of intimate infections

Most male intimate infections can be successfully treated or controlled. Early diagnosis is important in this regard. Identification of the pathogen allows for the implementation of targeted treatment. This is important because antibiotics will not work against viruses and antiviral drugs will not fight bacteria. In the event of co-infection (i.e. infection by several different pathogens), combination therapy with several preparations with a different mode of action may be necessary. For therapy to be effective, medicines should be taken by all sexual partners who are in contact with each other. It is also necessary to refrain from sexual activity during the treatment. In addition, remember to take the entire course of medications as prescribed by your doctor and do not stop treatment as soon as you feel better. If your symptoms do not improve after stopping treatment, tell your doctor immediately. Otherwise, there is a risk of chronic recurrence of infection and complications.