Most men (or women) with a sexually transmitted infection (STD) have no symptoms at all. If people have symptoms during the early stages of an STD, the symptoms may be similar to those of other common viral infections, such as the flu or the common cold, and may include fever, headache, body aches, and fatigue. Most people who experience these symptoms would not assume they are the result of an STD. However, there are some more specific symptoms in men that indicate the presence of an STD.
If men have STD symptoms at all, the most common symptoms are:
- blisters on or around the penis
- bumps, spots or lesions on the penis
- clear, white or yellow discharge
- dripping from the tip of the penis (thick or thin)
- painful urination
- painful ejaculation
- rash on the penis, testicles or around the groin
- itching at the tip of the penis
Less common symptoms include:
- a sore throat
- fever
- chronic flu-like symptoms
- pain in the testicles
- swelling of the testicles
- swelling of the epididymis
- swelling of the urethra
- swelling of the joints
- rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding (after anal sex)
Symptoms for specific infections
Many STD symptoms overlap and can be caused by a number of different infections. The most common symptom men notice when they have an STD is, again, no symptom at all. However, there are a few that are often linked to certain STDs.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs in the US, with the CDC reporting nearly 1.6 million infections in 2016 alone. Chlamydia is caused by a bacterium and is usually asymptomatic in men.
Other possible symptoms of chlamydia in men include:
- Abnormal penile discharge (thick, yellowish-white, milky, or watery)
- Painful or frequent urination
- Pain, discharge or bleeding from the rectum
- Pain and swelling of a testicle
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is another common bacterial STD. Like chlamydia, it can be transmitted through anal, oral, or vaginal sex and often causes no symptoms.
Possible symptoms of gonorrhea in men include:
- Pus-like discharge from the penis
- Painful urination
- Pain, discharge or bleeding from the rectum
- Constipation and pain during bowel movements
Herpes
Herpes is a common viral infection that can affect the mouth or genitals. The virus is transmitted through direct oral or genital contact with someone who is infected, which often happens through sexual contact, but not always.
Symptoms of herpes include sores and blisters that usually develop around the mouth or genitals. However, people can have the virus for years without breaking out in sores or developing symptoms. Additionally, people can sometimes mistake the sores from a herpes outbreak for other skin conditions, such as pimples.
Symptoms that men with herpes may develop include:
- Ulcers, blisters or sores on the penis
- Sores, blisters or sores on the anus, buttocks or thighs
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Pain in the body
- Swollen lymph nodes
HIV
Many men and women who contract HIV will experience flu-like symptoms within months of infection. Other common symptoms of early HIV infection include:
- Body rash
- Fever or chills
- A sore throat
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Mouth ulcers
- Muscle pain and joint pain
- Night sweat
Syphilis
Syphilis is an increasingly common STD caused by bacteria. Syphilis has four different phases, each with different symptoms. During the first phase, a painless ulcer develops at the site of infection, such as the penis, scrotum or anus. Symptoms of the second stage include a rash that is not itchy, fatigue, sore throat, headache, or swollen lymph nodes. In the latent stage of syphilis, the symptoms disappear and the infection appears to have disappeared. The fourth stage, called tertiary or late syphilis, can be very serious and cause complications such as heart damage, nervous system damage, joint damage, or damage to other parts of the body. Syphilis can even cause death if it reaches the fourth stage.
HPV
HPV is the most common STD and there are more than 150 different strains. The CDC estimates that most men and women will contract at least one strain of the virus at some point in their lives. The symptoms of HPV depend on which strain of the virus a person has. Most HPV are asymptomatic. Various strains cause genital warts, and these flesh-colored, painless bumps usually develop on the genitals or around the anus, mouth, and throat.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is an infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. Although hepatitis B can be transmitted sexually, it is an infection of the liver, meaning symptoms in the genital area go unnoticed.
Most people infected with hepatitis B have no symptoms. Other symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Stomach ache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Joint pain
- Fever
- Dark colored urine
- Pale, clay-colored stools
- Jaundice (yellow eyes and skin)
While this post can serve as a brief overview of the symptoms to look out for if you’re concerned you may have an STD, it is not a substitute for knowing if you have an infection, and the only way to know for sure is by getting tested. regularly. The most important thing to remember is that being asymptomatic does not mean you don’t have an STD.