If you are sexually active, there is a chance that you have been infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) when you engaged in sexual activities. In the US, it is reported that 50% of sexually active people will be infected with an STD in their lifetime. Signs that you have been infected with an STD include pain when urinating or painful lumps forming near the genitals. However, not all STDs develop symptoms, but some can develop into life-threatening diseases. If you suspect you have an STD, it is important that you visit an STD clinic in Singapore right away for diagnosis and treatment. Though both men and women can contract an STD, they affect them differently. Here are three STDs that commonly affect men.
Chlamydia
A bacterial infection, chlamydia is extremely common, mainly because it sometimes does not exhibit symptoms. Patients can be carriers for chlamydia and not feel any pain, but they can still transmit the infected to their sexual partners. In fact, about 50% of men who have chlamydia do not exhibit any symptoms. When symptoms do arise, they can be very painful – these include white discharge from the penis, pain when urinating and aching, swollen testicles. While these symptoms may not seem severe, it can be extremely uncomfortable. If you suspect that you have contracted chlamydia, the doctor at an STD clinic will test for the bacteria using a urine sample. Thankfully, chlamydia can be treated with courses of antibiotics, so if the doctor identifies the disease, you should be able to recover and get well soon.
HIV
Due to the prevalence of HIV transmission between bisexual and gay men, the disease is much more associated with men than women. HIV is known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and it is currently an incurable and lethal STD, transmitted through unprotected anal and vaginal sex. HIV is also dangerous because you cannot tell whether your partner has the virus; there are no visible symptoms seen. This virus can only be prevented from transmitting if protection is used – always wear a condom whenever performing anal or vaginal sex, so as to prevent the transmission of this disease. If you are worried about having HIV, do visit an HIV clinic in Singapore to get tested. Tests will usually involve some drawing of blood from the body. While there is no medicine available to get rid of the virus, HIV-positive individuals can live healthy, fulfilling lives for many years if they take antiretroviral medication that can suppress the effects of the virus. HIV is certainly an STD that everyone must be careful about.
HPV
Finally, to round off our list of top three STDs in men is the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is an STD that comes in many possible types or strands. Almost every sexually active person will come into contact with HPV in their lifetime. After all, it is the same virus that creates warts on your body. Patients are able to get rid of some strands of HPV, but there are some strands that will cause genital warts, which can be very painful. If you develop warts near your genital area, you may want to see a wart removal clinic to get them removed. Otherwise, HPV is mainly transferred through vaginal, anal or oral sex. Sometimes, close skin contact can transfer HPV too. See an STD doctor if you think you have contracted HPV and they will be able to tell you what the best course of action is.
Conclusion
STDs are preventable if you know how to have safe sex. While these STDs are affecting many men in Singapore, it is very much possible for you to avoid contracting all of these if you adhere to safe sex practices by using protection.
