Sexually Transmitted
Diseases
In Men
(STDs)
Medical Revising Author: Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD
Medical Revising Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr, MD, FACP, FACR
Table of Contents
What are STIs and how can their spread be prevented?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that
are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including intercourse
(vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual devices, such as
vibrators. In the professional medical arena, STDs are referred to as STIs
(sexually transmitted infections). This terminology is used because many
infections are frequently temporary. Some STDs are infections that are
transmitted by persistent and close skin-to-skin contact, including during
sexual intimacy. Although treatment exists for many STDs, others currently are
usually incurable, such as HIV, HPV, hepatitis B and C, and HHV-8.
What is more, many infections can be present in, and be spread by, patients who
do not have symptoms.
The most effective way to prevent the spread of STDs is abstinence.
Alternatively, the diligent use of latex barriers, such as condoms, during
vaginal or anal intercourse and oral-genital contact helps decrease the spread
of many of these infections. Still, there is no guarantee that transmission will
not occur. In fact, preventing the spread of STDs also depends upon appropriate
counseling of at-risk individuals and the early diagnosis and treatment of those
infected.
In this article, the STDs in men have been organized
into three major categories: (1) STDs that are associated with genital lesions;
(2) STDs that are associated with urethritis (inflammation of the urethra, the canal through which
urine flows out); and
(3) systemic STDs (involving various organ systems of the body). Note, however,
that some of the diseases that are listed as being associated with genital
lesions (for example, syphilis) or with urethritis (for example, gonorrhea) can also have systemic involvement.
Next: Chancroid »
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