Most Common STDs for Men

Most Common STDs for Men

STDs aren’t ever pleasant to think think about. However, it’s important for all sexually active men to at least have a cursory understanding of some common STDs –– if for no other reason than to maintain their own health and the health of their partners. Today we’re going to focus on the most common STDs for men (and to see our list on common STDs women deal with, click here) and impart some valuable knowledge on several widespread STDs:

HPV

Human papillomavirus, or HPV for short, is an extremely common STD affecting around 79 million Americans according to the CDC. Most people who are sexually active will contract it at some point in their life. And though it won’t often manifest itself in outward symptoms, it can cause big problems –– including cancer. This is more prevalent in women in men –– and though there currently isn’t an FDA-approved test for men with HPV, it’s still important for sexually active men to get tested for other STDs regularly. If not, you could inadvertently pass a potentially dangerous infection to your partner and not even realize it. 

Herpes

It’s important to note here that there are two different strands of herpes. The first, HSV-1 or “oral herpes” can be passed through non-sexual contact with saliva. It results in cold sores or blisters in the mouth, but just as often remains asymptomatic. HSV-2 or genital herpes, affects roughly 17 percent of the population between ages 14-49. It’s also important to note that because herpes is a virus, it cannot be cured with antibiotics.

Gonorrhea

Though gonorrhea can also present major health concerns for women who contract it, most won’t experience the outward symptoms of the disease. Men with gonorrhea however, are more likely (about fifty percent of the time) to exhibit outward manifestations including pain while urinating, green or white discharge while urinating, and itching or burning around the urethra. Gonorrhea can also exhibit flu-like symptoms. Left untreated in men, gonorrhea can lead to epididymitis –– which is as unpleasant as it sounds.

HIV

Every sexually active person should be wary of contracting HIV. At this point, that should be obvious. However, men, and gay men who engage in anal sex in particular should take extra precautions. That’s because while HIV can be transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex, it’s most common to occur during anal sex. Indeed, a disproportionate amount of people who get HIV are gay men.