STD treatment in men

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain a widespread problem among men and often require timely medical care. In many cases, infections may not cause pronounced symptoms for a long time, but at the same time gradually affect the condition of the genitourinary system.

That is why it is important not to delay seeking medical attention when even minor discomfort appears or when there are factors that increase the risk of infection. Early diagnosis makes it possible to detect the infection at the initial stage and begin treatment in a timely manner.

At the medical center “Oxford Medical”, modern methods of examination and therapy are used, which makes it possible to accurately determine the cause of the disease and select the optimal treatment strategy taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.

Sexually transmitted diseases in men are infections that are transmitted predominantly during sexual contact and affect the organs of the genitourinary system. Such diseases may have a different course and localization. Most often, a sexually transmitted infection in men affects the urethra, the prostate gland, or the testicles, but sometimes the infectious process may also spread to other organs.

This group includes various sexually transmitted infections in men, which differ in the cause of occurrence and the characteristics of the course. Some infections manifest themselves quite quickly, others may remain unnoticed for a long time.

At the same time, all male infectious diseases that are transmitted sexually require mandatory diagnosis and treatment, even if symptoms are absent.

The group of infections that are transmitted sexually includes a large number of diseases with different pathogens and courses. In clinical practice, male venereal diseases are divided depending on the type of infection.

The most common are:

• bacterial infections — gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia;
• viral — genital herpes, human papillomavirus, HIV;
• parasitic — trichomoniasis.

Situations in which several infections are detected simultaneously are also not uncommon. In such cases, the course of the disease may be less typical, and the diagnosis more complicated.

Each of these diseases has its own characteristics of the course and requires an individual approach to treatment. This is taken into account when choosing treatment tactics.

he first signs of venereal diseases in men may appear in the first days or weeks after infection. Often they are barely noticeable, however, it is exactly at this stage that treatment is the most effective.

The characteristic signs include:

• the appearance of mucous or purulent discharge, especially in the morning;
• a feeling of discomfort in the urethra without pronounced pain;
• slight redness or irritation in the area of the urethral opening;
• a change in sensations during urination (tingling, slight burning);
• enlargement or sensitivity of the inguinal lymph nodes;
• the appearance of isolated rashes or indurations in the genital area.

Such changes may quickly disappear or remain mildly expressed, so they are easy to miss. At the same time, even minor manifestations are grounds for consulting a doctor and undergoing an examination.

Diagnosis of infections that are transmitted sexually is a mandatory stage before the start of treatment. Genital diseases in men may have similar manifestations or proceed asymptomatically, therefore it is impossible to determine the cause only by symptoms.

During the consultation, the doctor clarifies the complaints, assesses possible risk factors, and conducts an examination. This makes it possible to determine which examinations are necessary in a specific case.

To confirm the diagnosis, laboratory methods are used:

• PCR diagnostics — allows the pathogen to be detected;
• bacteriological culture — is used to determine sensitivity to medications;
• microscopic examination of smears;
• blood tests for the main infections.

If a venereological disease in men is suspected, the doctor may also prescribe additional examinations in order to assess the condition of the genitourinary system and exclude complications. A comprehensive approach to diagnosis makes it possible to accurately determine the cause of the disease, assess its course, and select effective treatment.

Proper preparation for the examination is important for the accuracy of the results. Failure to follow the recommendations may affect the test indicators and complicate the detection of the infection.

Before an examination for sexually transmitted infections in men, it is usually recommended:

• to refrain from sexual contact for 2–3 days;
• not to use antiseptic products for intimate hygiene on the eve of the tests;
• not to take antibacterial drugs without a doctor's prescription;
• not to empty the bladder for 2–3 hours before taking a smear from the urethra;
• to avoid alcohol consumption for 1–2 days before the examination.

Following these simple rules helps to obtain reliable results and detect male sexually transmitted diseases.

Treatment of infections that are transmitted sexually is selected individually, taking into account the type of pathogen, the stage of the disease, and the general condition of the patient. That is why, if a sexually transmitted infection in men is suspected, it is important not to engage in self-treatment, but to consult a doctor.

The basis of therapy is medication treatment. Depending on the diagnosis, the following may be used:

• antibacterial drugs — for bacterial infections;
• antiviral agents — for viral infections;
• anti-inflammatory drugs — as part of comprehensive treatment to reduce the inflammatory process;
• supportive agents — according to indications to support body functions and recovery after infection.

In the case of a complicated course or chronic forms, treatment may be longer and include additional methods. For example, when the prostate gland is involved in the process, the doctor may recommend prostate massage as part of comprehensive therapy.

An important stage is also the treatment of the sexual partner and temporary abstinence from sexual contact during the period of therapy. This makes it possible to avoid reinfection.

After completion of the course of treatment, follow-up tests are обязательно carried out to make sure of the effectiveness of the therapy and the absence of infection.

In the absence of timely treatment, male venereal diseases may become chronic and may also provoke complications.

The most common complications:

• chronic inflammatory processes of the organs of the genitourinary system;
• prostatitis and damage to the prostate gland;
• inflammation of the testicles and their appendages;
• impairment of reproductive function;
• decrease in sperm quality;
• erectile disorders;
• spread of the infection to other organs.

Some genital diseases in men may be asymptomatic for a long time, but at the same time gradually lead to complications. That is why it is important not to ignore even minor manifestations and to undergo examination in a timely manner. Early detection of the infection and properly selected treatment make it possible to avoid most negative consequences and preserve male health.

Prevention of venereal diseases in men is based on following simple but effective recommendations.

Main preventive measures:

• use of barrier contraception during sexual contact;
• regular preventive check-ups and examinations;
• examination after changing a sexual partner;
• following the rules of intimate hygiene;
• timely consultation with a doctor when any symptoms appear.

It is also important to remember that sexually transmitted infections in men may be asymptomatic. Therefore, periodic examination is an important part of preserving health and preventing complications.

The cost of treatment depends on the type of infection, its course, and the required scope of examinations. In some cases, basic diagnostics and standard therapy are sufficient, whereas in a complicated or chronic process an extended examination and comprehensive treatment may be required. At the Oxford Medical clinic, patients can undergo the full cycle of medical services — from the initial consultation and diagnostics to monitoring the results of treatment.

You can ознакомиться with the prices for doctors' consultations here in advance. The doctor will inform you in more detail about the possibilities, the program, and the cost of treatment during the appointment. Book an appointment for a convenient time by phone or through the online booking form on the website.