STI Testing Helps Maintain Sexual Health

Uh-oh! What’s that suspicious looking sore on the penis there? Many guys have had a scare or two when inspecting their penis health, wondering if they might have contracted an STI (sexually-transmitted infection) somewhere along the way, especially if they don’t practice safe sex. Maintaining good sexual health is crucial both for a man and for his partner or partners, and those not in strictly monogamous relationships should be getting STI tests on a regular basis.

Who needs an STI test?

This is a subject of some debate, with some people arguing that everyone should have an STI test at least once in their lives (upon reaching the stage of sexual activity). Others maintain that not everyone needs one. In general, however, it is agreed that every person who is sexually active and does not always follow safe sex practices (including sex with a condom) should be tested. The need for testing tends to increase if a person has more than one sex partner, if that person’s partner has sex with other people (and especially if they don’t practice safe sex with those people). Even people who always use a condom may want to be tested at least occasionally, as condoms cannot offer 100% protection.

Men who are in situations in which they are likely to come into contact with partners with HIV should be especially careful. This includes men who have sex with men (whether exclusively or not), as well as men having sex with drug users who may share needles. In addition to using condoms, men in such situations may wish to consider using pre-exposure prophylaxis.

How often should one get an STI test?

This is also a subject of some debate. Men who are at greater risk of contracting an STI are encouraged to be tested every 3 months. Men who are not sexually active on a regular basis may prefer to get tested less often, and some men find better peace of mind if they are tested more frequently. Certainly if a person has symptoms that are consistent with an STI, then they should be tested promptly. As with so many conditions, the more quickly an STI is diagnosed, the more quickly treatment can begin and the more likely the outcome will be positive.

What are the tests like?

For many STIs, a urine and/or blood sample will be collected and tested. If a person displays symptoms of herpes, a swab of the symptomatic area may also be taken. Similarly, if a person displays a sore consistent with those caused by syphilis, a swab of the fluid from the sore will be obtained. Men who engage in receptive anal sex may be asked to submit an anal swab.

Knowing whether one has an STI is terribly important for one’s sexual health. Although it can be difficult, if a man discovers he has an STI, he needs to let his sexual partner(s) know - even if doing so reveals that he has been with partners outside of a supposedly monogamous relationship. (Remember, some STIs, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes can be obtained even if one just engaged in oral sex rather than penetrative sex.) If a man suspects he has contracted an STI, he should refrain from engaging in partner sex until he knows for sure; if he does not refrain, he should be sure to use condoms.

An STI test to maintain sexual health should remind a man to keep on improving his overall penis health via daily use of a first-class penis health oil ( health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin ). The best oil is going to contain a wide range of necessary vitamins, such as A, B5, C, D, and E. In addition, that oil needs to have L-arginine, an amino acid that plays a key role in helping to maintain the health of penile blood vessels.

Can Penis Bumps Signal an STI?

Often when a man talks about safeguarding his penis health, he’s specifically talking about making sure that he doesn’t come down with an STI (sexually transmitted infection). Certainly, an STI can be bad news for a man and any of his partners. It can severely limit his sexual activities and if not caught and treated in time can (depending upon the specific STI) have serious long-term consequences. Thus, a man may be on the lookout for any abnormalities that could signal the presence of an STI. This raises the question, "What about penis bumps? Could they mean that an STI is present?"

Penis bumps and STIs

The short answer is that yes, penis bumps can be a warning sign that alerts a man to the presence of an STI. But it’s also important to remember that (1) penis bumps are not always associated with an STI, and (2) they are not associated with all STIs.

In general penis bumps aren’t associated with some of the more severe STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis. (That’s not to say that a person cannot have one of these conditions and have penis bumps, merely that the bumps are not likely to be a symptom of the infection.) However, penis bumps are associated with several other STIS, including:

- HPV. Also known a human papillomavirus, HPV is the most common STI in the United States. In many cases, HPV does not cause immediate health problems. However, sometimes it is accompanied by the presence of genital warts. These can be very unsightly and most men will want to have them removed. A doctor can prescribe medicines that are typically effective in their removal. Of long term concern is the fact that HPV is associated with an increased risk of cancer, especially in women.

- Herpes. Both herpes simplex1 and herpes simplex 2 can cause outbreaks that resemble penis bumps. These small round bumps resemble blisters and are often quite painful, especially which touched. Fortunately, there are antiviral medications that can be used to help bring an outbreak under control.

- Molluscum contagiosum . Commonly just called MC, molluscum contagiosum are small, often flesh-colored bumps that often appear in clusters. They are benign and do not typically cause pain, except when irritated by excessive friction - which can occur when the penis is sexually active. Treatment usually involves freezing the bumps off. MC can be obtained by means other than sexual interplay; however, the virus that causes it often is passed on during intercourse.

A man with penis bumps that he believes could have an origin with an STI should consult with a doctor immediately.

Of course, while the above STIs can be associated with penis bumps, there are many other causes that have nothing to do with sexual contact. Pearly penile papules, Fordyce spots, ingrown hair follicles, blocked oil glands, food allergies and reactions to chemicals or friction can all describe or bring about penis bumps of one kind or another.

Hopefully, any penis bumps that occur on individuals reading this article will not be symptomatic of an STI. Attending to overall penis health through the use of a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can help the penis bounce back from non-STI-related bumps. It’s wise to select a crème that includes a wide range of vitamins, such as A, B5, C, D and E; applied through a topical crème, these vitamins will target the penis directly to receive their multitude of benefits. The crème should also include L-carnitine, which has neuroprotective properties that keep the penis sensitivity at a key level, even after rough handling.

Can Dry Penis Skin Mean an STI?

Even men who take extra pains when it comes to proper penis care may find that they occasionally get dry penis skin. There can be numerous reasons for this unwelcome occurrence, and usually the cause is fairly harmless. Sometimes, however, dry penis skin can be a sign of a deeper problem - such as the presence of a sexually-transmitted infection, or STI for short.

Not always an STI

As mentioned, there can be numerous other reasons for dry penis skin other than an STI. So what are some of those other causes?

- Lack of lubrication. One of the most common causes of dry penis skin is sex (either partner-based or solo) without sufficient lubrication. Sexual activity by nature requires a certain amount of friction on the penis to provide the stimulation that results in ejaculation and orgasm. But if the penis is not properly lubricated, that friction can cause damage to the skin, including dryness and flakiness.

- Dermatitis. One of the most common skin ailments, dermatitis usually results in a red rash and generally dry skin, often to the point of flakiness. Contact dermatitis is the most common form of dermatitis on the penis; as the name suggests, it results when the penis skin comes into contact with an irritant. Most often this is a chemical in harsh soaps or detergents that gets on the skin through showering or washing clothes with a detergent that is simply too strong.

- Psoriasis. Another skin issue, but this one is typically caused by a faulty immune system. Psoriasis is often marked by a scaly rash that also dries out the sensitive penis skin.

As annoying or uncomfortable as the above causes of dry penis skin may be, they are relatively benign. This is not necessarily the case with dry penis skin caused by an STI.

Several STIs can be (but by no means always are) associated with the presence of dry penis skin. These include:

- Gonorrhea. Dry penis skin is one of the less common symptoms of gonorrhea, but may appear, especially near the tip of the penis, which may also become swollen.

- Syphilis. Men with syphilis often do develop dry penis skin, especially during the secondary stage. It may present itself as dry patches, sometimes scaly. Because symptoms of syphilis are often similar to symptoms of other issues, it’s important to be tested for the condition if a man thinks he may possibly have it.

- Herpes. When the herpes virus is at its peak, it may cause some dryness to occur on or around the penis.

What to do

Men who are sexually active need to take steps to prevent an STI, including wearing condoms during sexual activity with a partner. Sexually active men who believe they might have contracted an STI need to immediately seek medical attention. If a doctor diagnoses an STI, he will then prescribe a course of treatment that must be followed closely. Untreated or under-treated STIs can do serious damage to a person.

Treating an STI is crucial, but a man may also need to take steps to treat the symptom of dry penis skin. Whatever the cause, most forms of dry penis skin respond well to regular use of an exceptional penis health crème ( health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Moisturizing is key, so select a crème that can do the job. Look for one that includes a combination of potent hydrators, such as natural Shea butter and vitamin E. Antioxidants are also useful when fighting dry skin, so select a crème that contains alpha lipoic acid, one of the most effective antioxidants around.

Penis Infection Quiz – How Much Do Men Know About Penile Health?

There are dozens of types of penis infections and all of them respond individually to different types of treatment. That's why it's vital for men to know about the various types of diseases that can affect their penile health, as well as the penis care steps they should take to avoid potentially serious illness.
To get started, this quiz offers a look at the most common infections that can attack the penis. Men can test their knowledge here by matching the diseases with the descriptions. Answers are provided at the end of the quiz. Good luck!

Key Terms
 
1) Syphilis
2) Yeast infection
3) Gonorrhea
4) Human papilloma virus
5) Trichomoniasis
6) Urinary tract infection
7) Chlamydia
8) Herpes

Definitions
 
A) This type of infection is more commonly associated with women, but men are also frequently affected. It can be passed from one partner to another during sex, although it is not specifically considered as a sexually transmitted disease. It is characterized by burning, itching, redness, and a whitish, chunky discharge. Men who are affected should be treated with antifungal medications, and their partners should be treated at the same time.

B) The parasite Trichomonas vaginalis causes this type of infection; men who are affected may also be more vulnerable to other social diseases. It often causes no symptoms at all, but it can be passed on to a partner, so regular testing is a must for all sexually active individuals.

C) This type of penis infection makes urination really uncomfortable; men may experience a burning sensation, as well as a frequent urge to urinate, often with little urine produced and a feeling that the bladder is not completely empty. Antibiotics are used to treat this infection; failure to treat it can lead to scarring of the urethral tissue and bladder, and may even lead to kidney infection.

D) This type of infection causes the appearance of blisters or open sores that tend to weep fluid and crust over. The sores may or may not be painful. While outbreaks of the sores may come and go, and some men never display any symptoms, the condition is always highly contagious. There is no cure for this viral infection, but medications can be used to keep the symptoms under control.

E) This STD can be hard to spot, as many men who are infected have no symptoms at all. Common symptoms when they do appear include itching, redness, discharge, fever, headache and urinary pain. Lab tests can positively identify this infection, which is easily treatable with antibiotics.

F) This is the most commonly reported STD in the United States. Symptoms of this problem include penile discharge and pain, and bleeding might also occur. This issue can be treated with medications.

G) This STD causes colorless, painless warts that look a little like mushrooms or cauliflowers. A man might have one, two or a hundred of these welts, and he could pass them along through sex. This type of infection has been linked to some types of cancer, so men who see these spots are encouraged to see a doctor. Men who are vaccinated against the disease before they become sexually active may be less likely to develop certain types of penile cancer.

H) The bacteria Treponema pallidum causes this particular type of STD. Men with this condition develop a hard, firm sore that typically doesn't hurt or itch; a spreading rash may also occur. Left untreated, this disease can lead to serious symptoms, including loss of cognitive function and eventually death. It's certainly serious, but when treated in the early stages with antibiotics, most patients make a full recovery.

Scoring
 
1) H
2) A
3) E
4) G
5) B
6) C
7) F
8) D

Reading up on penis infections isn't easy, but it might motivate men to take better care of their intimate tissues. A penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can help. Quality products provide the nutrients men need in order to build soft, smooth and sensitive skin, and applying a product daily gives a man an opportunity to check his equipment for symptoms of infection. That could be just the sort of thing that helps a man to catch problems early, so he can stay healthier longer.

Penile Discharge - a Red Flag for an STI

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are very common and can lead to diseases such as hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis. According to the American Sexual Health Association, more than half of all people will be affected at some point in their lives. It's important to understand and recognize the signs of STIs, because if a man waits too long, a minor infection can become a major problem. Be proactive with penis care to identify and prevent disease - check out five common red flags to manage this important health issue.

1. Penile discharge - Several changes to a man's penile discharge could occur if he has a sexually transmitted infection. His discharge may vary from slight to profuse, its color could change from clear to yellow or green and the discharge could become watery. In addition, penile discharge is often accompanied by a rash in the genital area and burning when urinating. If a man notices the first signs of penile discharge, he should seek prompt diagnosis and treatment from a genitourinary medicine or STD clinic.

2. Blood in the semen - Hematospermia, blood in the semen, impacts a man's genitourinary system, including his bladder and testicles. While blood in the semen has no definitive cause, it can be a sign of severe infections such as chlamydia or herpes. Like penile discharge, hematospermia is also frequently accompanied by side effects like painful urination and pain with ejaculation. Treatment for blood in the semen varies, and in many cases, the condition resolves itself over time.

3. Chancre sores - Chancre sores are small, painless sores on the part of the body where the infection was transmitted, most commonly the genitals, rectum, lips or tongue. A man could experience chancre sores within 10 days to 3 months of exposure to an infection. A single chancre sore could develop, but many chancre sores may appear as well. For the most part, chancre sores do not require treatment unless they last several weeks. In such cases, they could be a sign of an infection or other serious health problem.

4. Flesh-colored genital bumps - Small, flesh-colored genital bumps may appear around the genitals. These growths are pink or red and may look like the small parts of a cauliflower. Frequently appearing in groups of three or four, these genital bumps can grow and spread quickly. While flesh-colored genital bumps are typically not too painful, common side effects include bleeding, itching and mild pain. Genital bumps can be a sign of genital human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted viral infection. Genital bumps may disappear on their own, a process which can take several years in some cases; or they may be removed with prescription treatments or laser therapy.

5. Genital blisters - Often, genital blisters can be a sign of infection, regardless of whether they are painful or painless. Genital herpes and syphilis are among the most common causes of genital blisters. However, pimples and other acne-type lesions around the penis are normal. If men are unsure about genital blisters, they should consult a doctor for diagnosis.

The worst thing a man can do is delay treatment. Instead, it is vital to be proactive when it comes to men's health. An infection like this can have long-lasting effects on a man, his partner, his family, his friends and others. Men should understand the red flags described here to ensure that they can identify and control the impact before serious consequences occur.

A penis health formula (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) can have far-flung effects on men's penile health. Products like this help men control common problems such as penis irritation and inflammation. A top-notch creme also enables men to keep their skin soft and smooth. Don't ignore this important aspect of men’s health - use a top-notch creme to help alleviate or repair penis damage quickly and efficiently. Skin that is smooth, resilient and supple is more resistant to infection, not to mention more pleasurable for both the man and his partner.

STI Management– Tips for Coping and Self-Care

In spite of educational efforts and the easy availability of protection, the number of patients diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection, or STI, continues to increase each year, particularly among teenagers and young adults. This problem makes it clear that not everyone takes the risks seriously – at least until it happens to them.

At the first sign of penis blisters, sores, discharge, or anything else out of the ordinary, men are prone to panic, wondering who could have infected them and whether they are now doomed to a life alone, with no hope of enjoying sex again. A positive diagnosis of an STI can be truly devastating; not only in terms of the symptoms of the infection itself, but also in terms of the personal consequences. Fortunately, many STIs can be treated successfully, and with the right approach to penis care, men can overcome the physical and emotional effects and enjoy a happy, healthy, and safe sex life.

What is an STI, anyway?

A sexually transmitted infection is any infectious condition that is transmitted through sexual contact, whether through skin-on-skin contact or through the sharing of body fluids. Many STIs are caused by bacteria; these can generally be treated through a course of antibiotics. However, a large number of infections are viral in nature; while some of these may eventually be eliminated from the body, others are not curable, and those who have contracted them will face a lifetime of medications and the possibility of infecting a romantic partner.

Symptoms of STIs vary according to the cause, but many recognizable signs include fever, sore throat, blisters or warts on the genitals, itching, and discharge from the penis. On the other hand, it is important to keep in mind that not all infected individuals show any outward symptoms, but they can still pass the disease on to a partner. Therefore, safe sex and frequent testing are essential for all sexually active people.

Four tips for managing the physical and emotional effects

Aside from the uncomfortable and embarrassing physical symptoms of an STI, men who are infected face problems like loss of self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and relationship problems. The following tips can help men and their partners to manage these concerns and take the most positive steps possible toward recovery.

1. Know the enemy – understanding the disease and its implications is essential to treating it properly. Men who are infected should find out everything they can about the condition, as well as how it is treated, and should not be afraid to ask for help from trained medical professionals.

2. Stop the blame – it can be easy to feel hurt and betrayed when the signs of an STI appear. However, a sexually transmitted infection is not always a sign that a partner has been unfaithful. Either partner could easily have been infected in a previous relationship, so blaming one another is only likely to result in more hurt and distress.

3. Seek counseling­ – men who have a communicable disease often feel a great loss of self-worth and may feel socially isolated after contracting an infection. Joining a support group or talking to a sex counselor can be a good way to put things in perspective and learn how to manage the stress and anxiety.

Care for the penis – Adequate care not only helps the penis to look and feel better; it can also increase its resistance to certain types of infections and diseases and help it heal. Penis skin that is well-hydrated and free of blemishes, microscopic cracks resulting from dryness, and built-up smegma is more likely to be resistant to external invaders that can cause unpleasant symptoms. To keep the skin healthy and resilient, washing every day with a mild cleanser is a must. Following up a shower with application of a high-quality penis health formula  (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) helps to maintain moisture while nourishing the skin with vitamins and other nutrients that are designed to target penis health. In addition, it goes without saying that sexually active men should keep open lines of communication with partners about any exposure to an STI and should use protection for every encounter