Although today’s technology allows easy access to information with just a fingertip, many gentlemen still lack knowledge about diseases related to their own genital organs or diseases related to the penis.
The reason we should study these topics is to be able to observe when our genital organs have symptoms of illness or abnormalities. Sometimes, these may be warning signs of certain diseases.
Even though sometimes we have a healthy body, some diseases may cause slight abnormalities. If we have some understanding of these issues, at least it helps us not to neglect small matters that could lead to serious diseases.
1. Gonorrhea
This is a contagious disease that can occur in both men and women through sexual intercourse. It is caused by the bacteria believed to be “Neisseria Gonorrhoeae,” which can grow well in mucous membranes. Risk factors for this disease increase with frequent partner changes or having multiple sexual partners. It also commonly occurs in young people who have unprotected sex.
Symptoms of gonorrhea infection in men include
- Pain or burning sensation during urination
- Discharge of pus from the tip of the penis, which may occur after sexual intercourse
- Inflammation of the foreskin at the tip of the penis
- Pain, swelling, and bruising in one of the testicles
Diagnosis of gonorrhea in men
Gonorrhea diagnosis can be done in several ways. In men, it usually involves urine testing or collecting fluid samples from the tip of the penis. Patients must refrain from urinating for at least 2 hours before sample collection.
Treatment of gonorrhea
Patients with gonorrhea can be treated with antibiotics. After 2-3 days of medication, symptoms improve. After 1-2 weeks, patients must revisit the doctor for follow-up even if symptoms have resolved. This is to ensure the bacteria have been completely eliminated or to check for reinfection.
2. Genital Herpes
This is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infecting the genital area, causing pain, itching, blister-like sores on the penis, and sometimes pain during urination.
Causes of genital herpes
Genital herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), which can be divided into two types: HSV-1, which causes herpes on the mouth and genitals, and HSV-2, which primarily causes genital herpes.
Diagnosis of genital herpes
Generally, genital herpes is diagnosed by physical examination, but in some cases, other diagnostic methods such as viral culture or blood tests may be required.
Treatment of genital herpes
Currently, genital herpes cannot be completely cured, but antiviral medications such as Acyclovir and Valacyclovir can be used to treat and relieve symptoms. These medications help sores heal faster in newly symptomatic patients, reduce severity, shorten duration, and decrease recurrence frequency. They also reduce the chance of transmitting the virus to others. Doctors may prescribe these medications as soon as symptoms appear.
3. Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)
This is a chlamydia infection (Chlamydia Trachomatis) transmitted through sexual intercourse, mostly infecting the reproductive organs or anus. Patients often have swollen lymph nodes on one side, with small bumps or sores on the genitals first. Then, the lymph nodes in the groin become inflamed, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
Symptoms of lymphogranuloma venereum
Stage 1: Symptoms appear within 3 weeks after infection. Patients develop small raised bumps, which may resemble urethritis symptoms and may affect reproductive organs and lymphatic vessels in the penis.
Stage 2: Symptoms may worsen, with soft, clear lumps in the groin lymph nodes. Fever, headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and joint pain may occur.
Stage 3: Chronic inflammation may cause abscesses, lymphatic blockage, rectal deformities, and infected colon. Ulceration may occur, leading to reproductive organ abnormalities.
Treatment of lymphogranuloma venereum
Treatment can be done in two ways: medication and surgery. Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and prevent bacterial damage to other tissues. Surgery is needed for patients with abscesses or swollen lymph nodes to drain fluid and relieve symptoms. Some cases with complications require surgical treatment.
4. Syphilis
This is caused by bacterial infection through sexual intercourse. Symptoms include rashes or sores on the skin and may lead to serious complications if untreated.
Causes of syphilis
This disease is caused by the bacterium “Treponema Pallidum,” which can be transmitted through direct contact with sores of infected individuals, especially during sexual intercourse. Therefore, syphilis is classified as a sexually transmitted disease. It can also be transmitted through sharing needles or receiving blood from others.
Treatment of syphilis
Generally, syphilis can be treated with penicillin antibiotics. Although early symptoms may appear and disappear, the bacteria remain in the body, so proper treatment is necessary before the disease progresses to affect other body systems. During treatment, sexual activity should be avoided to prevent spreading the disease, and sexual partners should also be tested.
Besides the four diseases mentioned above, there are other diseases that can affect the penis of gentlemen. Therefore, if you have suspicious symptoms as described, do not be shy or think that minor symptoms are not serious. At least initially, you should see a doctor for a general examination or directly consult a specialist before it is too late.
