Symptoms and Signs of Penis Infection Caused by an STI - Verywell Health
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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause symptoms on the penis or other areas around the groin. Some symptoms can be relatively mild, while others can cause problems ranging from pain to infertility and cancer.
This article discusses common signs symptoms of an STI on both the penis and other parts of the body. It also describes several non-STI-related conditions that can cause many of the same symptoms.
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Penile Symptoms
STIs often cause symptoms that affect the penis or groin area. These symptoms can be caused by things other than an STI but, just to be safe, have it checked out by a doctor.
If you have an STI, there are five common symptoms that can affect the penis:
- Penile pain or discomfort: Pain or discomfort with urination or ejaculation may also be a sign of an STI.
- Discharge from the penis: A thick white, yellow, or green discharge from the tip of the penis may be a sign of gonorrhea. A clear discharge may be an indication of chlamydia.
- Single sore on the penis: With syphilis, a hard, painless sore (called a chancre) may appear on the penis.
- Painful blisters: A cluster of painful or itchy red spots or blisters on the penis or scrotum may be a sign of genital herpes. Typically, the pain or itching comes first, followed a day or two later by the appearance of blisters.
- Swollen testicles: Orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) can be caused by many things, but STIs like gonorrhea or chlamydia are the most common causes. There may also be pain and a sensation of heaviness.
Other Symptoms
STIs can cause symptoms elsewhere on the body. Some may involve other parts of the male genitalia or the body as a whole:
- Anal blisters or sores: Clusters of tiny, painful blisters on the anus are indicative of genital herpes passed through anal sex. Anal sex can also lead to a large, open sore on the anus due to syphilis.
- Swollen lymph nodes: Swollen lymph nodes in the groin (called inguinal lymph nodes) are common with many STIs. With HIV, swollen lymph nodes are common around the neck (called cervical lymph nodes).
- Itchy pubic hair: Itchy pubic hair can occur with pubic lice ("crabs"). if you look closely, you will likely see grey or brownish eggs attached to the base of the hair shaft and may even see lice crawling on the skin
- Linear red, itchy bumps: A scabies infestation will cause red, itchy bumps, which typically appear in lines. Scabies can affect the genital and other parts of the body as well.
- Widespread rash: Widespread rash can develop in some people who have recently been exposed to HIV. The same can occur with secondary syphilis, the form of the disease that develops years after the initial syphilis infection
- Flu-like symptoms: Headache, fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue affect many people during the early stages of HIV.
Some of these symptoms are easily confused with other conditions. Because of this, it is important to consider whether an STI is involved if odd symptoms appear shortly after sexual contact, particularly if no condom was used.
Non-STI-Related Conditions
Sometimes penis infections happen for other reasons besides an STI. Because of this, you not should be embarrassed to seek a diagnosis if you have symptoms of an STI. It may end up being nothing or, in rare instances, it could be something far more serious that requires immediate medical treatment.
Examples include:
- Balanitis: Pain and inflammation of the head of the penis, most often in uncircumcised males
- Penile yeast infection: Also known as penile candidiasis, caused by a fungus known as Candida albicans
- Testicular torsion; A medical emergency involving the abnormal twist of a testicle
- Penile cancer: A rare type of cancer that can cause a sore on the penis, trouble urinating, and a penile discharge
In the end, only an STI test can tell whether you have an STI or not.
How to Tell Your Partner You Have an STI
It can be hard to tell your partner (s) that you have an STI, especially if you acquired it as a result of having sex with someone else. Here are some tips that may be helpful:
- Tell your partner as soon as possible so they can get treatment if necessary.
- Realize that your partner may be upset, scared, or angry.
- Answer any questions your partner has and let them express their feelings.
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
If you notice symptoms commonly associated with STIs, think you make be at risk for one, or notice any changes to your penis or testicles, call your healthcare provider. The sooner you are diagnosed and treated, the better, and the less likely you will spread an infection to a sexual partner.
If you are sexually active, particularly if you have multiple partners, let your healthcare provider know during routine check-ups so you can be tested for STIs if necessary.
Summary
Many sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) like syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes can cause symptoms involving the penis and/or scrotum. These include pain with urination, pain with ejaculation, swollen testicles, a visible discharge from the penis, and penile sores.
STIs can also cause symptoms in other parts of the body or the body as a whole. These include swollen lymph nodes, anal sores (associated with anal sex), itchy pubic hair, widespread rash, and even flu-like symptoms. Some of these are so non-specific that they can be easily mistaken for other medical conditions.
Symptoms alone cannot diagnose an STI. Only an STI test can confirm that.
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