Everlywell Male STD Test

Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Generally, individuals will experience no symptoms, leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. However, the infection can be treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, men may develop a painful infection in the testicles and prostate, leading to reduced fertility. Rarely, it can spread into the bloodstream and cause a life-threatening sepsis infection.

Caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, syphilis is commonly divided into states: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. The primary and secondary stages are the most infectious and cases are on the rise, with an over 9% increase of reported cases in men in 2021. Syphilis is curable with antibiotics, but damage that has already occurred due to the infection may be irreversible. If left untreated, syphilis can cause tumors, blindness, paralysis, damage to the nervous system, brain and other organs, and death.

The hepatitis C virus is a bloodborne virus that causes a liver infection. Most commonly, HCV is transmitted through needles or blood exposure and rarely through sexual intercourse. The virus can be cured easier than in the past with updated treatment options, but if left untreated can result in liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death.

HIV spreads through exposure to bodily fluids, whether through sexual intercourse or blood. It attacks and impairs the body’s immune cells, progressively weakening the immune system and, if left untreated, fan progress to AIDS. Unfortunately, HIV is not curable, but there are treatments today that can keep the virus at undetectable levels so you are able to live a long, healthy life.

Chlamydia is caused by a bacteria, Chlamydia trachomatis, and is considered a very common sexually transmitted infection. Most people experience no symptoms, which is why transmission rate is high, but it can be easily treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, men may experience a urethral infection and complications, including swollen and tender testicles.

A very common infection often referred to as “trich,” trichomoniasis is caused by the protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. Roughly 70% of people with this infection won’t develop symptoms. However, if left untreated, men will be more at risk of contracting HIV or other STDs, or can develop epididymitis, prostatitis, and infertility.