Due to anatomical and reproductive physiological differences, many women may be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms when infected with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), making it difficult for them to detect the infection. Even if symptoms are present, women rarely consider the possibility of STDs, thus becoming asymptomatic carriers or sources of infection. In contrast, men often exhibit obvious symptoms after contracting an STD. For example, gonorrhea may present with frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, and the discharge of a large amount of yellowish purulent secretion from the urethral opening, which are distinct from normal experiences.
Suspecting an STD? Follow These Three Steps for Self-Check
First: Spot the Early Signs Yourself
When you suspect an STD, start with a self-assessment. Look for early signs of infection:
- Urethral discharge: A thick, yellow, purulent discharge from the urethral opening, especially noticeable in the morning, may indicate acute gonorrhea. If the discharge is transparent and scant, it’s more likely to be non-gonococcal urethritis.
- Urethral itching: In men, urethral itching is often an early sign of non-gonococcal urethritis or gonococcal urethritis.
- Redness and swelling of the urethral opening: Symptoms like frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, and redness around the urethral opening, accompanied by painful nocturnal erections, often suggest gonococcal urethritis.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge: If the discharge is yellow, purulent, and copious with a burning sensation, it may indicate gonorrhea. A serous or mucous discharge with a slight odor could be due to chlamydia or mycoplasma infection. A frothy, yellowish discharge might suggest trichomoniasis, while a curd-like discharge with significant itching may indicate a yeast infection.
- Skin rash: A generalized rash of faint red spots or dark red papules, painless and without itching, with cuff-like scaling around the rash on the soles of the feet, is often considered a syphilitic rash.
- Genital warts and ulcers: If you notice any of the above, don’t panic. These signs merely suggest a possible STD, and you should promptly consult a specialist for diagnosis. Avoid self-diagnosis to prevent “STD phobia,” but don’t be complacent either, as you could miss a genuine infection.
Four Steps to Prevent STDs for Both Men and Women
First, Strict Hygiene
Many STD pathogens are not contracted through promiscuous behavior but due to poor hygiene during sex. Always wash the genital area before intercourse.
Second, Recognize the Seriousness of STDs
Consciously reject and resist promiscuous behavior. Men should avoid soliciting prostitutes, and women should avoid prostitution. Understand clearly that in the context of HIV/AIDS spreading rapidly in our country, prostitution and soliciting prostitutes carry a serious risk of HIV infection.
Third, Be Cautious in Public Places
When you must use public facilities like baths, hotels, or guesthouses, insist on showering and ensure that bedding is clean. Wear underwear when sleeping and pay special attention to the cleanliness and disinfection of toilet seats.
Fourth, Use Condoms Safely
Using condoms during sex is a safe and convenient method to prevent STDs. Most STDs are transmitted through direct contact during intercourse, so the correct use of condoms can prevent direct genital contact, reducing the risk of STD transmission for both men and women.
Say No to Male Reproductive Infections and Unsafe Sex
As we all know, preventing and treating reproductive infections is not just a health issue but also a significant public health concern. Reproductive infections themselves are not terrifying; what’s scary is the lack of awareness that leads to incorrect choices in dealing with the disease. To focus on male health, let’s start with scientific prevention and treatment of reproductive infections:
Reproductive infections, simply put, are sexually transmitted diseases, a collective term for infectious diseases closely related to various sexual behaviors and contacts.
The transmission of these diseases is highly related to personal lifestyle. Therefore, to effectively prevent reproductive infections, it’s essential to establish correct life principles and control potential transmission routes starting from daily life. However, due to a lack of basic knowledge about reproductive infections, some people mistakenly believe that they can prevent these diseases by using medications intended for treatment. Consequently, they engage in unsafe sexual behavior after using such drugs. This practice is highly dangerous because medications for treating reproductive infections do not prevent the diseases. Furthermore, sexually active men should educate themselves on the basic knowledge, prevention methods, and treatment of various reproductive infections to better protect their health.
