Penis-Related Symptoms That Could Indicate an STD

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections passed through sexual contact. While some may be relatively mild, others can cause problems ranging from pain to infertility and cancer.

This article outlines the signs and symptoms of an STD both on the penis and on other parts of the body. It also describes several non-STD-related conditions that can cause many of the same symptoms.

Penile Symptoms

STDs often cause symptoms that affect the penis or groin area. These symptoms can be caused by things other than an STD but, just to be safe, have it checked out by a doctor.

If you have an STD, 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 STD.
• 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 STDs like gonorrhea or chlamydia are the most common causes. There may also be pain and a sensation of heaviness.
  

Other Symptoms

STD 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 STDs. 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 STD is involved if odd symptoms appear shortly after sexual contact, particularly if no condoms were used.

Non-STD-Related Conditions

Sometimes penis infections happen for other reasons besides an STD. Because of this, you not should be embarrassed to seek a diagnosis if you have symptoms of an STD. It may end up being nothing or, in rare instances, 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 STD test can tell whether you have an STD or not.

Summary

Many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) 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.

STDs 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 STD. Only an STD can confirm that.

A Word From Verywell

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away and ask for an appointment so you can be tested and, in the event of a positive diagnosis, receive the appropriate treatment.

While awaiting diagnosis, you should use barrier protection (such as a condom) for any sexual activity. If a diagnosis is confirmed, be sure to alert any sexual partners. They may also need to be tested and treated.

Be sure to engage in safer sex practices moving forward if you aren't already.