Stds in men
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in Men: An Overview
Introduction to STDs in Men
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are primarily spread through sexual contact. They can affect anyone who is sexually active, but certain groups, such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and HIV-positive individuals, are at higher risk. Understanding the prevalence, impact, and prevention of STDs in men is crucial for public health.
STDs and Male Infertility
Association Between STDs and Male Infertility
Research indicates a potential link between STDs and male infertility, although the evidence is not conclusive. Pathogens such as Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and genital mycoplasmas have been studied for their impact on male reproductive health. These infections can lead to poor sperm quality, decreased sperm concentration, and motility issues1 10. However, the studies are often contradictory and of limited quality, making it difficult to establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship1.
Pathophysiological Mechanisms
The mechanisms by which STDs might cause infertility are varied and not fully understood. Chronic or inadequately treated infections seem to be more relevant to infertility than acute infections. The exact pathogens responsible for these effects are often unknown, highlighting the need for further high-quality research1 10.
STDs in HIV-Positive Men
Clinical Manifestations and Treatment
HIV-positive men are particularly susceptible to STDs, which can present atypically and cause significant morbidity. Common STDs in this population include gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, and syphilis. These infections can increase the risk of HIV transmission, making accurate diagnosis and effective treatment essential2 4.
Importance of Screening and Management
Effective management and screening strategies for STDs in HIV-positive men are crucial. Regular screening and appropriate treatment can help mitigate the increased risk of transmission and manage the morbidity associated with these infections2.
STDs in Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)
Prevalence and Risk Factors
MSM are at a higher risk for STDs, including HIV, due to various biological, behavioral, and sociocultural factors. Common STDs in this group include gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Behavioral factors such as unprotected sex and the use of substances like nitrite inhalants ('poppers') are associated with higher STD incidence5 6 7.
Asymptomatic Infections and Screening
Many STDs in MSM, particularly extragenital infections like rectal and pharyngeal chlamydia and gonorrhea, are often asymptomatic. These asymptomatic infections can serve as reservoirs for transmission and contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Regular screening at all exposed anatomic sites is recommended to detect and treat these infections early7 8.
Prevention and Intervention Strategies
Safer Sex Interventions
Interventions aimed at promoting safer sex practices can significantly reduce the incidence of STDs. For example, a brief, clinic-based intervention for young heterosexual African American men newly diagnosed with an STD showed promising results. Participants in the intervention group were less likely to acquire subsequent STDs and reported higher condom use and fewer sexual partners3.
Public Health Messages and Education
Public health messages need to emphasize the importance of safe sexual practices, regular screening, and vaccination where applicable. For MSM, this includes safe insertive and receptive sexual practices and the importance of consistent condom use, even for those with few sexual partners6 9.
Conclusion
STDs remain a significant public health issue for men, particularly for those who are HIV-positive or MSM. While there is some evidence linking STDs to male infertility, more high-quality research is needed. Effective screening, treatment, and prevention strategies are essential to manage and reduce the incidence of STDs in these high-risk populations. Public health interventions and education play a crucial role in promoting safer sexual behaviors and reducing the overall burden of STDs.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Sexually Transmitted Disease and Male Infertility: A Systematic Review.
Sexually transmitted diseases may cause male infertility through unknown mechanisms, but more high-quality studies are needed to confirm this association.
Systematic ReviewThe clinical manifestations and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases in human immunodeficiency virus-positive men.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are common in HIV-positive men and can cause significant morbidity and increase HIV transmission risk, requiring appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
A brief, clinic-based, safer sex intervention for heterosexual African American men newly diagnosed with an STD: a randomized controlled trial.
A brief clinic-based intervention delivered by a lay health adviser may effectively reduce incident STDs among young heterosexual African American men newly diagnosed with an STD.
RCT
Highly CitedEtiology of clinical proctitis among men who have sex with men.
Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most common STDs among men who have sex with men, followed by herpes and syphilis.
Highly CitedSexually Transmitted Diseases in Men Who Have Sex With Men: Acquisition of Gonorrhea and Nongonococcal Urethritis by Fellatio and Implications for STD/HIV Prevention
Men who have sex with men remain at high risk for STDs, including HIV infection, and Fellatio, a "safe" sexual practice, is an independent risk factor for urethral gonorrhea and nonchlamydial urethritis.
Observational StudyHighly CitedIncidence of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in a cohort of HIV‐negative men who have sex with men (MSM)
HIV-negative men who have sex with men have a higher risk of STDs, including HIV-1, with unprotected anal sex and nitrite inhalant use being significant risk factors.
Observational StudyExtragenital Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Among Community Venue–Attending Men Who Have Sex with Men — Five Cities, United States, 2017
Men who have sex with men in the U.S. have a high prevalence of asymptomatic extragenital STDs, emphasizing the need for annual STD screening at all exposed anatomic sites.
Observational StudySexually transmitted diseases in men who have sex with men.
Men who have sex with men have increased rates of HIV and STDs, highlighting the need for culturally competent sexual history and prevention strategies.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedMale infertility: a public health issue caused by sexually transmitted pathogens
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause male infertility through multiple mechanisms, with chronic or inadequately treated infections being more relevant than acute infections.
Highly Cited