Despite a comprehensive educational and information campaign, sexually transmitted diseases continue to be a major problem in the United States; especially for men.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more than 19 million new cases among men and women every year adding up to $17 billion in health care costs.
Sexually transmitted diseases can have drastic consequences on the mental as well as physical well being of patients; particularly if it affects the penis or sexual performance. What’s more, undetected and untreated STDs such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia have been shown to increase the risk of HIV.
Sexually transmitted diseases can have debilitating inflammation and swelling effects on the penis in the form of an acute bacterial infection known as prostatitis. Prostatitis may present in the testicles especially if it was caused by an STD.
Generally, treatment options follow a thorough examination by an experienced urologist and begin with a course of antibiotics for several weeks. Even if you begin to feel better, additional you may have to continue to take the medicine for up to three months. However, most men recovery quickly and treatment may last for four to six weeks.
Should the antibiotics prove ineffective, additional tests may be required. If your condition does not improve while taking antibiotics, more tests may be done. If you find that you are unable to urinate, hospital admission may be the best course of action for treatment.
In the heat of the moment, many people can make a mistake; but, one bad decision can have drastic consequences for both the near future and long-term. If you experience any of the symptoms described above, make an appointment to consult a urologic specialist immediately.
