Men's intimate health

Men's Intimate Health – Pathogens

HPV28, Syphilis, Urogenital 7, Candida 7

• Syphilis
• Chlamydia trachomatis
• Ureaplasma urealyticum
• Ureaplasma parvum
• Mycoplasma genitalium
• Mycoplasma hominis
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea)
• Trichomonas vaginalis
• Candida (7 species)

Intimate health is crucial for every man, contributing to overall well-being and confidence.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), previously known as venereal diseases, are a group of infectious diseases transmitted through sexual contact. Nearly half of all cases occur in individuals aged 15 to 24. Many STIs are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, leading to unintentional transmission.

What is HPV?

HPV is a commonly transmitted virus. Among individuals aged 15 to 59, 2 out of 5 (40%) will have HPV. There are many types of HPV; most do not cause health problems.

Men can contract HPV through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. It often spreads through close skin-to-skin contact during sex. HPV can be transmitted even without visible symptoms.

Symptoms in men are rare. HPV infections usually clear on their own, but persistent infections can cause genital warts or certain cancers, including:

• warts,
• bumps, or
• ulcers.

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is an STI that can cause severe health issues if untreated. It progresses in stages with different symptoms:

Primary syphilis:

• Symptoms appear 2-3 weeks after infection.
• A painless genital sore (chancre) may go unnoticed and heals within 4-6 weeks.

Secondary syphilis:

• Occurs 2-8 weeks after the chancre appears.
• Characterized by a red, rough rash, often on the palms and soles.
• Other symptoms include fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and sore throat.
• Untreated syphilis can become latent, with no symptoms despite ongoing infection.

Penile Candidiasis:

Penile yeast infections can cause painful symptoms if untreated.

Symptoms of Penile Candidiasis:

• Redness, pain, or swelling of the penis
• White, shiny patches on the penis head
• Small red spots
• Cracked foreskin
• Thick, white discharge under the foreskin
• Difficulty retracting the foreskin
• Itching
• Burning during urination
• Pain during sex

Candida albicans naturally exists in the body without symptoms but can overgrow due to weakened immunity or imbalanced microbiota.

Risk factors for candidiasis include:

• Prolonged antibiotic use
• Hormonal imbalances
• Stress
• Poor diet
• Inadequate hygiene
• Tight, non-breathable synthetic underwear

Intimate Health and Fertility:

Infections in the male reproductive system can cause infertility, such as:

• Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma: Blockage of sperm ducts due to epididymitis
• Trichomonas vaginalis: Prostatitis, epididymitis
• Syphilis: Epididymitis
• HPV: Reduces sperm quality, may lead to penile cancer
• Chlamydia trachomatis: Urethritis, orchitis, epididymitis, prostatitis

Instructions for sampling are included in the package.

Material Collection in Warsaw:

To arrange a pickup time for your shipment by a driver in Warsaw, please contact a BORLAMED employee by email or phone.

A laboratory employee will schedule a visit by our driver at the chosen time.

The material collection is free of charge.

You can also personally deliver the material for testing during the laboratory's working hours (Mon - Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM).

Material Collection:

Schedule a pickup time for your shipment via courier or parcel locker – to do so, please contact a BORLAMED employee by email or phone. The laboratory employee will arrange for a courier or parcel locker and ask you to print the shipping label, which will be sent to your email address.

The material collection is free of charge.