Are males more likely to suffer complications from an STD?

While both males and females can experience serious health consequences from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), the specific complications can differ between genders. Here are some STDs that may have more severe or unique effects on males:

1. Gonorrhea: While gonorrhea can affect both males and females, it may cause more severe symptoms in males, such as intense pain or burning sensation during urination, and inflammation in the testicles (epididymitis).

2. Chlamydia: Although men are less likely to experience symptoms of chlamydia compared to women, untreated chlamydia in males can lead to complications like epididymitis, which if left untreated, can cause infertility.

3. Syphilis: In men, syphilis can cause a painless sore on the penis or other areas, which may go unnoticed and if left untreated, progress to more serious stages that can affect multiple organ systems.

4. Human Papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is a common STD that affects both men and women, but certain types of HPV can cause genital warts and have been linked to certain types of penile cancers in males.

5. Hepatitis B: While both men and women can develop serious liver complications from chronic hepatitis B infection, men may have a higher risk of developing liver cancer associated with hepatitis B.

6. HIV/AIDS: Although transmission of HIV/AIDS is not gender-specific, men who engage in certain high-risk behaviors, such as unprotected sex with multiple partners, may have a higher risk of acquiring the infection.

It's important for both men and women to practice safe sex, including using condoms and getting regular STD testing, regardless of gender, to protect themselves and their partners from potential complications and negative health outcomes associated with STDs.