STI Symptoms in Men: What to Look For and When to Get Tested

Discharge, burning urination, and testicular pain are the most common signs — but many men with chlamydia or gonorrhoea have no symptoms at all.

A man shrugging with his palms turned up, unsure whether his symptoms could be an STI
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Paul Yonga, Medical Director & Infectious Disease Specialist · Last updated: 2026-07-28
Key Takeaways
  • Discharge, burning urination, and testicular pain are among the most common signs of an STI in men.
  • Many men with chlamydia or gonorrhoea have no symptoms at all — testing, not symptoms, is the only way to know for sure.
  • A standard HIV test does not screen for other STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
  • CA Medlynks packages range from KES 5,000 to KES 30,000, with most results ready in 24 to 72 hours.
Seek medical care urgently if you have sudden or severe testicular pain or swelling — this needs prompt evaluation regardless of the cause. Also seek care urgently if a possible HIV exposure was within the last 72 hours; PEP may be an option but only within this window. Call CA Medlynks on +254 741 669 175.

Common STI Symptoms in Men

These are the signs to watch for — but their absence doesn't rule out an infection.

  • Discharge from the penis (clear, white, yellow, or green)
  • Burning or pain when urinating
  • Pain or swelling in one or both testicles
  • Sores, blisters, or bumps on or around the penis
  • Many men with chlamydia or gonorrhoea have no symptoms at all.
Illustration of a single yellow droplet, representing unusual discharge from the penis
Unusual discharge
A man standing at a toilet holding his lower abdomen, representing pain when urinating
Burning or painful urination
Close-up of two palms covered in small reddish-brown spots, a rash pattern that can occur with syphilis
Sores, bumps, or body rash
A man sitting up in bed with a hand on his forehead, checking a thermometer for fever
Fever or flu-like symptoms

Some of these symptoms — particularly burning urination — can also be caused by a urinary tract infection or other non-STI conditions. Symptoms alone can't tell you which one you have; testing is what actually answers the question.

What Could Be Causing It

A quick reference for what's commonly behind each symptom.

If you notice these symptoms...
Unusual discharge or pain during urination
Gonorrhoea Chlamydia Trichomoniasis Mycoplasma
Genital sores, blisters, or open ulcers
Genital Herpes (HSV) Syphilis
Intense itching, soft lumps, or warts
Thrush / Candidiasis Genital Warts (HPV)
Flu-like fever, distinct body rash, or chronic sore throat
Possible Acute HIV

Why Some Men Have No Symptoms at All

Feeling fine doesn't mean nothing is there.

  • Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and even HIV may cause no symptoms at all, especially during the early stages.
  • Even if you feel healthy, you may still pass the infection to your partner.

The Risk of Leaving It Untreated

Most bacterial STIs are highly treatable — early diagnosis is what makes that true.

Blister packs of tablets, a thermometer and a glass of water on a table, representing treatment for a diagnosed infection
  • Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhoea can lead to complications, including effects on fertility.
  • Most bacterial STIs are highly treatable when diagnosed early.
  • Early diagnosis helps reduce complications and protect both you and your partner.

Do You Need an HIV Test, or a Full STI Panel?

These are not the same test.

A clinician talking with a male patient across a consulting room desk, explaining which STI test he needs
  • A standard HIV test does not detect chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, HPV, or trichomoniasis.
  • If you have symptoms, a comprehensive STI panel is usually recommended instead of an HIV test alone.

Not sure how soon to test after a possible exposure? Timing depends on the test method — see our guide on how soon after sex you should get tested.

Get Tested at CA Medlynks

Our clinical team will help you choose the right test during a private, confidential consultation — you don't need to have this figured out before you come in.

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Address: Daykio Plaza, Ground Floor, Off Ngong Lane, Nairobi

Phone: +254 741 669 175

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  • Confidential & discreet testing protocols
  • KENAS-accredited PCR laboratory testing
  • Private consultation room, 10-15 minute sample collection
  • Same-day appointments available
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This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional about your individual circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about STI symptoms in men and testing.

Q What are the most common STI symptoms in men? +
Discharge from the penis, burning or pain when urinating, pain or swelling in one or both testicles, and sores, blisters, or bumps are the most common. Many men with chlamydia or gonorrhoea have no symptoms at all, so a negative symptom check doesn't rule out infection.
Q Can I have an STI with no symptoms at all? +
Yes. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and HIV can all cause no symptoms, especially early on. Even if you feel healthy, you may still pass the infection to a partner. Regular testing is the only reliable way to know your status.
Q Is a standard HIV test enough to check for STIs? +
No. A standard HIV test does not detect chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, HPV, or trichomoniasis. If you have symptoms, a comprehensive STI panel is usually recommended instead of an HIV test alone.
Q Can untreated STIs cause long-term problems? +
Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhoea can lead to complications, including effects on fertility. Most bacterial STIs are highly treatable when diagnosed early, which is why testing sooner rather than later matters.
Q How much does STI testing cost at CA Medlynks and how long do results take? +
CA Medlynks packages range from KES 5,000 to KES 30,000 depending on how many infections are covered. Most results are ready within 24 to 72 hours, and rapid HIV tests are available the same day.

Medically Reviewed By

This guide has been medically reviewed and is based on current international and Kenyan national STI testing guidelines.

Dr. Paul Yonga

Dr. Paul Yonga

Medical Director & Infectious Disease Specialist
Qualifications
  • MBChB — Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery
  • MSPH — Master of Science in Public Health
  • FRCP (Edin) — Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
Areas of Expertise
  • Infectious Diseases Management
  • Travel Medicine & Tropical Diseases
Dr. Duncan Ajowi

Dr. Duncan Ajowi

Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Qualifications
  • Master of Medicine (MMed), Obstetrics & Gynaecology – University of Nairobi
  • Diploma in Laparoscopic Surgery – Henrob Hospital, Uganda
Areas of Special Interest
  • Fertility Evaluation & Infection Management
  • High-Risk Pregnancy Care & Screening