STI Symptoms in Men: Signs, Tests and Cost in Nairobi
Discharge, burning when you pee, a sore or a painful testicle? Find your symptom below. Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs, also called STDs) cause no symptoms in men, so only a test can tell.
Sudden, severe pain in a testicle? Go to an emergency department now. It could be a twisted testicle, which needs urgent surgery.
Find your symptom
Choose where you have symptoms.
Symptoms in women: STI symptoms in women · Both at a glance: STI symptoms in men and women
Mouth and throat
A sore throat or mouth sores after sex
- Could be
- After oral sex: gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis or herpes. With a fever or a rash, 2 to 4 weeks after sex: an early sign of HIV.
- Good to know
- Gonorrhoea and chlamydia in the throat usually cause no symptoms at all.
- Other causes
- Colds and other common throat infections.
- Test
- A throat swab, added at your visit if you ask, an HIV test, and for a mouth sore, a syphilis blood test.
Skin and whole body
A rash, a flu-like illness or yellow skin
- Could be
- Syphilis: a rash, often on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. HIV: fever, rash, sore throat and swollen glands, 2 to 4 weeks after infection. Hepatitis B: yellow whites of the eyes or yellow skin, and dark pee.
- Other causes
- Many viral illnesses and skin conditions.
- Test
- Blood tests for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B (Bronze). Soon after infection, HIV tests can still be negative, so the doctor may suggest our lab HIV test now and another test later.
See a doctor today if your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow, or your sight or hearing changes: syphilis can affect the eyes, ears and nerves at any stage.
Penis
Discharge from the tip of the penis
- Could be
- Gonorrhoea
- Chlamydia
- Mycoplasma genitalium
- Trichomonas
- What it looks like
- Gonorrhoea can cause a white, yellow or green discharge; chlamydia, a white, cloudy or watery one. The colour can't tell you which infection it is.
- Test
- A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on urine, which finds the germ's genetic material (Silver).
Pain or burning when you pee
- Could be
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Trichomonas
- M. genitalium
- Herpes
- Other causes
- A urine infection, which is less common in men than in women.
- Test
- A urine PCR test (Silver) and a urine test for infection.
See a doctor today if you also have a high temperature, shivering, pain in your back just under the ribs, or blood in your pee.
Sores, blisters or ulcers
- Could be
- Herpes: tingling, burning or itching, then small blisters that burst and leave painful sores, which can look less red on darker skin. Syphilis: a sore that usually doesn't hurt, so it's easy to miss. Mpox: blisters or sores that can itch or hurt, often with a fever and swollen glands.
- Test
- A swab from the sore (herpes PCR, in Gold and Platinum) and blood tests for syphilis and HIV. Come in while the sore is there. Early on, the syphilis test can be negative, so the doctor may treat you straight away.
Think it could be mpox? Please call us on +254 741 669 175 before you come in, so we can arrange your care with the local public health team. Mpox spreads through close contact, including sex, so avoid close contact with others until you've been checked.
Lumps, bumps or warts
- Could be
- Genital warts (human papillomavirus, HPV)
- Molluscum contagiosum
- Other causes
- Pearly penile papules: tiny, smooth, skin-coloured bumps in rows around the rim of the head of the penis. They're normal, aren't an STI and can't be passed on.
- Test
- A doctor looks at them. There's no blood or HPV test for genital warts.
A sore, red or itchy penis
- Could be
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Trichomonas
- Herpes
- Pubic lice
- Scabies
- Other causes
- A sore, red, swollen head of the penis (balanitis) is often caused by thrush, not washing well, or irritation from soap, shower gel or condoms. Thrush isn't classed as an STI, though sex can sometimes trigger it or pass it on. Thrush that keeps coming back can be linked to diabetes.
- Test
- A doctor's check and swab tests.
Foreskin pulled back and won't go back over the head of the penis? Go to an emergency department now.
Pain when you ejaculate, or blood in your semen
- Could be
- Trichomonas can make ejaculating painful. Blood in semen can come from an infection, such as an STI or a urine infection.
- Other causes
- Problems with the prostate gland. Blood in semen is usually nothing serious, but get it checked.
- Test
- A doctor's check, a urine PCR test (Silver) and a urine test for infection.
Testicles
Pain or swelling in a testicle
- Could be
- Inflammation of the tube behind the testicle (epididymitis), often caused by chlamydia or gonorrhoea in men under 35.
- Test
- A doctor's check, a urine PCR test (Silver) and a urine test for infection.
Go to an emergency department now if the pain is sudden or severe, has lasted more than an hour, carries on when you rest, or comes with stomach pain, feeling sick or vomiting. It can be a twisted testicle (testicular torsion), which needs urgent surgery to save the testicle.
Found a lump? Most lumps in the testicles aren't serious, but always get one checked by a doctor: a painless lump can sometimes be a sign of testicular cancer, which is easier to treat when found early.
Anus
Pain, discharge, bleeding or itching in the anus
- Could be
- After anal sex or other anal contact:
- Gonorrhoea
- Chlamydia
- Herpes
- Syphilis
- Good to know
- Gonorrhoea and chlamydia in the anus often cause no symptoms.
- Other causes
- Piles and small tears (fissures).
- Test
- A rectal swab, which we don't offer: please get one at another clinic, as a urine test won't find an infection in the anus. Our doctor can still examine you and test your blood for HIV and syphilis.
Heavy bleeding, or bleeding that won't stop? Go to an emergency department.
No symptoms? You could still have an STI
Most men with chlamydia or trichomonas notice no symptoms, and gonorrhoea doesn't always cause them either. You can still pass an infection on, so a test is a good idea if:
- You have a new partner, or more than one
- You had sex without a condom, or a condom broke
- A partner has symptoms or has tested positive
- It's been more than a year since your last test
A urine test only checks the penis. After oral or anal sex, ask about a throat swab, and get a rectal test at a clinic that offers one. Each test needs time before it can find an infection: see when to test after unprotected sex.
STI symptoms in men, infection by infection
| Infection | Common signs in men | Test |
|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia | Often none. Burning when you pee, a white, cloudy or watery discharge, pain or swelling in the testicles. | Urine PCR (Silver) |
| Gonorrhoea | Burning when you pee, a white, yellow or green discharge and, less often, sore or swollen testicles. Not everyone gets symptoms. | Urine PCR (Silver) |
| Mycoplasma genitalium | Often none. Discharge and burning when you pee. | Urine PCR (Silver) |
| Trichomoniasis | Often none. Discharge, pain when you pee or ejaculate, needing to pee often, a sore penis or testicles. | Urine PCR (Silver) |
| Syphilis | A painless sore, then a rash, often on the palms and soles. Signs can fade while the infection stays. | Blood test (Bronze) |
| Genital herpes | Often mild or none. Tingling or itching, then blisters that burst into painful sores, which can come back. | Swab from a sore (Gold) |
| Genital warts (HPV) | Small, rough lumps on or around the penis, scrotum or anus, usually painless. | A doctor's check |
| HIV | Often none for years. Some people get a flu-like illness 2 to 4 weeks after infection. | Blood test (Bronze) |
| Hepatitis B | Often none or mild. Yellow whites of the eyes or skin, and dark pee. | Blood test (Bronze) |
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, M. genitalium, trichomonas and syphilis can be cured with the right medicine. Herpes, HIV, hepatitis B and HPV (the cause of genital warts) are viruses that medicine can't cure, but they can be treated or managed, and most adults clear hepatitis B and HPV on their own. Each test is listed with the lowest package that includes it.
What can happen if an STI isn't treated
- Painful, swollen testiclesChlamydia and gonorrhoea can spread to the testicles and the tubes behind them, and gonorrhoea to the prostate. Rarely, this affects fertility.
- Sore eyes and painful jointsChlamydia can trigger reactive arthritis: painful, swollen joints and sore, red eyes.
- Passing it onYour partners can catch it. In women, untreated chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause pelvic infection and make it harder to get pregnant.
- A higher risk of HIVSTIs that cause sores or inflammation, such as herpes, syphilis and gonorrhoea, make HIV easier to get and to pass on. If you test for STIs, test for HIV too.
- Lasting damageSyphilis can affect the eyes, ears and nerves at any stage, and the brain and heart years later. Hepatitis B can damage the liver.
Treated early, most of this can be prevented. Worried about fertility? See fertility testing in Kenya.
Get tested at CA Medlynks
Have symptoms? Choose a package with a doctor's consultation. The doctor examines you, chooses the right tests and explains your treatment. With a discharge or pain when you pee, the doctor may start treatment at your visit, before the results are back, depending on your symptoms.
- Same-day doctor consultation
- Private and confidential
- Walk-ins welcome
| Package | Test only | With a doctor |
|---|---|---|
| BronzeBlood tests for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B. Results the same day | 5,000 | 6,500 |
| SilverUrine PCR for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, M. genitalium and trichomonas. Results in 48 hours | 15,500 | 19,500 |
| GoldSilver, plus herpes PCR and a urine test for infection. Results in 48 hours | 25,000 | 30,000 |
| PlatinumEverything above, in one visit. Results in 48 hours | 30,000 | 35,000 |
Single tests include a urine test (KES 750), syphilis (KES 750), a rapid HIV test (KES 1,600, result in about 1 hour) and our lab HIV test (KES 2,200). Pay after your test by M-Pesa, cash, Visa or Mastercard. See every package in our guide to STI testing in Nairobi.
Your visit, step by step
Message or walk in
Book on WhatsApp or by phone, or just walk in.
A private chat
Tell us your symptoms and when they started. Everything stays confidential.
Quick samples
A urine sample, a swab if you have a sore, and a small blood sample. For the urine test, don’t pee for at least 2 hours before you give the sample (an early morning sample is best). The visit takes about 20 minutes.
Private results
By WhatsApp, email or in person, as you choose. If anything is positive, a doctor explains it in a private room.
Please don't treat yourself. Antibiotics bought from a chemist without a test can hide an infection without curing it, and they help gonorrhoea become resistant to treatment. Kenya's 2026 national guidelines recommend testing to find the cause, rather than treating STIs on symptoms alone.
Bring an identity card or passport for our records. Under 18? Please call us on +254 741 669 175 before you visit.
If your test is positive
-
Treatment
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, M. genitalium, syphilis and trichomonas can be cured with the right medicine. Take all of it, even if you feel better.
-
No sex for now
No vaginal, anal or oral sex until your doctor says it's safe: usually 7 days after you and your partners finish treatment, or 2 weeks for syphilis.
-
Tell your partners
Anyone you've had sex with recently needs testing and treatment too, or the infection can come straight back.
-
Test again
You may be asked back to check the infection has gone. After chlamydia or gonorrhoea, test again about 3 months later, because getting reinfected is common.
Positive for HIV, hepatitis B or herpes? These can't be cured, but treatment can keep you well and lower the chance of passing them on. Our doctor will explain your next steps.
Find us
- Daykio Plaza, Ground Floor, off Ngong Lane, Kilimani, Nairobi
- Mon–Fri 8am–8pm · Sat & public holidays 8am–5pm
Closed Sundays - +254 741 669 175 (call or WhatsApp)
- On-site parking
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
What are the first signs of an STI in a man?
Often there are none. When there are, common first signs are discharge from the tip of the penis, pain or burning when you pee, sores or blisters, lumps, itching, or pain in a testicle. A test is the only way to know whether you have an STI.
What does STI discharge look like in men?
Gonorrhoea can cause a white, yellow or green discharge, and chlamydia a white, cloudy or watery one, but the colour can't tell you which infection you have. A urine PCR test can.
Can a man have an STI without symptoms?
Yes. Most men with chlamydia or trichomonas notice no symptoms, and gonorrhoea doesn't always cause them either. Infections in the throat or anus often cause none, and syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B can go unnoticed for years. You can still pass an infection on.
My symptoms have gone. Do I still need a test?
Yes. Symptoms can fade or come and go while the infection stays, and you can still pass it on.
Is burning when I pee an STI or a urine infection?
It can be either, and you can't tell from the symptom alone. Urine infections are less common in men than in women. A urine PCR test and a urine test for infection, taken at the same visit, can tell them apart.
Can an STI affect a man's fertility?
Untreated chlamydia or gonorrhoea can spread to the testicles and the tubes behind them (epididymitis) and, rarely, affect fertility. Early treatment lowers the risk.
How soon do STI symptoms appear in men?
It varies. In men, gonorrhoea symptoms often start within a few days of sex, trichomonas within 5 to 28 days, chlamydia from 1 week to several months, a syphilis sore after about 3 weeks, and HIV's flu-like illness after 2 to 4 weeks. Herpes and genital warts can take weeks to months or longer, and many infections never cause symptoms.
Should I avoid sex if I have symptoms?
Yes, until you have your results. If you're treated, wait until your doctor says it's safe: usually 7 days after you and your partners finish treatment, or 2 weeks for syphilis. Condoms lower the risk of most STIs, but they don't cover every area of skin.
How much does an STI test cost in Nairobi?
At CA Medlynks, packages start at KES 5,000, and PCR tests for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and similar infections start at KES 15,500. With a doctor's consultation, packages cost KES 6,500 to 35,000. Single tests start at KES 750.
Medically reviewed by
Written for patients by the CA Medlynks team and reviewed by the doctor below, following Kenya's 2026 national guidelines for HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis, and guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the UK National Health Service (NHS). Last reviewed 28 October 2026; we review it at least once a year.
Dr. Paul Yonga
Medical Director and Infectious Disease Specialist
MBChB, MSPH, FRCP (Edin)
Sources
- NHS. Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Trichomoniasis.
- NHS. Genital herpes, Genital warts and Syphilis.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Mycoplasma genitalium, About chlamydia and About gonorrhea.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021 (urethritis, epididymitis, proctitis, syphilis, anogenital warts).
- British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). National guideline for the management of infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, 2025.
- NHS. Balanitis, Thrush in men and women and Phimosis (including paraphimosis).
- Primary Care Dermatology Society. Pearly penile papules.
- NHS. Testicle pain, Epididymitis and Testicle lumps and swellings.
- NHS. Blood in semen, and Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- NHS. Reactive arthritis, and Hepatitis B. nidirect (NHS information). Jaundice.
- NHS. Bleeding from the bottom (rectal bleeding).
- HIV.gov (US Department of Health and Human Services). Symptoms of HIV.
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa. Signs and symptoms (mpox), and World Health Organization, Mpox: fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Clade Ib mpox outbreak — Kenya, July 2024–February 2025. MMWR, 2025.
- World Health Organization. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and Antimicrobial resistance: fact sheets.
- Ministry of Health, Kenya, National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP). Integrated Guidelines for Prevention, Treatment and Management of HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Viral Hepatitis, 2026.
- UN Women Africa. Kenya’s national toll-free helpline 1195, 2024.