What is an STI

Emma Howard: Hello! I am Emma Howard and I am joined by Dr. Jonty Heaversedge who is an expert of men's health problems. Hello! Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: Hello! Emma Howard: I have a question to hear from -- I don't know if this man is young or old but certainly all men would be interested in this, I am sure. My penis becomes sore and inflamed whenever I wash, does this mean, I have an STI? Now that's a Sexually Transmitted Infection, as we know. But I am sure it must be at some stage a concern for all men. Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: Yeah, and it's not uncommon to get a little bit of redness or inflammation particularly in the most sensitive part of the penis which is the head of the penis, the glands of penis. And what's interesting about this is that, this guy says that this is happening when he washes more? Emma Howard: Yes. Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: And I certainly don't think it sounds like an STI, that's the first thing, a Sexually Transmitted Infection. If there were blisters or ulcers, then I'd be more concerned, but if it's just becoming inflamed when he washes, I am wondering more about some of the chemicals that might be present in perhaps the soaps that he is using. Because there are chemicals in a lot of disinfectants and soaps that people use that will cause an irritation. Emma Howard: Especially if you have sensitive skin. Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: Exactly. And I just wonder whether that's the explanation for him and I guess what, it is important to wash, particularly if you have a foreskin, it's important to wash the penis, but I guess what I'd suggest is trying to just use water or a very plain sort of soap to do that with. Emma Howard: So, do that initially. Then what, should he go along and have it checked out? Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: Yeah sure. I mean, if it's not settling down, he should have it checked out, because occasionally you can also get a Balanitis which is an inflammation of the head of the penis, due to sometimes infection like thrush for example can cause redness and irritation within the penis. Emma Howard: And men get much more than it's talked about, women always talk about thrush, but it happens to men too, doesn't it? Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: It does happen to men too. I mean, particularly again, men with foreskins, because obviously underneath the foreskin it's warm and moist and it's ideal for yeast infection like thrush to thrive. So, actually men do suffer with thrush as well, yeah. Emma Howard: Well, the first thing to do then is to just wash with water and if the symptoms persist, go and see his GY. Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: Yeah, avoid the soaps in first instance and then see if it settles. Emma Howard: Jonty, good advice, thank you1 Dr. Jonty Heaversedge: Okay. Emma Howard: And if you have a similar problem, we hope we might have given you some help. But remember it's always best to go and see your own doctor for medical advice. Thanks for watching, we'll be back with more health questions and answers.