At one time or another, most men experience some degree of penile itching, penis redness, sore penis and penis rash. These common penis problems are often the result of rough masturbation or aggressive sex, which can create microscopic cracks or breaks in dry penis skin. These cracks allow bacteria and other contaminants to bypass the skin's protective dermal outer layer, leading to bacterial or fungal infections that case the unpleasant symptoms detailed above . A simple solution is to avoid dry penis skin by applying a moisturizer or penis health crème that contains the antibacterial Vitamin A (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil).

However, penis problems such as those mentioned above that do not clear up on their own after a few days may also be linked to a sexually transmitted disease. Although most STD’s are easily avoided with the proper precautions, the fact is that they are still highly prevalent among sexually active individuals. For those who have come in contact with an STD, early detection is important in order to avoid long-term (and potentially life-threatening) complications. The five most common STD's are listed below, along with their symptoms and most effective treatment options.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

HPV is caused by a common virus that can be found virtually everywhere; most people will come in contact with some form of HPV at least once during the course of their lifetime. While many people never develop any symptoms, it is highly contagious and easily passed between sexual partners.

Symptoms

The most easily-identifiable symptoms of HPV are warts which appear in the genital and anal regions. While they are not generally painful, these hard bumps are unpleasant in appearance and may cause discomfort during intercourse. In addition, HPV has been linked to cervical and genital cancers.

Treatment

Once an individual has contracted HPV, there is no known cure, although the warts may eventually disappear on their own. For most people, the best option is to avoid infection by receiving the HPV vaccine, which has been shown to protect against life-threatening cancers linked to the virus.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a highly contagious viral STD which can be transmitted from one partner to another even when no symptoms are present.

Symptoms

Genital herpes presents in most individuals as painful, blistering sores in the genital and anal areas and around the mouth.

Treatment

There is no known cure for herpes once an individual has contracted the disease, although flare-ups may be controlled through the use of oral or topical medications. Again, this common STD can be easily passed to a partner, even when there are no visible symptoms.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a highly common bacterial infection which is readily transmitted through sexual contact. This infection can affect the reproductive organs and urinary tract and may lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Symptoms

Symptoms of chlamydia include a greenish or whitish discharge, fever, painful urination, abdominal pain, and painful intercourse. Itching and burning in the genital area may also occur.

Treatment

Unlike genital herpes and HPV, chlamydia can be successfully treated through a course of antibiotics.

Gonorrhea

Also known as “the clap,” gonorrhea is a bacterial infection and often occurs simultaneously with chlamydia.

Symptoms

Gonorrhea may cause fever, swollen glands, sore throat, itching and burning in the genital area, and a white, greenish or yellow discharge.

Treatment

Gonorrhea can be treated through the use of antibiotics; it is important that both sexual partners are treated for the infection, as it can be passed back and forth through sexual contact even after treatment.

Syphilis

Like gonorrhea and chlamydia, syphilis is a bacterial infection; however, it can be much more serious if left untreated and lead to lifelong complications.

Symptoms

In the initial stages of the disease, syphilis generally presents as a rash or soreness in the genital area. As it progresses, it can cause fever, headache and swollen glands; untreated syphilis may eventually lead to nervous system damage, bone damage, and loss of nerve function. In later stages, dementia, paralysis and death can be the end result.

Treatment

Fortunately, if detected, syphilis can be treated using penicillin or other common antibiotics; those with symptoms of this or any other sexually transmitted disease should seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid long-term health problems.

Keeping Your Penis Healthy

The best way to prevent penis problems is to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, limiting alcohol consumption, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding the use of tobacco products; it is also important to choose sexual partners with care. In addition, it is suggested that a penis health crème, (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) containing penis-specific vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients be used daily to moisturize the skin and protect the penis from bacterial or fungal infections and environmental contaminants that may lead to more serious penis health issues.