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How do the symptoms of gonorrhea and genital herpes differ in males

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Shorter answer please
Answered by GPT-4o mini
Gonorrhea and genital herpes are both sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but they have different causes and symptoms. Here's how the symptoms differ in males:

### Gonorrhea Symptoms:
Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae and can affect the urethra, throat, and rectum. Symptoms usually appear within 1 to 14 days after exposure, but some individuals may be asymptomatic. Common symptoms in males include:

1. **Urethral Discharge**: A thick, yellow, or green pus-like discharge from the penis.
2. **Burning Sensation**: Pain or a burning sensation during urination.
3. **Swollen Testicles**: Inflammation or swelling of the testicles.
4. **Pain in the Throat**: If the throat is infected, there may be a sore throat (pharyngitis).
5. **Rectal Symptoms**: If the rectum is infected, it can lead to pain, discharge, or bleeding.

### Genital Herpes Symptoms:
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), most commonly HSV type 2. Symptoms can appear 2 to 12 days after exposure and may include:

1. **Blisters or Sores**: Painful blisters or sores that develop on the genitals, anus, or surrounding areas. These eventually rupture, crust over, and heal.
2. **Itching or Tingling**: A sensation of itching or tingling in the genital area before the blisters appear.
3. **Pain during Urination**: If sores are present near the urethra, urination can be painful.
4. **Flu-like Symptoms**: Fever, swollen lymph nodes, and body aches can accompany the initial outbreak.
5. **Recurrent Outbreaks**: After the initial infection, HSV can remain dormant and reactivate, leading to recurrent outbreaks of sores.

### Key Differences:
- **Discharge vs. Sores**: Gonorrhea typically presents with urethral discharge, while genital herpes presents with blisters or sores.
- **Onset**: Gonorrhea symptoms usually occur more quickly after infection than herpes symptoms.
- **Recurring Symptoms**: Genital herpes often leads to recurrent outbreaks, while gonorrhea symptoms generally do not recur unless reinfected.

It's important for individuals experiencing symptoms to seek medical evaluation and testing to obtain a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Answered by GPT-4o mini
Sure! Here’s a concise comparison:

### Gonorrhea Symptoms in Males:
- **Urethral Discharge**: Thick yellow or green pus.
- **Burning Sensation**: Pain during urination.
- **Swollen Testicles**: Inflammation or pain.
- **Potential Throat Pain**: If throat is infected.

### Genital Herpes Symptoms in Males:
- **Blisters/Sores**: Painful blisters on genitals or surrounding areas.
- **Itching/Tingling**: Sensation before blisters appear.
- **Pain during Urination**: If sores are near the urethra.
- **Flu-like Symptoms**: Fever and swollen lymph nodes during initial outbreak.

### Key Differences:
- **Gonorrhea**: Presents with discharge; no recurrent sores.
- **Herpes**: Causes blisters; can recur with outbreaks.

Seek medical advice for diagnosis and treatment if symptoms appear.

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