Over 330 million cases of sexually transmitted infection other than HIV occur every year. While women suffer the most serious complications of STIs, including infertility and cervical cancer, infection in men is an important link in the chain of HIV transmission. A person with an untreated STI may be 6-10 times more likely to pass on or acquire HIV during sex. The risk increases to ten to three hundred-fold in the presence of a genital ulcer, such as occurs in syphilis, chancroid or genital herpes. Although most STIs are easily cured with antibiotics, many men go untreated, delay treatment or use home remedies when they contract an infection.
Some men also prefer male doctors and nurses.
In countries such as Australia, the public health sector is coming up with creative approaches, such as offering men's health nights at clinics, and encouraging men to seek not just HIV counselling and testing but screening and treatment for prostate or testicular cancer. Community-based organizations have started support groups for men who were victims of sexual abuse as children. Discussion groups for men facing stress, including those living with AIDS, can also be effective. While the men wanted to discuss broader issues such as unemployment and poverty, their participation also led to more health-seeking behaviour and better communication with their wives.