Simply thinking about the consequences of a socially shared infection can be enough to make a man buy the economy size box of rubbers. And using barrier protection each time, especially with a new partner, is a vitally important part of healthy member care. However, there are some socially shared infections that are passed through simple skin-to-skin contact, and rubbers can’t protect against those.

A refresher course on socially shared infections

A man should get tested, and then get educated. In addition to having a rubber handy at all times, a man should know the signs of socially shared infections, including everything from member rash to discharge. Here are some of the most common ones that can be passed through skin-to-skin contact.

1. Herpes. A person can have herpes and not show any symptoms, with no active outbreak, yet still be contagious. Even though wearing a rubber will protect your member, the groin area is still exposed. Unfortunately, there is no cure, only the possibility of controlling the symptoms. Signs often include manhood bumps that turn into small blisters, itching, burning and soreness of the private area, and possibly headache, fever and enlarged lymph nodes.

2. HPV. Human papillomavirus usually presents with no symptoms at all, but can easily be spread through simple intimate contact, even with the use of a rubber. What’s really frightening is that HPV can lead to cervical cancer, so a man should be very aware of the potential threat to his partners if he does contract HPV. If there are symptoms, they often include manhood bumps, which might be slightly raised and itchy.

3. Syphilis. This frightening infection can be passed through the tiniest break in the skin, one so small that neither partner might notice it. The symptoms tend to be rather mild at first, with a small sore at the site of the infection or a rash on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands; interestingly, there is rarely a member rash associated with syphilis. Then the disease goes into the latent phase, where it creates no symptoms but eventually reappears as serious health problems.

4. Public lice. Otherwise known as crabs, these tiny bugs can lead to serious itching in the private regions, mostly in those areas covered by hair. Even using a rubber doesn’t keep the critters away, because they cling to areas where the rubber offers no protection. Treatment is usually a prescription shampoo, combing through the hair to remove the eggs, and possibly even shaving the area.

5. Trichomoniasis. Also known as Trich, this parasite spreads through infected areas of the skin; it can also be spread through touching the same towel, sheets, and other objects that might be moist after intimate play. Men usually have no symptoms, and if they do, it’s a mild irritation in the urethra. And remember, it might take months for the symptoms to show up, which means a man is contagious well before he realizes he is infected.

Keeping the male organ healthy

The importance of socially shared infection testing cannot be stressed enough. Keep in mind that many infections have no symptoms at all, and that means testing is the only way to determine whether a man has been infected.

In addition to regular testing, it is important to pay close attention to the member and surrounding skin. During a daily inspection of the area, make use of a powerful male organ health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). A good cream contains numerous vitamins and nutrients, blended in a high-end emollient like Shea butter and complemented with a good dose of vitamin E for smooth, healthy skin. Make a habit of applying the crème carefully, so as to allow the healing properties to soak into every inch of the member.

Visit http://www.menshealthfirst.com for additional information on most common male organ health issues, tips on improving manhood sensitivity and what to do to maintain a healthy member. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous websites.