On 18/12, Doctor Tra Anh Duy of the Men's Health Center reported that a 37-year-old man developed symptoms about a week after his last massage session. The doctor's examination revealed no obvious lesions on the patient's penis, only some urethral discharge. Tests confirmed urethritis caused by Mycoplasma genitalium, a bacterium transmissible through non-penetrative sexual contact, particularly in unhygienic environments. Following appropriate antibiotic treatment and sexual abstinence, the patient's symptoms fully resolved within two weeks.

For three months prior to the onset of symptoms, the man regularly visited the facility for steam baths, jacuzzis, and manual stimulation to ejaculation by staff. He confirmed that there was no penetrative or oral sex involved. His wife was healthy, showing no unusual symptoms, which further suggested the infection source was external to their relationship.

Patient's test. *Quynh Tran*

Doctor Duy stated that many men mistakenly believe "just massage, no intercourse" is safe. However, bacteria and fungi can still spread via hands, towels, bathtubs, or bodily fluids if hygiene is inadequate. Direct contact of bodily fluids with the urethra is sufficient to cause inflammation, regardless of whether penetrative sex occurs.

Beyond urethritis, unhealthy erotic massage services are also linked to recurrent balanitis and jock itch. The warm, humid environment from steam baths and jacuzzis, combined with tight underwear and poor hygiene, creates ideal conditions for pathogens to thrive and invade the body.

Doctors advise men to avoid unlicensed massage establishments with questionable hygiene. They should not share towels or underwear. Keeping the genital area dry and airy is important, and men should seek medical attention promptly for symptoms like painful urination, urethral discharge, itching, or genital lesions.

Le Phuong