Chlamydia in Men: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments
Chlamydia is a Sexually Transmitted Disease that has affected millions of people worldwide.
According to the WHO, Chlamydia is a curable STD and can be treated with antibiotics.
However, without proper treatment, Chlamydia may lead to severe complications in men, such as inflammation of epididymis and infertility.
Thus, learning about its early symptoms, transmission, and diagnosis is crucial to prevent further transmission.
This article will elaborate on Chlamydia in men and its possible treatments and effective management.
So, letâs learn in detail about them.
What is Chlamydia
Chlamydia is an STD caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia Trachomatis.
It is a gram-negative bacteria (does not retain the stain).
This bacteria infects the columnar epithelium of the urogenital sites, such as the cervix, rectum, and urethra, and nongenital sites, such as the lungs and eyes in people.
The epithelium is a layer of cells that forms the surface of the internal and external body, organs, and glands.
Chlamydia symptoms in men
The symptoms of Chlamydia in men are as follows:
Burning or itching in the penis
Chlamydia can lead to inflammation of the glans penis and is referred to as Balanitis.
Balanitis is not an STD, but it is a common sign of Chlamydia in men.
Discharge from the penis
Men infected with Chlamydia infection can notice a discharge from their genitals.
This discharge may appear mucus-like or clear with a watery consistency.
Further, urine may also appear unclear and cloudy.
Frequent and painful urination
Chlamydia may show certain symptoms that intertwine with the symptoms of UTI, such as frequent urination.
Men with Chlamydia have frequent and painful urination.
Chlamydia can also lead to a burning and painful sensation during urination.
It may be caused when urine comes in contact with the irritated muscles in the urethra that stimulate pain receptors and cause pain.
Conjunctivitis-like symptoms
When the discharge from the penis comes in contact with the eyes, people may also notice pink eye or Conjunctivitis-like symptoms in some cases.
It can also cause pain in the eyes.
How do men get Chlamydia
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chlamydia causing bacteria can spread in the following ways from one person to another:
- Vaginal sex
- Anal sex
- Oral sex
- From mother to child during childbirth
Fortunately, Chlamydia cannot be transmitted through casual contact such as holding hands, sharing foods or drinks, hugging, coughing, sneezing, and kissing.
How to get tested for Chlamydia
Men can consult a healthcare practitioner and get Chlamydia tests to detect the pathogen.
Each test looks for the infection-causing pathogen in different body parts through the following ways:
Urine test
Your doctor may recommend a urine test for the diagnosis of Chlamydia.
You have to collect a urine sample in a sterile container to detect the bacteria further.
The test detects the bacterial DNA in the urine sample and is called the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT).
For an accurate result, you should stop urinating for two hours before collecting the urine.
Swab test
In rare cases, a cell culture can also be done to detect Chlamydia infection.
Your healthcare practitioner can collect samples from the anus or throat to collect the cells and fluid, depending on your sexual history.
Cells are then sent to the laboratory. If bacteria are present, they will multiply in numbers and indicate the presence of infection.
Chlamydia treatment for men
With proper treatment, 95% of people can positively treat their infection.
As bacteria cause Chlamydia, it can be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics can kill the infection-causing pathogen and treat the condition.
Chlamydia infection can be treated effectively with an antibiotic course. Your doctor can prescribe the following antibiotics:
- Azithromycin
- Doxycycline
Also, your doctor may prescribe other antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin or Erythromycin, if you are allergic, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
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The infection may usually clear within one or two weeks after the antibiotic course.
However, you should avoid sexual intercourse until the treatment is completed.
What happens if Chlamydia is left untreated in men
Chlamydia without treatment may lead to the following health problems in men without early diagnosis and treatments:
Infertility
Chlamydia without treatment may also reduce male fertility by damaging sperm and affecting the sperm parameters.
Thus, it is essential to consult a doctor and seek prompt medical attention.
Swollen joints
Infection with Chlamydia can lead to the development of Reactive Arthritis.
Reactive Arthritis is an inflammatory Arthritis that occurs due to a gastrointestinal or genitourinary infection.
Urethritis
Urethritis is the inflammation of the urethra.
Chlamydia is the most common cause of nongonococcal Urethritis (caused by pathogens other than Gonorrhea) in people.
Epididymitis
Untreated Chlamydia may cause Epididymitis in men.
It occurs when the bacteria infects the testicles and epididymis (a duct that carries sperm).
Epididymitis may lead to tenderness in the testicles, swelling, and pain.
Orchitis
Orchitis can be defined as inflammation of one or both testicles.
It is caused due to bacterial infections, such as untreated Chlamydia.
Increased chances of HIV
Untreated Chlamydia can increase the risk of getting or transmitting the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Therefore, it is recommended to seek prompt medical attention and treatment to prevent the progression of your STDs.
How to prevent Chlamydia
You can prevent the transmission of Chlamydia infection in the following ways:
- Have safe sex by using barriers, such as condoms and dental dams
- Avoid multiple sexual partners
- Always take STD tests before having sex with a new partner
You should also avoid sexual activity until your condition gets treated and should consult a healthcare practitioner to seek medical treatment.
Conclusion
Chlamydia is a curable STD caused by the bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis.
Chlamydia in men may show symptoms such as itching, burning, and discharge from the penis. It can also cause frequent urination in men.
It can transmit through vaginal, oral, or anal sex and from mother to child during childbirth.
On suspecting infection, you can test for Chlamydia through urine and swab tests.
After completion of the test, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for the treatment procedure and ask you to abstain from sex until treatment is completed.
However, without treatment, Chlamydia may cause health problems in men, such as reduced fertility, Epididymitis, and increased HIV risks.
Thus, taking precautions and seeking medical attention for faster recovery and preventing severe complications is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if a man has Chlamydia?
You can tell a man has Chlamydia by noticing a few symptoms, such as burning, itching in the penis, and penile discharge. A man can also have symptoms, including frequent and painful urination and Conjunctivitis-like symptoms. Thus, consult a licensed doctor and seek prompt treatment for faster recovery.
What are three symptoms of Chlamydia in men?
The three common symptoms of Chlamydia in men are burning or itching in the penis. Men can also notice a watery discharge from the penis and cloudy urine. Further, frequent and painful urination can also be seen in some men.
Can you detect Chlamydia in men?
Yes, you can detect the bacteria that causes Chlamydia in men with some effective tests. You can collect your urine sample and send it to the laboratory for further investigation. Also, your doctor can recommend a swab test for the collection of samples from the throat and anus.
How can you treat Chlamydia in men?
Chlamydia can be treated effectively with an antibiotic course. Your doctor can prescribe you Azithromycin or Doxycycline antibiotics for the treatment of Chlamydia. Further, if you have an allergy to these medications or are pregnant or breastfeeding, you will be prescribed Amoxicillin or Erythromycin.
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