Everything That You Need To Know About Chlamydia In Men!

Overview

Only half of the men will get any symptoms of the most common STD. Learn the signs, symptoms and treatment of chlamydia in men. 

It’s the most common reportable disease and yet half of all men infected show no symptoms. Failure to treat this ‘silent disease’ can cause you to become sterile. 

While more commonly reported in females, men are still largely affected. For both genders, the largest age group affected were those ages 20-24. 

What is Chlamydia in Men? 

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is spread through sexual activities involving the penis, vagina, mouth and anus. The bacteria that causes chlamydia, chlamydia trachomatis can be present in semen or vaginal fluid. This bacteria likes to live in mucous membranes and can cause damage to the reproductive system even without producing any symptoms.

In men chlamydia usually infects the urethra and the anus depending on the sexual activity that caused the infection. While chlamydia is usually associated with genitals, it can also be found in the mucous membranes of the eyelid and throat. 

Realated: Chlamydia-a common treatable STD

Failure to treat this sexually transmitted infection can result in damage to the reproductive system-even sterility. Men are more fortunate in that about 50% will experience symptoms. Only about 25% of women get any indication that they may have caught an STI. 

How is it Spread? 

Chlamydia is spread through oral, anal or penetrative sex with an infected person. It is spread easily through unprotected sex since the majority of cases present no symptoms. 

• You can contract it by receiving oral sex on your genitals or anus by a partner with an infected throat.
• Chlamydia can be passed through anal sex with an infected partner.
• You can become infected by performing oral sex on a partner with infected genitals or anus.
• Chlamydia can be spread by getting vaginal fluid or semen in the eye from an infected partner.
• An infected mother can spread chlamydia to her baby during birth.
• Sharing sex toys without washing or using a condom can spread the infection.
• Genitals coming into contact with infected genitals can spread the infection without any penetration, oral or anal sex.
• Despite the fact that chlamydia can be present in the throat chlamydia cannot be spread by kissing. 
• Chlamydia cannot be spread by sharing personal items like towels, bedding or toilets.

Who is at Risk? 

According to the CDC, women under the age of 25 are at the highest risk of contracting chlamydia. While young women may be at the highest risk, anyone who participates in unprotected sex is at risk. Chlamydia is often asymptomatic, so partners may be passing on the STI without ever knowing they were infected. This is why it is so important to get a yearly screening to prevent the spread of this infection. 

Research shows that there are some people who are at a higher risk of contracting chlamydia.

Those who are considered high risk include: 

• Men and women who have multiple partners.
• Those who currently have another sexually transmitted infection.
• Men who have sex with men.
• Men and women who have sex without a condom.
• Those with an infected partner.

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Chlamydia Symptoms in Men

One of the reasons that chlamydia is so common is more often than not, chlamydia doesn’t cause any symptoms. This means if you don’t get an annual screening, you may never experience any symptoms, even in case of an infection. 

Fortunately for men, they have about a 50% chance of experiencing some symptoms. Although these symptoms are not pleasant, they can prompt a swift diagnosis. 

Some common symptoms experienced by men include:

• Small amounts of clear or cloudy discharge from the tip of the penis.
• Pain or itching around the opening of the penis.
• Pain while urinating.
• Swelling of the testicles.
• Pain, bleeding or itching around the anus.

The signs and symptoms of chlamydia in males do not show up immediately. It can take around 5–10 days or more after exposure to chlamydia for symptoms to appear. Different parts of the male urinary system/organs may be affected by chlamydia resulting in:

Urethritis:

Urethritis is an infection of the urethra. The urethra is a tube that runs inside the penis and allows semen and urine to exit the body. It is often referred to as non-gonococcal urethritis, which means urethritis that is caused by an infection other than gonorrhoea. The most common symptoms of urethritis include:

• Frequent urination.
• Burning or pain while urinating. 
• Itchy feeling near the opening of the penis.
• Scant, watery, white discharge or the discharge may appear as a dried film on the tip of the penis.

Epididymitis:

The epididymis is the coiled tube filled with sperm attached to the back of each testicle. Infection of the epididymis is called epididymitis and can result in the following symptoms:

• Swelling of the scrotum (can affect one side or both).
• Testicle pain (can affect one side or both).

Prostatitis:

Inflammation of the prostate gland is called prostatitis. Chlamydia can lead to chronic prostatitis:

Symptoms of prostatitis include:

• Pain with urination.
• Difficulty urinating.
• Pain while ejaculating.
• Pelvic pain.
• Incontinence.

Swollen Lymph nodes(lymphadenopathy):

Chlamydia trachomatis is one species of bacteria. It has several subtypes known as serovars. Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a condition caused by three unique strains of Chlamydia trachomatis. The infection is characterized by tiny, often asymptomatic skin lesions and regional lymphadenopathy in the groin or pelvis. It can manifest as severe proctitis if it is transmitted through anal intercourse. Without appropriate treatment, LGV can obstruct lymphatic flow, causing swelling of genital tissue. Common symptoms include:

• A painless ulcer may appear at the site of infection.
• Painful swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin.

Proctitis:

Inflammation or infection of the lining of the rectum is known as proctitis. Anal intercourse increases the risk of developing proctitis. Some common symptoms include:

• Rectal pain.
• Rectal bleeding.
• Constipation.
• Rectal discharge.
• Tenesmus (feeling the urge to pass stool even when you have just done so).

Oral Chlamydia:

Chlamydia can infect the throat as well and is also called pharyngeal chlamydia. Oral chlamydia can cause a sore throat in some people.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually simple. Your doctor may ask for a urine sample to check for the bacteria through a urinalysis. Often a swab will be inserted into the tip of the penis to look for chlamydia trachomatis in the urethra. If chlamydia is suspected in the anus, it would also be swabbed. In the case of oral sex, a throat swab may be taken as well.

Since most people don’t develop symptoms, screening may help detect chlamydia. Men who have sex with men should be screened as frequently as every 3–6 months

Treatment for Chlamydia in Men

Chlamydia treatment in men involves a course of oral antibiotics. Treatment may be a single dose of azithromycin or several doses of doxycycline depending on the symptoms.

In the presence of any symptoms or if your sexual partner tests positive, treatment for chlamydia is provided even before your test results come back. If there is a concern for a possible co-infection with gonorrhoea, a single injection of an antibiotic called ceftriaxone (Rocephin) is administered. An alternative first-line treatment includes a 7-day course of doxycycline. However, if you have additional issues, like epididymitis or prostatitis, treatment is usually required for longer.

It is important to inform any current or past partner about your diagnosis so they are also able to be tested. You can still spread chlamydia while taking your antibiotics. It is important to abstain from sex for seven days after your last treatment.  

It is possible to become reinfected with chlamydia. Moreover, it is important to take all of your antibiotics and to have any possible partners tested and treated to prevent re-infection. 

Prevention of Chlamydia in Men

Prevention is key to helping eradicate chlamydia because it often presents no symptoms. Many people have the infection and unknowingly infect their partners. 

There are some steps you can take to better protect yourself:

• Always have anal sex with a condom.
• Always have penetrative sex with a condom.
• Use a dental dam for oral sex on a vagina or anus.
• Use a condom for oral sex on a penis.
• Get tested and encourage your partner to get tested for STDs annually.

Long-Term Effects of Chlamydia in Men

The long-term effects of chlamydia in males can vary. However, some of the complications of untreated chlamydial infection include:

Epididymitis

Epididymitis, inflammation of the coiled tube at the back of the testicles, can present as fever, pain and swelling in the scrotum.

Prostatitis

Infection in the prostate gland is known as prostatitis. Chlamydia can result in prostatitis, pain during or after sex, and painful urination. It can accompany other symptoms such as fever, chills, and lower back ache.

Reactive arthritis

Another complication of a chlamydial infection includes the development of reactive arthritis. This is called Reiter’s syndrome, which affects the eyes(eye inflammation), joints and the urethra. 

Can chlamydia make men infertile?

Undiagnosed and untreated chlamydia can result in inflammation of the reproductive organs. In men, it can spread to the testicles, resulting in epididymitis, which may cause sterility. 

How long should I wait to have sex if I am getting treatment for chlamydia?

If you are treated with a single dose of antibiotics, it is recommended to wait at least 7 days after you take the dose before you have intercourse to prevent reinfection.

When to Consult a Doctor

Starting the treatment at the right time can help prevent any serious risks or complications. Speak with a doctor at Your Doctors Online in order to get tested for chlamydia or get a prescription for chlamydia. It is essential to practice safe sex to prevent the spread of chlamydia

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FAQs About Chlamydia in Men Answered By Your Doctors Online Team