Chlamydia in Men – An Overview
Chlamydia is perhaps the most common sexually transmitted infection which affects both males and females all across the United States. This has also been suggested by the CDC. However, how it affects males is quite different when compared to females. It is primarily asymptomatic but if symptoms do develop it takes quite a while after the initial exposure to the offending bacteria after unprotected sexual activity. In males, Chlamydia leads to two complications namely urethritis and epididymitis. While urethritis causes abnormal discharge from the penis along with painful urination and penile irritation, epididymitis causes pain in the testicles which may gradually spread towards the groin [1].
Additional symptoms experienced due to chlamydia infection include pain in the rectum, pain, and discharge. Erectile dysfunction is a pathological condition in which the individual finds it difficult to have and maintain erection for a sustained period of time. This is a major cause of embarrassment in males who are not able to enjoy sexual activity due to this condition [1].
There are many causes for erectile dysfunction including various medical conditions and medications. Whether chlamydia is one of the causes for erectile dysfunction is what has been discussed in this article below [1]:
Can Chlamydia Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Studies suggest that many individuals with a known diagnosis of chlamydia infection go to their physician complaining of erectile dysfunction in which they have problems with getting and maintaining erection. This is said to happen when the prostate gland gets affected by chlamydia causing inflammation. This in medical terms is named as prostatitis [2].
Chlamydia is known to cause variety of health problems in males and the worst thing about this infection is that it rarely causes any symptoms. This means that many males do not even know that they have chlamydia which may be causing their erectile dysfunction. If left untreated, chlamydia may result in inflammation of the prostate, increased likelihood of contracting HIV, and irreversible infertility [2].
Erectile dysfunction as stated is mainly caused when the infection spreads to the prostate gland. This happens when the bacteria spreads to the urethra and then slowly with time gets to the prostate gland. When the prostate gland gets infected, it interferes with the flow of blood to the penis making it docile and causing problems getting an erection. It should be mentioned here that chlamydia has a tendency to spread to the sexual partner even when the infected male does not ejaculate according to the CDC. If this is the case, then it requires a thorough checkup with a physician to design a treatment plan to get rid of the infection and restore normal function of the penis [2].
A consultation with a physician is also recommended if the patient experiences burning or pain with urination, pain in the penis, testicles or groin during sexual activity, abnormal discharge from the penis, or a rash in the genital area. Sexually transmitted diseases can only be accurately diagnosed by a healthcare professional and people who are sexually active with multiple partners need to get checked for chlamydia more often than others [2].
There are multiple clinics available that offer exclusive testing for sexually transmitted diseases. Various programs are conducted to increase awareness about chlamydia and the complications that may arise due to this condition. Chlamydia is completely curable and thus when diagnosed immediate treatment should be started. Regular checkups are important to prevent chlamydia infection and the complications that arise from the infection such as erectile dysfunction [2].
In conclusion, there is a clear established link between chlamydia and erectile dysfunction. This occurs when the infection spreads from the urethra to the prostate gland causing inflammation. This usually happens when chlamydia is left untreated or the infected person is not aware that he has chlamydia. Thus it is important for people who are involved in unprotected sex with multiple partners to get checked up for chlamydia regularly. This will prevent complications like erectile dysfunction from developing and treat them at an early stage [2].
Reference:
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324260.php#symptoms-of-chlamydia-in-males
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322048
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