Chlamydia Symptoms in Men

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by a bacteria called Chlyamidia trachomatis. Chlamydia is the most common STI in America, affecting over 1 million people--and these are only the number of people who have been diagnosed. The number of people infected is likely higher, since many men and women will not show symptoms.

Significance

Chlamydia is easy to treat but very difficult to diagnose in men. About 50 percent of men will not show symptoms and are not regularly screened for chlamydia. Since 75 percent of women will also not show symptoms, this means that chlamydia infection can readily be passed between unknowing partners. Although rare, men can become sterile or develop other complications, including arthritis, if chlamydia infection is not diagnosed and treated.

Identification

Initial chlamydia symptoms in men, when noticeable, include a whitish or watery discharge from the penis and a burning sensation when urinating. The tip of the penis may be red and sore. If infected through anal sex, symptoms include bleeding or discharge from the rectum and a burning sensation. Chlamydia infection from oral sex can cause a red, sore throat. Symptoms occur one to three weeks after infection. Symptoms from an undiagnosed and untreated Chlamydia infection that has progressed through the body can include arthritis, skin rash and eye inflammation and infection (conjunctivitis).

Prevention/Solution

As with any STI, abstinence from sex is the most effective way to prevent infection, as is having sex with only one partner who does not have chlamydia. Condoms can help to reduce the risk of infection, but they are not 100 percent effective. Use of dental dams (the small plastic sheets dentists use when filling a tooth) during oral sex and condoms during anal sex can help prevent infection. If you have been diagnosed with chlamydia, a single dose or week-long regimen of antibiotics will cure the infection.

Considerations

If chlamydia is left untreated in men, it can cause a combination of disorders known as Reiter's syndrome. Reiter's syndrome includes arthritis that affects mostly the knees, feet and hands, as well as conjunctivitis. Reiter's also includes a rash of small, hard bumps on the soles or palms, or small, painless sores on the penis. It can case inflammation of the prostate gland as well as cardiovascular problems (including inflammation of the lining of the heart) in some men. Reiter's syndrome is rare but does affect more men than women.

Warning

If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to chronic inflammation of the urethra in men as well as the epididymis (called epididymitis). The epididymis is the tube located within the scrotum next to the testicles where sperm mature and are stored prior to ejaculation. Epididymitis can cause fever as well as swelling and mild to severe pain in the scrotum. The longer the infection is left untreated, the greater the risk of infertility. Chlamydia infection is the most common cause of epididymitis in men under the age of 35.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• National Institutes of Health: Chlamydia