Chlamydia in Men

Chlamydia in Men

While much of the literature about the disease is aimed at women, the insidious bacterial infection is also one of the leading causes of male infertility and problems of the urinary and reproductive system in young men. The bacteria can also make its home in the rectum and anal tract, and infect the mouth and throat if a man has oral or anal contact with an infected partner.

Symptoms in men

One of the things that makes this disease so insidious is the fact that it often has no symptoms at all. The CDC estimates that approximately 50% of men infected with the infection are asymptomatic. Because there are no symptoms, they don’t seek treatment until the bacteria has had a chance to cause irreversible damage. It also means that they are more likely to have unprotected sex and pass it along to other partners.

Prevalence

Chlamydia is even more common than was once believed. In a recent UK study, doctors screened army recruits for the disease. Fully 10% of those tested were positive. Of them, over 80% reported no symptoms at all. Between the lack of symptoms and the discomfort that many doctors feel in bringing up sexually transmitted diseases, those statistics suggest that young men should be proactive about their own health care. Health officials suggest that young men who are sexually active, particularly if they have had more than two partners in the past year, request a screening for Chlamydia from their doctors.

Symptoms

Doctors also suggest that if you have any of the symptoms of the disease, you should request a screening test. Many doctors are unaware of the prevalence of the condition, particularly in young men. The most common symptoms in men include:

- White, cloudy discharge from the tip of the penis

- Painful or burning urination

- Burning or itching in the genital area

- Irritation at the tip of the penis

- Inflammation of the testicles

- Inflammation of the epididymus (the tube that carries sperm from the testicles)

- Inflammation and scarring of the urethra

- Painful urination

- Anal discharge (if Chlamydia is present in the rectum)

While the long-term results of untreated Chlamydia for women have been widely publicized, there’s not as much said about the results of an untreated infection in men. The disease can result in scarring of the urethra, and can affect sperm motility and function. Recent studies in Sweden suggest that the infection affects the sperm themselves, and that in the male may reduce the chances of pregnancy in a couple by up to 30%.

Diagnosing

There are two types of diagnostic tests. The first, which is older, more accurate and more readily available, involves inserting a small cotton swab into the urethra to collect a sample. In the past five years, a urine test has been developed. While it is easier (and less uncomfortable), it is also less available and more expensive.

Treatment

The disease responds readily to antibiotic treatment, though it is not affected by penicillin. Doxocycline and azithromycin are the most commonly prescribed antibiotics.

Preventing

The easiest and most effective way of preventing Chlamydia is to wear a condom when having sex. Health officials suggest always using a condom with a new partner until you both have had tests for sexually transmitted diseases.