All right, let’s talk about Chlamydia – Basically, Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis.
You can catch chlamydia if:
1.) You have unprotected vaginal or anal sex with someone who already has the infection.
2.) You are giving or receiving oral sex with someone who has chlamydia. Also read: Throat Gonorrhoea
3.) You come into contact with the semen (cum or pre-cum) or vaginal fluids of someone who has chlamydia.
Even if you have had chlamydia before, you can still catch it again!
Checkout: (Next Day Result) Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea Rapid STD Screening
The bad thing about Chlamydia in men is,
Majority of who have this STD do not have any genital symptoms when they are infected.
Signs and symptoms can show up 1–3 weeks after coming into contact with chlamydia, many months later, or not until the infection spreads to other parts of your body.
Infection in the rectum and throat usually causes no symptoms at all.
The most common symptoms in men are :
1.) Burning when passing urine
2.) Penile Discharge from the end of the penis
3.) There may be pain or discomfort in the testicles
Learn more about the 4 common causes of Testicular pain & Discomfort
4.) There are rarely any symptoms if the infection is in the rectum (back passage) but it may cause discomfort and discharge. Also Read: Rectal Gonorrhea
5.) Infection in the eyes can cause pain, swelling, irritation and/or discharge.
Infection in the throat is uncommon and usually has no symptoms
You can’t get chlamydia from kissing, hugging, sharing baths or towels, swimming pools, toilet seats or from sharing cups, plates or cutlery.
Testing for Chlamydia is simple –
All your doctor would need to do is to get a sample from the genital area to make the diagnosis.
A urine test may be also used.
If you have had oral or anal sex, the doctor may also take swabs from your throat and anus.
If you have chlamydia, you should also be tested for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and gonorrhoea, as you can have more than one infection at the same time.
The best part is, the treatment is simple!
If there’s a high chance you have the infection, The STD treatment may be started before the results of the test are back.
You’ll always be given treatment if a sexual partner is found to have this STI.
Chlamydia is treated with antibiotic tablets.
Frequent Asked Questions:
1.) Should I have sex if I have chlamydia?
You should avoid any sex, even with a condom, until after both you and your partner have finished all your treatment and you are reviewed by your doctor.
2.) What are the possible complications of chlamydia?
Chlamydia is unlikely to lead to any long-term problems if it is treated quickly. However, without treatment chlamydia can cause serious problems.
Men may develop a painful infection in their testicles.
Men’s fertility can also be affected. Read Also: STD and Fertility.
In rare cases, chlamydia may cause other symptoms such as arthritis (swollen joints) and inflammation of the eyes.
This is known as Reiter’s syndrome and is more common in men.
3.) Do I need to tell my partner?
If you do have chlamydia, it is essential that your current sexual partner, and any other sexual partner you have had over the last two months, is tested and treated.
This is to stop you getting the infection again, and also so your partners do not develop complications.
Learn more about Gonorrhoea symptoms
For more questions, please email them at hello@dtapclinic.com.sg to make an appointment today or visit them at www.dtapclinic.com
