Chlamydia symptoms in males
Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS
Introduction
Chlamydia is the most sexually transmitted infection in the world. It is generally evident as urethritis in males. Urethra is a tube that pumps urine from the bladder and proceeds through the penis.
It is a tube that pumps urine from the bladder and proceeds through the penis. It is an infectioncaused by chlamydia trachomatis. This can occur in both men and women of all ages. It is estimated that 40-96 percent of chlamydiasymptoms in males are noticed at the earliest.
It is important to start treatment after noticing chlamydia symptoms inmales, as it is curable, but if left untreated it leads to seriouscomplications and permanent damage to reproductive organs. Around
20-30 percent of people are affected every year.
Chlamydia Symptoms in males
- Burning sensation and foul smell discharge during urination
- Yellow or green discharge from penis
- Inflammation of kidneys, ureter, rectum and urethra
- Pain in testicles, lower abdomen, rectum and lymph nodes of groin region
- Frequent urination
- Bleeding and discharge from rectum
- Conjunctivitis and sore throat in rare conditions. Followed with red irritated eyes, milky white discharge from eyes, sensation of something in eyes, eyelid swelling and persistent tearing
- Dental problems, mouth pain, sores around lip and mouth
- Swollen, stiff or painful joints
Causes
Most common cause for this bacterial infection is through unprotected sex. It can be transmitted through the seminal or vaginal discharge of an infected person. It also occurs upon the contact of genital organs withoutsex. Newborn babies acquire chlamydia through their mothers during birth.
Risk factors
- Less condom usage
- Multiple sex partners
- Having a history of other STI ( sexually transmitted infections) or chlamydia
Diagnosis
The tests to be taken are urine tests, physical examination, and painless swab tests.
If anyone is found with symptoms of Chlamydia, the centre for disease control and prevention recommends screening for Chlamydia. However, screening and diagnosis of Chlamydia symptoms in males are uncomplicated.
They are as follows:
- Urine test
- Swab test – samples from cervix, vagina, throat or anus are collected for testing.
After initial treatment, an infected person should be retested after three months. Molecular tests are gold standards for diagnosing this infection. Currently some rapid diagnostic tests are also available in the market, but they are not accurate. As the majority of cases are without symptoms, prompt testing for individuals who are at high risk, like sex workers, are recommended to prevent the spread of infection.
In the diagnosis of LGV {lymphogranuloma venereum}, ulcerative disease of genitalis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis nucleic acid
amplification tests {NAAT} {molecular tests} are performed.
There are two ways to gather the sample of infected person:
Urine sample:
Sterile cup should be used to collect urine sample from the very first part of urine sample · To get accurate results, stop urinating for 2 hrs before the test.
- Steroid-free, anti-inflammatory medicines
- Drugs to change nerve messages and relax muscles
- Anesthetic steroid injections into the affected area
- Warm baths
- Surgery to remove epididymis
Swab sample:
In this method a special swab or brush is used to gather cells from genital area. This causes a brief discomfort, but test results are usually
in a day. While using home collection, it is important to follow the instructions carefully.
Pharmacological Treatment
Chlamydia can be treated with a variety of antibiotics. The most commonly used antibiotics for treating this infection include azithromycin,
tetracycline, ofloxacin, erythromycin and doxycycline. Azithromycin is the drug of choice in pregnancy and is given a single dose, whereas doxycycline is taken in smaller doses for 7 days as an alternative. Erythromycin is mainly recommended for treating infants and neonates and doxycycline for adolescents and adults. Patients should follow a 7 day course of antibiotics and abstain from sex until the infection has cleared up. Antibiotics can relieve the infection, but they can't relieve the harm caused by bacteria. That's Why it is important to get regular screening at the first sign of symptoms and get treated immediately if there is an infection.
Nonpharmacological treatment
A few home remedies that can relieve chlamydia symptoms in males by reducing inflammation are Goldenseal and Echinacea plants. They stimulate immune responses and assist in certain bacterial and viral infections.Garlic which contains allicin as an active compound demonstrated for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Turmeric which contains curcumin is established for its health benefits by showing powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. As it has various health benefits it can be taken in the right dosage.Oleuropein which is a major component in olive tree extract is an effective home remedy for chlamydia as it is familiar for its anti- inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral activities. The diet also fastens the healing of this infection like certain fruits, vegetables, herbs, and probiotics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chlamydia remains one of the most important sexually transmitted diseases with serious complications. However, chlamydia
symptoms in males are hidden, important to receive treatment as soon as possible. Recent advances indicate the need for selective screening programs targeting high-risk persons especially teenagers and young adults of low economic status. Creating awareness and educational programs will encourage people to get tested for Chlamydia and other sexual diseases. They also provide awareness on its prevention and control of spreading. Awareness about sexual health is the best way to avoid sexually transmitted diseases. This shows the impact on their lifestyle and promotes well-being.