You are here: PharmacyArticlesSexual HealthChlamydia in Men and Women Read more articles on: Sexual Health Published on: March 2, 2021 Last Updated On: March 3, 2021 Free Delivery: Your medication is delivered directly to you at no added cost. We even offer same-day delivery in selected locations. Discreet Packaging: Your privacy is important. That's why we send your medication inside a plain delivery box so no one will know what's inside. Chlamydia in Men and Women Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease that may infect both men and women. However, women are seen to be at a higher risk than men. The infection rate is higher in sexually active women between 15 and 25 years.In most cases, it does not cause any symptoms, and thus you may not be aware even if you are infected. But if left unattended, it can cause complications in both genders.It can also permanently damage a woman’s reproductive system, making it difficult for her to get pregnant. Chlamydia infection can also result in an ectopic pregnancy.Thus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all sexually active women below 25 years to get screened for chlamydia every year. Table of Contents Symptoms of Chlamydia MenWomenCausesEffects in Men and WomenFemale Complications Male complications DiagnosisHow is Chlamydia Treated?Reducing Chlamydia TransmissionSymptoms of Chlamydia MenWhen present, some common symptoms in men include:Green or yellow discharge from the penisPain in the testiclesBurning sensation during urinationPain in the lower abdomenYou can also get an infection in the butt after anal sex. Some common symptom includes:An itchy or painful anusDiarrheaBleeding or discharge from the anusSwelling of the anusIf chlamydia affects the eyes, it may cause itching, redness, or discharge. Having oral sex may also cause infection in the throat, resulting in cough, sore throat, or fever.Regardless of the location, chlamydia symptoms tend to appear in the morning.WomenSome common symptoms in women include:Vaginal dischargePain in the lower abdomenBleeding between periodsPain during sexBurning sensation during urinationInflammation of the cervixSwelling inside the vaginaStrong-smelling or yellowish vaginal dischargeIncreased urgency to pass urineIf the infection spreads beyond the cervix and vagina, it may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID symptoms may include:A low-grade feverBleeding after sexPain in the lower backNauseaBleeding between periodsALSO READ Anorgasmia in WomenYou can also get an infection in the butt after anal sex. Some common symptom includes:An itchy or painful anusDiarrheaBleeding or discharge from the anusSwelling the anusIf chlamydia affects the eyes, it may cause itching, redness, or discharge. Having oral sex may also cause infection in the throat, resulting in cough, sore throat, or fever.If you have sex with a new partner or you or your sexual partner have the mentioned symptoms, it is best to get tested for chlamydia. In case of any doubts, you can consult your doctor for the same.CausesThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis causes chlamydia, which is a sexually transmitted disease. It can also cause other disorders, including:PneumoniaEnlarged lymph nodes in the groinPelvic inflammatory diseaseInflammation of the cervixIt is not possible to spread this infection through hugging or kissing. However, you can transmit it:To your baby during pregnancyThrough oral, vaginal, or anal sex without a barrier method of contraception such as a condom.During sex, even if your partner does not ejaculateTouching of genitalsIt is also possible to get infected again even if you were treated in the past. This is possible if you have unprotected sex with an infected partner.It is also possible to get a chlamydia infection in the eye through genital or oral contact with the eyes.Effects in Men and WomenIf chlamydia is picked up as soon as it is suspected, the infection is more likely to clear up without complications.On the other hand, you can experience severe complications if you wait too long to manage them.Female Complications In some cases, women can develop PID if the infection ascends to the cervix, uterus, and ovaries. PID is an emergency condition and needs hospital treatment.It may also cause infertility if left untreated, as the fallopian tubes may get blocked or scarred.ALSO READ Low Sex Drive and VaginismusIf the women pass the infection to the baby, it may cause pneumonia or eye infection in newborns.So, complications include:InfertilityPelvic inflammatory diseasePassing infection to the babyMale complications Epididymitis: It is an inflammatory condition of the epididymis, a tube that maintains the testes in place. This condition may cause pain in the testicles.Prostatitis: The infection can pass to the prostate, resulting in pain during intercourse, fever, and discomfort in the lower back.Urethritis: When the infection affects the urethra, it may cause pain while urinating.DiagnosisYour doctor may ask about your symptoms. They may also run a physical check to look for sores, discharge, unusual spots, or other symptoms indicating an infection.The most common way of diagnosing chlamydia is by sending the sample to a laboratory for analysis. It can be done in two ways:Swab: It involves using cotton to take the sample from the vagina, anus, or throat.Urine analysis: Urine is collected in a container.The results may take about seven to ten days. If you have symptoms that indicate chlamydia, the treatment may be started even before the results come.Who Should Get Tested?Your doctor may advise taking the test if:You have had unprotected sex with a new partnerYou or your partner have multiple sexual partnersYou are planning to conceive or are pregnantYou or your partner have symptoms of chlamydiaYou are sexually active and under 25 yearsYou are men having sex with menHow is Chlamydia Treated?Fortunately, chlamydia can be cured easily. It is seen that 95% of the infected individuals are cured of the infection if they take medicines correctly. As chlamydia is a bacterial infection, antibiotics help to manage it. Commonly used antibiotics are:Azithromycin: Usually prescribed to be taken in a single large doseDoxycycline: To be taken twice a day for a weekALSO READ How does Sex Drive change with Age In Men & Women?If you are allergic to the mentioned medicines or they are not advisable for you, the doctor may prescribe other antibiotics such as erythromycin or amoxicillin. So, do not take medicine before consulting your doctor.Despite the choice of antibiotics, taking medicine correctly will ensure that the infection is cleared completely. It may take up to two weeks for the same.Your doctor will advise refraining from sex during treatment to prevent the spread of the infection to your partner. It is also possible to get or spread the infection if you are exposed to the bacteria again, even if you are treated for your previous infection.Although chlamydia is curable, it is essential to take precautions and prevent its recurrence.Reducing Chlamydia TransmissionThe surest and the best way to prevent spreading or contracting chlamydia infection is to use a condom during sex.It is recommended to:Use a condom, especially with each new partnerAvoid having oral sex unless the partner is screened for STDsGet screened regularlyLimit the number of sexual partnersCorrect and consistent use of condomsAvoid sex until the treatment is completeGet tested if you are pregnant or planning to conceive We're Here for You: Our pharmacists are happy to answer your questions. Get in touch by text, live chat, phone or email. We're standing by 7 days a week. 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