The discharge may not “flow” out of the penis on its own and might only be visible if it’s squeezed out. Discharge from chlamydia is usually less profuse and thick than from gonorrhea. Recognizing gonorrhea symptoms can be tricky since they’re similar to those of chlamydia. [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Urethritis might also be called non-gonococcal urethritis, which means it was caused by something other than gonorrhea.
Testicular or scrotal inflammation may be an early sign of epididymitis caused by chlamydia (chlamydial epididymitis).
See a doctor immediately if you’re experiencing any epididymitis symptoms or pain and swelling in your testicles or scrotum. Epididymitis is an infection of the epididymis (the tube connecting the testes to the vas deferens) caused by bacteria from STIs like chlamydia. [8] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Prostate problems are more likely if the chlamydia infection is rectal rather than in the urethra.
There aren’t typically other symptoms besides a sore throat if you’ve contracted chlamydia orally. [12] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
LGV spreads the same way as chlamydia, but requires a more aggressive antibiotic treatment to cure than most strains of chlamydia.
Some men with reactive arthritis may feel lower back pain, pain where tendons and ligaments connect to bone (enthesitis), and swollen fingers (dactylitis).
You’ve been diagnosed with other STIs You’re a teen or young adult aged 15 to 24 (this demographic makes up about half of US cases per year) You’re a man who has sex with men (MSM) You’re Black and non-Hispanic (High transmission rates among specific demographics, like non-Hispanic Black people or MSM, are largely due to networks and access to preventative care rather than sexual behavior)
Regular testing is the only way to know for sure whether you have chlamydia or not since it’s asymptomatic most of the time. Chlamydia can be asymptomatic for both men and women, making it easy to spread without knowing. It’s sometimes called the “silent infection. ”[18] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Men who present chlamydia symptoms can have the infection for weeks before any noticeable signs appear.
Lab tests for chlamydia can include a urine test and/or swabs taken from your urethra, throat, or rectum. [20] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source The results can take up to a week to come back. Your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics before the results are back as a precaution. If you don’t have a doctor or insurance, visit local clinics or a sexual health agency like Planned Parenthood for free testing or sliding scale payment. If you suspect you have chlamydia, tell all of your recent sexual partners to get tested as well.
When you take your medication correctly, most chlamydia infections clear up within a week or two. Antibiotics for chlamydia are usually oral medications like azithromycin or doxycycline.
If you or your partner is allergic to latex, use polyurethane condoms instead. To prevent oral transmission, use a dental dam during oral sex to keep chlamydia bacteria from entering the throat from the vagina or anus. Be open with your sexual partners about your STI status, and ask them about theirs. Good communication about sexual health can prevent transmission. The only surefire way to prevent chlamydia is to abstain from all vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
