Chlamydia is a rather widespread and treatable but dangerous sexually transmitted infection (STI), which can cause numerous complications and health problems, especially with regard to infertility. Unfortunately, it is often not recognized until signs arise. 50% of infected men are asymptomatic, but when the disease is overt, it is important to be able to recognize it and treat it promptly.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Recognizing Symptoms in the Genital Area
Step 1. Pay attention to an unusual secretion coming out of the penis
This leak may be water-like and therefore clear, or milky, cloudy, or yellowish-white in appearance like pus.
Step 2. Notice if you experience an itchy sensation when urinating
This is another typical symptom of the infection.
Step 3. Check for itching or a burning sensation on or around the opening of the penis
It could be a noticeable, unpleasant sensation, intense enough to wake you up at night.
Step 4. Check for pain or swelling in one or both testicles or scrotum
Such pain can be felt around the testicles, but not inside them.
Step 5. Tell your doctor if you have pain, bleeding, or rectal discharge
These symptoms are also associated with chlamydia. The infection may have taken root in the rectum or reached it by spreading from the penis.
Method 2 of 3: Knowing Other Physical Symptoms of Chlamydia
Step 1. Look out for low back, abdominal, or widespread pain in the pelvic area
These discomforts may indicate the presence of the infection.
Pain and swelling of the scrotum are the most common signs. If left untreated, as chlamydia progresses you may experience a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, caused by the prostate infection that triggers these additional discomfort in the lower body
Step 2. Check for sore throat
If you have recently had oral intercourse and are now suffering from a sore throat, you may have contracted chlamydia from your partner this way, even though he is asymptomatic.
The infection can also be transmitted through penile-mouth contact, as well as through vaginal or anal intercourse
Step 3. Watch out for nausea or fever
Men with this infection may develop a fever and feel nauseous, especially if the disease has also spread to the ureter.
A fever generally refers to a body temperature above 37.3 ° C
Method 3 of 3: Learn about Chlamydia
Step 1. Assess if you are at risk
Sexually active people, especially those who have unprotected intercourse with several partners, run the risk of becoming infected. Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium "Chlamydia trachomatis" and is contracted through vaginal, oral or anal intercourse when the mucous membranes come into contact with the bacterium. All people who have an active sex life should have regular tests for sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia.
- You are more likely to get it if you have unprotected sex with partners infected with chlamydia or other STIs. Infection can be avoided by using condoms or dental dams.
- Young and sexually active people are more likely to get sick.
- Men who have sex with other men are at a higher risk of getting chlamydia.
- You are more prone to this infection if you have already been diagnosed with any other STIs.
- The chances of infection through oral intercourse are lower than during vaginal or anal intercourse. There have been no cases of infection through mouth-vagina or mouth-anus contact, while it is possible to transmit the bacterium through mouth-penis intercourse, regardless of which subject is sick.
Step 2. Don't wait for symptoms to occur
Since chlamydia signals are absent in 50% of infected men and 75% of infected women, it is always dangerous for both sexes to become infected.
- If the disease is not treated in men, a condition known as non-gonococcal urethritis, an infection of the urethra (the tube through which urine passes) can develop. Men can also contract epididymitis, an infection of the epididymis, the small duct that allows sperm to escape from the testicles.
- Chlamydia can also harm women, even if they are asymptomatic. If left untreated, it can escalate into pelvic inflammatory disease, which in turn results in scarring and infertility.
- When symptoms do occur, they generally appear within one to three weeks of infection.
- If your partner finds out that you have chlamydia, get tested right away, even if you don't complain of any complaints.
Step 3. Take the test
Call the local ASL, your doctor, a family clinic or a hospital that can perform tests for sexually transmitted diseases. In many cases the exam is free.
The test can generally be done in two ways. We proceed with a swab of the infected genital area to take a sample for analysis. For men this means inserting a Q-tip into the tip of the penis or rectum. Sometimes a urine sample is also needed
Step 4. Get treatment right away
If the test is positive, antibiotics are usually prescribed, especially azithromycin and doxycycline. When medications are taken according to medical guidelines, the infection should go away within a week or two. In severe cases, intravenous antibiotics are needed.
- If you have chlamydia, your partner should also undergo the test and you will both need to be treated to avoid mutual contagion. At this stage you should refrain from sexual intercourse.
- People infected with chlamydia often also have gonorrhea; you will then automatically be treated for this second STI as well, as the treatment is typically less expensive than another test.
