The Long Term Effects of Chlamydia in Males Explained

The Long Term Effects of Chlamydia in Males Explained

STDs affect men and women differently. One STD that tends to impact the lives of women more than men is chlamydia. It’s worth noting here that women under 25 are most “at risk” for contracting chlamydia statistically, but any sexually active person can get chlamydia. Part of the reason why chlamydia is so prevalent is that many individuals don’t realize they have the infection, since it’s often asymptomatic. Furthermore, most of the complications associated with chlamydia are related to female fertility. Relatively fewer organizations address the long term effects of chlamydia in males. Today though, we’re going to set the record straight and explain what can happen to a man with untreated chlamydia.

Symptoms of Chlamydia

Though many men won’t have to deal with chlamydia symptoms, some will. One of the most commonly associated symptoms is a stinging or burning sensation during urination, ejaculation, and/or intercourse. In addition, some men will experience penile discharge and swollen testicles. In fact, if left untreated, chlamydia can lead to epididymitis, which is an inflammation of the tube at the back of the testicle. This is painful, and it can contribute to other symptoms like chills, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes around the groin.

Worst-Case Chlamydia Scenarios

Some STDs have truly frightening worst-case scenarios. However, chlamydia won’t contribute to organ failure, blindness, or paralysis like other STDs. That’s the good news. By and large, chlamydia in men will usually remain either relatively mild or dormant. Chlamydia is a non-fatal infection, and though it can cause a bevy of reproductive issues for women –– particularly if they’re pregnant –– the effects it has on male fertility are often downplayed. Yet, reports indicate that chlamydia may indeed impair a man’s ability to reproduce. Chlamydia may cause scarring in the reproductive tract or hamper the motility of sperm cells.

Lastly, untreated chlamydia may increase your chances of contracting other STDs –– including HIV.

Chlamydia Transmission

In many instances, a real worry for men with chlamydia is transmitting it to a female partner. Since chlamydia is hard to detect, men can (and have) unwittingly spread the disease to women. As noted above, women have a lot to worry about with chlamydia, since it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and complications during pregnancy.