What Does Chlamydia Look Like on a Man?
If you have recently had unprotected sex with someone who has Chlamydia, there’s a high chance that you will have contracted the disease. For some STIs, telling symptoms may give you an early indication of whether or not you have contracted the infection but half of cases of Chlamydia are asymptomatic in men.
So, what does Chlamydia look like in men? 50% of the time, Chlamydia is asymptomatic in men. However, when symptoms do present, they may include:
- Pain when urinating
- White, cloudy or watery penile discharge
- Burning or itching in the urethra
- Pain in the testicles
Read on to learn more about what Chlamydia looks like on a man, as well as the answers to your burning questions.
What Does Chlamydia Look Like in Men?
In at least half of Chlamydia cases in men, there are no noticeable symptoms. As such, men can go months or even years without knowing they have it. This then increases the risk of a man passing on the disease to sexual partners.
Symptoms of Chlamydia in Men
In cases where Chlamydia does present with symptoms in men, they may include:
- Pain when peeing
- White, cloudy or watery discharge from the tip of the penis
- Burning or itching in the urethra
- Pain in the testicles
It’s important to note that these symptoms may also affect those that were assigned male at birth (AMAB), but no longer identify as male.
For information about what Chlamydia looks like in women, take a look at our sister blog, What Does Chlamydia Look Like in Women?
Can Chlamydia Lay Dormant in a Man?
Chlamydia can lay dormant in men for years. In some cases, symptoms will show 2-14 days after infection, but for others, it can take months or even years. There have even been reports of Chlamydia lying dormant for over twenty years.
How Do Men Get Tested for Chlamydia? Chlamydia Tests for Men
Chlamydia is asymptomatic in 50% of cases in men, and can lay dormant for years. Plus, when symptoms do appear, they can easily be mistaken for other STIs. As such, the only way to know for sure if you have the disease is to take an STI test.
Chlamydia tests can be taken from 14 days after exposure. Depending on the area being investigated,, samples will be collected via a throat swab, rectal swab or a urine deposit.
At Your Sexual Health, we provide a range of Chlamydia tests for men that suit all needs. For those that require discreet, convenient testing, we offer at-home testing kits with turnaround times of just 2 days once the sample reaches our lab. Alternatively, if you’re in a rush, check out our Instant Chlamydia test with a turnaround time of just 30 minutes. We also offer tests using specific sample types, including a Urine Test or a Throat Swab Test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.
If your result comes back positive, we offer a complimentary GP appointment with our sister medical practice. You will be provided with all the information you need and an appropriate prescription of antibiotics to treat the infection. This is also your opportunity to ask any questions you may have on the topic with a private doctor. It’s also worth noting that these appointments are completely private and confidential. They will not show on your NHS medical record.
Can Chlamydia Go Away on its Own in a Man?
It is unlikely that Chlamydia will go away on its own, without treatment. However, in around 20% of asymptomatic cases, the disease can resolve itself spontaneously. This can, however, take a long time and you will still be infectious. As such, we always recommend regular STI testing to avoid complications.
Chlamydia Complications if Left Untreated
As previously mentioned, if Chlamydia goes untreated, you risk passing it on to unsuspecting sexual partners. In men, there is also a risk of developing a number of health conditions. These include:
Inflammation of the Testicles
Although very rare, untreated Chlamydia can spread to the testicles and epididymis (the tubes that carry sperm). This causes inflammation and swelling which can be painful. If this continues to go untreated, there is a possibility that it could affect fertility.
Reactive Arthritis
Untreated Chlamydia is the most common cause of acquired reactive arthritis (SARA). This causes the joints, eyes or urethra to become inflamed, typically within the first few weeks after contracting the infection. There is no cure for SARA but most people will recover within a few weeks. NSAID drugs such as ibuprofen can be used to relieve symptoms in the meantime.
Chlamydia Treatment for Men
Once diagnosed, Chlamydia is treated with a course of antibiotics. This is typically 95% effective when taken as directed. There are two common types of antibiotics that are prescribed to treat Chlamydia, they are:
- Azithromycin – the course will consist of 2 or 4 tablets taken in one sitting
- Doxycycline – this is taken as 2 tablets taken every day for a week
Other antibiotics may be prescribed if a patient is allergic to penicillin.
What Can Be Mistaken for Chlamydia in Men?
The symptoms of Chlamydia in men can easily be mistaken for another STI or other health condition, such as:
- A UTI
- Genital Herpes
- Gonorrhoea
- Mycoplasma Genitalium
- Ureaplasma
As it is easily mistaken, an STI test is the only way to know for sure if you have Chlamydia.
Everything Else You Need to Know About Chlamydia
For more information about Chlamydia, its symptoms, treatments and everything in between, check out our comprehensive guide to Chlamydia. In this blog, we go into much more detail about each and every aspect of Chlamydia and answer your burning questions. Alternatively, if you’re looking for information about Chlamydia specifically relating to women, check out our blog, What Does Chlamydia Look Like in Women?
