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Early Symptoms of Chlamydia in Men
Each year, over 40 million men in the United States are diagnosed with chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterial infection 1. The early symptoms of chlamydia can be difficult to detect 1. Men who are sexually active should be screened regularly for sexually transmitted diseases to ensure infections are detected early and treated promptly.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Early Symptoms
Chlamydia is considered a "silent" disease because more than 50 percent of men with this infection do not develop early symptoms 1. Men who are asymptomatic can still pass this bacterial infection to another partner when engaged in sexual activities. Routine screening for sexually transmitted diseases can help detect the presence of infection even in the absence of symptoms. Male patients who believe they have been exposed to chlamydia should seek further evaluation and care from a medical professional 1.
Discharge from the Penis
Symptoms of an Infected Prostate
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Symptomatic men can develop early symptoms of chlamydia within one to three weeks following initial exposure to this bacterial infection 1. In certain instances, men with this infection can develop unusual discharge from the penis. This discharge can appear thick, yellow and pus-like or it may be watery or white. Discharge from the penis resulting from chlamydia may discolor or stain undergarments 1. Men who notice any unusual discharge from the penis should seek medical care immediately because this early symptom of chlamydia can also be a sign of an another medical condition 1.
Burning During Urination
Chlamydia can cause certain men can cause certain men to experience a burning sensation while urinating 1. Pain during urination is a common early symptom and may be uncomfortable to affected men. The severity of this sensations can vary from mild to severe and typically becomes worse until the affected patient receives treatment. Certain men may also experience pain, burning or itching around the head or opening of the penis. Men who experience uncomfortable urination should talk with a doctor as soon as possible to receive appropriate treatment and care.
- Chlamydia can cause certain men can cause certain men to experience a burning sensation while urinating 1.
- The severity of this sensations can vary from mild to severe and typically becomes worse until the affected patient receives treatment.
Swelling of the Testicles
Common STD Symptoms in Men
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Swollen testicles can develop as an early symptom of chlamydia 1. Affected men may notice that their testicles appear enlarged or puffy and are tender to the touch. These early symptoms of chlamydia should be discussed with a physician immediately as they can also be signs of other medical problems, such as testicular cancer 1.
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References
- Avert: Chlamydia
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Chlamydia
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chlamydia - CDC Fact Sheet (Detailed)
- World Health Organization. Trachoma
- Planned Parenthood. Chlamydia
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Surveillance. https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats15/chlamydia.htm
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chlamydia—CDC Fact Sheet (Detailed). https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia-detailed.htm
- World Health Organization. Trachoma. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs382/en/
Writer Bio
Rae Uddin has worked as a freelance writer and editor since 2004. She specializes in scientific journalism and medical and technical writing. Her work has appeared in various online publications. Uddin earned her Master of Science in integrated biomedical sciences with an emphasis in molecular and cellular biochemistry from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.