Does Discharge In Men Mean They Are Infected
Thepresence of watery, cloudy, or white discharge is the main concern for many menand is often the primary sign of chlamydia. However, if a man has a discharge,it doesnt mean he is infected with chlamydia. There are other infections thatcause the same symptoms as:
- genitalherpes
- urinarytract infection
- ureaplasma
Becauseof how misleading discharge can be, its important to get tested to make surethe sign is not caused by anything else other than chlamydia.
Signs And Symptoms Of Common Stds In Men
Many people with a penis are quick to assume that if they had a sexually transmitted disease or infection , they would know it.
While most STDs and STIs do cause symptoms, many are easily mistaken for other conditions. In some cases, there are no symptoms at all.
Understanding the risks and knowing the signs and symptoms of common STIs in men and people with a penis is crucial for anyone whos sexually active.
Chlamydia is a bacterial STI thats transmitted during anal, oral, or vaginal sex with someone who acquired chlamydia. Its one of the most common STIs in the United States.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , 2,457,118 chlamydia diagnoses were reported in the United States in 2018.
Many people who acquire chlamydia dont ever display symptoms. Others only begin to display symptoms several weeks after transmission.
Common symptoms of chlamydia in those with a penis include:
Hepatitis A is a form of hepatitis caused by the hepatitis A virus . Hepatitis A usually requires no treatment and goes away on its own, but its highly contagious.
According to the World Health Organization , 1.4 million people acquire hepatitis A globally annually.
It can be acquired via food, drinking water, raw shellfish, and sexual contact without a condom or other barrier method.
Symptoms of hepatitis A include:
Treatment for hepatitis A usually focuses on reducing any symptoms as there is no official treatment.
How Long Does It Take For Std Symptoms To Show
STD symptoms in men usually take a few days or weeks to develop but can take up to months or years .Understanding STDs, their risks, and symptoms helps you pay attention to your body and recognize when somethings wrong. That said, the only way to be sure of your STD status is to get tested regularly, especially after unprotected sex.
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What Increases Your Risk
Risk factors for getting chlamydia include:
- Having unprotected sex .
- Having more than one sex partner.
- Having a high-risk partner or partners. This includes people who have more than one sex partner or sex partners who have chlamydia.
- Starting sexual activity before age 18.
Any child with chlamydia needs to be seen by a doctor to determine the cause and to assess for possible sexual abuse. For more information, see the topic Child Abuse and Neglect.
How Long Can You Have Chlamydia Without Knowing
Chlamydia is sometimes called a silent infection because the majority of people who have chlamydia regardless of gender never notice symptoms. People who do notice symptoms often dont recognize the signs that they have chlamydia until a few weeks after theyve been infected. Because chlamydia cases are often asymptomatic, its easy to spread chlamydia to someone else without realizing it. And its easy to miss out on receiving the treatment needed to prevent the serious complications that can result from chlamydia.
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Preventing The Spread Of Infection
It is absolutely necessary to inform the partner if you get a positive test for Chlamydia. The sooner the partner is told the more effective and simple the treatment can be. Make sure your partner gets tested and receives the treatment as well and abstain from the intercourse until the treatment of both you and the partner is finished.
How Chlamydia Tests Are Carried
The experts will ask you for urine sample and in order to generate best results it is essential to refrain passing urine for at least two hours before taking the test sample. In case you were engaged in anal sex and are now experiences few symptoms of Chlamydia then it is important to visit GP and follow procedures for swab of your throat or rectrum.
These samples will be processed in laboratories and you will get final results within few days. But in case if you cannot wait so long then it is good to order a home Chlamydia testing kit and get it delivered within 48 hours.
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How To Prevent Oral Chlamydia
Abstinence is the only way to completely prevent chlamydia infection. However, barrier devices such as a condom or dental dam can significantly reduce the risk of giving or receiving a sexually transmitted infection like chlamydia.
Another way to reduce the risk of infection is to maintain a monogamous sexual relationship with a partner who is not infected with chlamydia.
Rules For Successful Treatment
The patient should make sure that the doctor is informed if the patient is pregnant or has any allergies. These conditions influence the choice of the medicine prescribed. No matter which antibiotic the patient takes treating chlamydia the following points should be remembered:
- The treatment of all partners on the infected person is obligatory
- Abstain from sex contacts during the treatment and until the negative result on chlamydia test is received
- It is unadvisable to interrupt the course of antibiotics treatment as it will result in the necessity to start again from the beginning. Although the symptoms may disappear, the infection may still remain in the body
- It is necessary to get tested after 34 months after the end of the treatment to make sure the infection is no longer in the body.
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Is It Possible To Spot Chlamydia In Pictures
Most people often wonder if they can recognize the signs of chlamydia from pictures and whether or not this infection has any visible signs. Unfortunately, the answer is no. Its impossible to tell if a man is infected with chlamydia just by looking at a picture.
Whileit is possible to spot an irritated or swollen area, these signs could becaused by any other infection. To be 100% sure a man is infected, he needs toget a chlamydia test there is no other way.
Gonorrhea Symptoms In Men
Gonorrhea is another common bacterial STD that is transmitted during oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
Many men with gonorrhea are asymptomatic . When a man does show symptoms, they usually begin two to seven days after infection, though it can take as long as 30 days.2
Gonorrhea symptoms in men include:3
- Pain or burning sensations while peeing
- White, yellow, or green urethral discharge
- Testicular or scrotal pain
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Can Men Catch Chlamydia Through Oral Sex
Whether performing oral sex on a man or a woman, chlamydia can be transmitted through oral sex. In these instances chlamydia will usually cause an infection of the throat. This may cause symptoms including a sore throat, fever or a cold. Its also possible that someone can be infected within the throat without noticing any symptoms at all.
Although less common, you can also catch chlamydia if you receive oral sex from an infected individual. The symptoms in these instances would be exactly the same as if you caught it through vaginal sex.
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What Are The Treatments For Chlamydia
Antibiotics will cure the infection. You may get a one-time dose of the antibiotics, or you may need to take medicine every day for 7 days. Antibiotics cannot repair any permanent damage that the disease has caused.
To prevent spreading the disease to your partner, you should not have sex until the infection has cleared up. If you got a one-time dose of antibiotics, you should wait 7 days after taking the medicine to have sex again. If you have to take medicine every day for 7 days, you should not have sex again until you have finished taking all of the doses of your medicine.
It is common to get a repeat infection, so you should get tested again about three months after treatment.
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Genital Herpes In Men
Approximately two-thirds of men with genital herpes, known as herpes simplex virus 2, do not experience symptoms.
It is also common for mild genital herpes symptoms in men to be confused with other skin conditions.
HSV-2 is lifelong and incurable. Fortunately, symptoms can be managed during an outbreak using antiviral medication.
Our PlushCare physicians can order you a herpes test and prescribe you with antiviral medications for herpes outbreaks.
Initial genital herpes symptoms in men may include:
- Body aches
- Raw or cracked skin around the genital area
- Pain itching or tingling around the genital region
- Blisters or sores on the penis or scrotum
Herpes sores appear as small, red bumps or white blisters that can pop up on your penis, anus and/or around the thighs and buttocks.
When the blisters rupture, you may notice a painful ulcer forming in its place. It will ooze fluid and eventually heal and form a scab.
Resist the urge to pick the scab so the infected area can heal.
If left untreated or you are touching the infected area you can spread the virus andHSV-2 can lead to eye infections, eczema herpeticum, encephalitis or meningitis.
Time between outbreaks can be months to years and can be triggered by trauma, illness, and intercourse.
How Often Should I Get Checked For Chlamydia
Sexual health check-ups are recommended for anyone who is sexually active. Frequency of testing also depends on your STI risk:
- An annual sexual health check-up is highly recommended if you are sexually active especially if you are under 25.
- Get checked more often during the year if you frequently change sexual partners.
- Remember, you are at greater risk if you have sex without a condom with 1 or multiple sexual partners.
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Feeling Burning Sensation At The Time Of Urinating:
This is the most common among all symptoms of chlamydia for men. Many people describe this symptom as sizzling sensation. Sometimes people dont even recognize this symptom and assumed that this feeling or symptoms is very normal. Very often infected people feel buildup of pressure before urination.
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Hiv/aids Symptoms In Men
HIV is a virus that attacks the bodys immune system, destroying the CD4 cells . It is mainly spread by having anal or vaginal sex or sharing injection drug equipment with someone who has HIV. Over time, HIV weakens the bodys ability to fight off infections and disease.
Men with HIV usually feel healthy for a long time after infection, so they may be unaware they have it. Some men dont have any symptoms at all during the early stage of HIV. When early HIV symptoms appear, they are usually mild and unspecific, making them easy to overlook, endure, or mistake for something less serious.5
In the first 2-4 weeks after HIV infection, men may experience flu-like symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Muscle and joint aches
- Skin blotches, rashes, or bumps
- Sores on the mouth, anus, or genitals
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How Do I Test For Chlamydia
You can get tested for chlamydia even if you dont have any symptoms.
Getting tested for chlamydia is easy and doesnt hurt. A healthcare professional will ask for a urine sample and/or take a swab from the area that might be infected. This is usually the lower part of the womb or the vagina for women, and the tip of the penis for men. If youve had anal or oral sex, you may have a swab taken from your anus or throat.
In some countries you can get a self-testing kit to do at home.
If you test positive for chlamydia, its important to tell any recent sexual partner/s so they can also get tested, and treated if necessary. If you need advice about how to do this, speak to your healthcare professional. You should also test for other STIs.
How Does One Get Chlamydia
Chlamydia is spread through sexual contact with an infected partner. It can be spread through any type of unprotected sex, including penis in vagina sex, anal sex, and oral sex . An eye infection, conjunctivitis, can also be acquired through contact with genital fluids infected with chlamydia.
A person can also be re-infected with chlamydia after having been treated previously. People donât become immune to chlamydia after theyâve had it once.
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How Is Chlamydia Treated
Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria. After getting a diagnosis, it is recommended that any partner that you have had sexual contact with in the last 60 days, and/or your last sexual partner, be tested.
It is possible to transmit chlamydia even while being treated with antibiotics. Stay away from sexual contact until 7 days after completion of the full course of antibiotic medicationâeven if symptoms have already gone away. Three months after treatment, you should get re-tested for chlamydia .
Chlamydia In Female Genitals
Chlamydia in female genitals is often recognized by:
- vaginal discharge
- bleeding when not on period
- Pain and discomfort whenurinating
- Bleeding immediately after sexualintercourse
For most women, chlamydia will infect the opening to their uterus, known as the cervix. This is the type of infection that causes discharge and redness. If left untreated, there is a high chance it will travel to the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. In such cases, chlamydia can result in pelvic inflammatory disease and cause painful intercourse, inflammation, and abdominal pain.
The image below depicts a cervix inflammation in the early stages and has resulted in redness and vaginal discharge. Complications have not yet occurred, but if this infection isnt properly managed, it can cause serious complications in the fallopian tubes and result in infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
In this particular example, the discharge is white andcan easily be confused with a harmless discharge. But, the infected fluid canhave a very strong smell. If the color of the discharge is yellow, it couldmean the vagina has been infected and could possibly carry chlamydia.
Aside from discharge and a cervix inflammation,chlamydia can also cause blood in the urine. Infected females can experiencevaginal bleeding or spotting after intercourse or between periods.
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Common Signs Typical In Men With Chlamydia
One of the hardest symptoms to spot is chlamydia signs. They are often so random and infrequent that they make them incredibly misleading. As a result, most men will ignore the signs and believe they dont have the infection. Thats why its important to list all the signs to be able to recognize them.
Typicalchlamydia signs in men include:
- Tenderness,inflammation, or pain around and in the testicles
- Watery,cloudy, or white discharge from the penis
- Painfulor uncomfortable urination
- Throatinfection
Who’s At Risk For Stds
Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for an STD, regardless of gender, race, social class, or sexual orientation. That said, teenagers and young adults acquire STDs more easily than older people. By age 25, half of sexually active adults get an STD. Having multiple sex partners also raises the risk. The CDC has noted that some STDs are on the rise in men who have sex with men, including syphilis and LGV.
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What To Think About
Some people who have chlamydia may also have gonorrhea. In that case, treatment includes antibiotics that kill both chlamydia and gonorrhea. For more information, see the topic Gonorrhea.
Reinfection can occur. Symptoms that continue after treatment are probably caused by another chlamydia infection rather than treatment failure. To prevent reinfection, sex partners need to be evaluated and treated.
Repeated chlamydia infections increase the risk for pelvic inflammatory disease . Even one infection can lead to PID without proper treatment. Make sure to take your antibiotics exactly as prescribed. Take the full course of medicine, even if you feel better in a couple of days.
Some doctors recommend retesting 3 to 12 months after treatment to reduce the risk of complications from reinfection.footnote 4
If you have chlamydia, your doctor will send a report to the state health department. Your personal information is kept confidential. The health department may contact you about telling your sex partner or partners that they may need treatment.
Human Papillomavirus In Women
Genital Human Papillomavirus, or genital HPV, is a sexually transmitted disease spread through vaginal, oral or anal sex. It is extremely common and in many cases will go away on its own without displaying symptoms.
42% of US population aged 18-59 had genital herpes , most in their late teens and early 20s, are infected with HPV. There are over 100 varieties of HPV, some strains cause warts while others may lead to an increased risk of certain cancers. The HPV vaccine can help prevent more serious and high risk strains of HPV.
HPV symptoms in women may appear as small bumps or warts, individually or in groups over the infected genital area. They can grow on the vulva, the walls of the vagina, or in and around the anal canal. They can be small or large, elevated or flat, and may be shaped like cauliflower.
That said, many women do not experience symptoms and can be diagnosed with a regular Pap test by a doctor.
Unfortunately, HPV cannot be cured but the body is typically able to fight it off and in most cases symptoms will go away on their own. When HPV does not go away, it can cause more serious health problems including:
- Cervical cancer
- Oropharyngeal cancer
- Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
If you think you have HPV, schedule an appointment with a PlushCare physician who can order you an HPV test.
HPV infection is transmitted through anal, vaginal, and oral sex or skin-to-skin contact.
HPV symptoms in men include warts on your penis, scrotum, and/or anus.
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