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Symptoms Of Chlamydia And Gonorrhea In Males

It Is Easy To Get Tested For Chlamydia

Common STDs for Men: Gonorrhea & Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that can affect both men and women. While both genders can be affected, the specific effects and method of diagnosis for the bacterial infection differs between male patients and female patients. We looked at the methods used to assist in the diagnosis of chlamydia among men in this post, as well as some particular factors that are unique to a male patient with this condition.

Std Prevention In 3 Steps

As previously mentioned, anyone who is sexually active can get an STD. And as you can see from the information provided above, some of these diseases dont show any signs or symptoms.

It is for these reasons that you should do the following if you want to reduce your risk of contracting any sexually transmitted disease:

How Is Chlamydia Diagnosed

There are a number of diagnostic tests for chlamydia, including nucleic acid amplification tests , cell culture, and others. NAATs are the most sensitive tests, and can be performed on easily obtainable specimens such as vaginal swabs or urine.43

Vaginal swabs, either patient- or clinician-collected, are the optimal specimen to screen for genital chlamydia using NAATs in women urine is the specimen of choice for men, and is an effective alternative specimen type for women.43 Self-collected vaginal swab specimens perform at least as well as other approved specimens using NAATs.44 In addition, patients may prefer self-collected vaginal swabs or urine-based screening to the more invasive endocervical or urethral swab specimens.45 Adolescent girls may be particularly good candidates for self-collected vaginal swab- or urine-based screening because pelvic exams are not indicated if they are asymptomatic.

NAATs have demonstrated improved sensitivity and specificity compared with culture for the detection of C. trachomatis at rectal and oropharyngeal sites.40 Certain NAAT test platforms have been cleared by FDA for these non-genital sites and data indicate NAAT performance on self-collected rectal swabs is comparable to clinician-collected rectal swabs. 40

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How To Get Tested For Stds Like Chlamydia And Gonorrhea

Its not uncommon for people to feel nervous or uncertain about STD testing, but the process is actually very simple and straightforward. Getting regular STD tests is one of the best ways to ensure early diagnosis and treatment of STDs including gonorrhea and chlamydia. The sooner an STD is diagnosed, the faster treatment can begin, often providing a far more optimistic outlook for a patients complete recovery. Undiagnosed STDs can lead to serious health issues, including permanent medical effects, which is why getting tested is so important.

The STD tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea are most commonly conducted using either a swab sample or urine sample. Most sexual health experts recommend STD screening at least once per year for sexually active adults under the age of 25 as well as anyone over 25 who may have multiple partners, have a history of infection, or other factors.

Chlamydia In The Rectum Throat Or Eyes

Chlamydia

Chlamydia can also infect:

  • the rectum if you have unprotected anal sex this can cause discomfort and discharge from your rectum
  • the throat if you have unprotected oral sex this is uncommon and usually causes no symptoms
  • the eyes if they come into contact with infected semen or vaginal fluid this can cause eye redness, pain and discharge

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How Does Gonorrhea Affect A Pregnant Woman And Her Baby

If a pregnant woman has gonorrhea, she may give the infection to her baby as the baby passes through the birth canal during delivery. This can cause blindness, joint infection, or a life-threatening blood infection in the baby 17. Treatment of gonorrhea as soon as it is detected in pregnant women will reduce the risk of these complications. Pregnant women should consult a health care provider for appropriate examination, testing, and treatment, as necessary.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Gonorrhea

Many men with gonorrhea are asymptomatic 3, 4. When present, signs and symptoms of urethral infection in men include dysuria or a white, yellow, or green urethral discharge that usually appears one to fourteen days after infection 5. In cases where urethral infection is complicated by epididymitis, men with gonorrhea may also complain of testicular or scrotal pain.

Most women with gonorrhea are asymptomatic 6, 7. Even when a woman has symptoms, they are often so mild and nonspecific that they are mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection 8, 9. The initial symptoms and signs in women include dysuria, increased vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding between periods. Women with gonorrhea are at risk of developing serious complications from the infection, regardless of the presence or severity of symptoms.

Symptoms of rectal infection in both men and women may include discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding, or painful bowel movements 10. Rectal infection also may be asymptomatic. Pharyngeal infection may cause a sore throat, but usually is asymptomatic 11, 12.

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How Do I Know If I Have Gonorrhea

Some men with gonorrhea may have no symptoms at all. However, men who do have symptoms, may have:

  • A burning sensation when urinating
  • A white, yellow, or green discharge from the penis
  • Painful or swollen testicles .

Most women with gonorrhea do not have any symptoms. Even when a woman has symptoms, they are often mild and can be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection. Women with gonorrhea are at risk of developing serious complications from the infection, even if they dont have any symptoms.Symptoms in women can include:

  • Painful or burning sensation when urinating
  • Increased vaginal discharge
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods.

Rectal infections may either cause no symptoms or cause symptoms in both men and women that may include:

  • Discharge
  • Bleeding
  • Painful bowel movements.

You should be examined by your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms or if your partner has an STD or symptoms of an STD, such as an unusual sore, a smelly discharge, burning when urinating, or bleeding between periods.

Occurrence In The United States

Gonorrhea & Chlamydia: What are the Signs and Symptoms?

CDC estimates that approximately 1.6 million new gonococcal infections occurred in the United States in 2018, with a significant number of cases likely unreported. Per the CDC, gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported communicable disease. The national average in 2009 was 99.1 cases per 100,000 population, a 10.5% decrease from 2008, with considerable state-to-state variation. Rates of reported gonorrhea have increased 92.0% since the historic low in 2009. Men were apparently less likely than women to be tested for gonorrhea, 20.7% vs 50.9%, respectively. However, the infection rates between men and women were similar . Infection rates in men appear to be on the rise.

CDC report estimated the annual cost of gonorrhea and its complications to be $271 million.

In the United States, the number of gonococcal infections peaked in the 1970s, the era of the sexual revolution. With the onset of the HIV epidemic and the practicing of safe sex techniques, the incidence dramatically decreased from 468 cases per 100,000 population in 1975 to 100-150 cases per 100,000 population at the turn of the century. The rate of reported gonorrhea cases was at its lowest in 2009 but has been increasing overall since then. The increased numbers have been attributed to increased cases in males and persistently high rates in adolescents, young adults, and certain racial/ethnic groups in defined geographic areas.

Resistant gonorrhea

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What Is The Treatment For Chlamydia

Chlamydia can be easily cured with antibiotics. HIV-positive persons with chlamydia should receive the same treatment as those who are HIV-negative.

Persons with chlamydia should abstain from sexual activity for 7 days after single dose antibiotics or until completion of a 7-day course of antibiotics, to prevent spreading the infection to partners. It is important to take all of the medication prescribed to cure chlamydia. Medication for chlamydia should not be shared with anyone. Although medication will cure the infection, it will not repair any permanent damage done by the disease. If a persons symptoms continue for more than a few days after receiving treatment, he or she should return to a health care provider to be reevaluated.

Repeat infection with chlamydia is common.49 Women whose sex partners have not been appropriately treated are at high risk for re-infection. Having multiple chlamydial infections increases a womans risk of serious reproductive health complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy.50,51 Women and men with chlamydia should be retested about three months after treatment of an initial infection, regardless of whether they believe that their sex partners were successfully treated.40

Infants infected with chlamydia may develop ophthalmia neonatorum and/or pneumonia.10 Chlamydial infection in infants can be treated with antibiotics.

Why Do I Feel A Burning Sensation While Urinating

Pain or burning sensation during urination can be a sign of Sexually Transmitted Infections. STDs that can cause a burning sensation while urinating are:

Although, it can occur due to kidney stones or urinary tract infections. You should also check the color of your urine to detect the presence of blood.

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Risks Of Unprotected Sex

Patients should also be counseled about the additional risks of unprotected sex, including the acquisition of more serious or lifelong infections such as herpes, hepatitis B, and HIV, and, of course, about the risks of pregnancy. The emotional aspect of sexual relationships may also need to be addressed, especially in teenage girls. Teenagers are vulnerable in that they are sexually mature but not yet emotionally mature.

Patient education materials are also available at The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website and from many local public health departments.

References
  • Workowski KA, Bolan GA. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2015 Jun 5. 64 :1-137. . .

  • Dawe RS, Sweeney G, Munro CS. A vesico-pustular rash and arthralgia. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2001 Jan. 26:113-4. .

  • Belding ME, Carbone J. Gonococcemia associated with adult respiratory distress syndrome. Rev Infect Dis. 1991 Nov-Dec. 13:1105-7. .

  • Walters DG, Goldstein RA. Adult respiratory distress syndrome and gonococcemia. Chest. 1980 Mar. 77:434-6. .

  • Thiéry G, Tankovic J, Brun-Buisson C, Blot F. Gonococcemia associated with fatal septic shock. Clin Infect Dis. 2001 Mar 1. 32:E92-3. .

  • St Cyr S, Barbee L, Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Pham C, Schlanger K, et al. Update to CDC’s Treatment Guidelines for Gonococcal Infection, 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020 Dec 18. 69 :1911-1916. .

  • Cucurull E, Espinoza LR. Gonococcal arthritis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 1998 May. 24:305-22. .

  • How To Get Tested

    Sexually Transmitted Diseases

    A person can meet with a doctor to get a diagnosis for either of these infections.

    The doctor will collect bodily fluids to test for the infection. The test can use either a urine sample or a sample from the vagina or penis, which a doctor will collect with a cotton swab.

    Most health insurance plans, including Medicare, cover sexually transmitted infection testing completely. If a person does not have health insurance, they can go to a free clinic, their local health departments STI clinic, a student health center, or an urgent care clinic.

    Because both chlamydia and gonorrhea can present with no symptoms, it is important that people who are sexually active get tested regularly.

    After a doctor has determined which infection a person has contracted, they will prescribe an antibiotic.

    People should take the full course of antibiotics and wait an additional 7 days before having sex again. This helps prevent a person from spreading the infection to another person and possibly reinfecting themselves later.

    A person can contract both chlamydia and gonorrhea again, even if they have already experienced and treated the STI before.

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    When To Contact A Doctor

    If you have any of the symptoms described, you should go see a doctor. In general, if you are sexually active and have any usual discharge, burning sensations, or pain while having sex you may have an STD and should get tested.

    Additionally, if you are a woman, you should contact a doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms as they can be a sign of a serious complication of chlamydia called pelvic inflammatory disease:

    • Vomiting
    • Fainting or signs of shock
    • Serious lower abdominal pain
    • Temperature that is higher than 101 F

    Should any of these symptoms arise or if you suspect you may have an STD, it is very important to get tested.

    Even if you have no symptoms as do the vast majority of those with chlamydia but are sexually active, you should be getting tested regularly, so you do not unknowingly spread the disease.

    You can make an appointment with your primary care physician or order STD testing online here.

    Why Do I See Blood In Urine

    Finding blood in the urine can be stressful and make you concerned about what to do next. In this situation, a sense of fear can be eventually instilled in you, we advise you to not get panicked and to proceed calmly as they are not signs of any life-threatening problem. Usually, healthy urine should not have any noticeable amounts of blood. And its important to know whether it is blood in the first place.

    Occasionally and naturally, the color of urine will turn red or dark brown due to the over-consuming of beetroot and food dye. This condition is completely casual because the color reverts to normal as the food exists from the digestive system. And, women are advised to be more specific in knowing the blood is coming from the urine and not as vaginal bleeding or rectum.

    The STDs that most commonly cause blood in the urine are Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. The following are some reasons to know what does blood in urine means.

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    How Is Gonorrhea Diagnosed

    Urogenital gonorrhea can be diagnosed by testing urine, urethral , or endocervical or vaginal specimens using nucleic acid amplification testing 19. It can also be diagnosed using gonorrhea culture, which requires endocervical or urethral swab specimens.

    FDA-cleared rectal and oral diagnostic tests for gonorrhea have been validated for clinical use 20.

    Symptoms Of Gonorrhea And Chlamydia

    Chlamydia Symptoms in Men vs. Women | STDs

    Sometimes someone with gonorrhea or chlamydia does not show any symptoms.

    In fact, 75% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia exhibit no symptoms.

    It is unclear how common it is with gonorrhea, but some estimates are that the majority of men and women show no symptoms.

    Even with no symptoms, it is still possible to transmit the disease and damage the reproductive system. The key signs of gonorrhea and chlamydia can appear within one to three weeks after having sex with a partner with the STD.

    There are some differences in how both STDs present in men vs women, but in general the most common reported symptoms in both men and women are:

    • Discharge For chlamydia, women may have vaginal discharge that has a strong odor or is yellowish, and men may have cloudy or clear discharge around the tip of the penis. For Gonorrhea, women and men may have discharge from the vagina or penis that is green, yellow, or white.
    • Burning sensation while urinating Also called dysuria, this symptom is common with other STDs and is an important sign to get tested.
    • Painful, burning sensations in infected area For both STDs, this is most common inside the vagina for women and the penal opening for men. Additionally, throat infections from oral sex are common and can result in swollen glands in the throat.

    Women can also have painful periods, bleeding between periods, pain during sex, abdominal pain, or a fever.

    • Discharge
    • Bleeding
    • Rectal pain

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    What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of An Std

    The signs and symptoms of STD dont show up during the early stages and the infected person can be walking around with STD for several without evening knowing about it. Usually, the signs appear in the second week since the contraction of the disease. The most common symptoms of STDs are

    • Abnormal vaginal/penile discharge

    How Do You Get Chlamydia And Gonorrhea

    Engaging with numerous sexual partners in a single year The more accomplices who connect with, the almost certain you will be presented to a contaminated individual and agreement a STD.

    • Having unprotected sex Condoms can decrease the probability of you getting a STD nonetheless, condoms are rarely 100% compelling. In the event that you are concerned you may have a STD, you ought to get tried whether or not you utilized a condom in your last sexual experience.
    • More youthful than 24 Individuals more youthful than 24 will in general practice unprotected sex more regularly than other age gatherings and are less inclined to be tested.
    • Past conclusion of a STD Having just gotten a STD expands your bodys defenselessness to getting another STD. It very well may be regular for the individuals who have contracted chlamydia to be in danger of contracting gonorrhea or HIV. In the event that you contract gonorrhea, you are at a more serious danger of contracting HIV.

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    When To Seek Medical Advice

    If you have any symptoms of chlamydia, visit your GP, community contraceptive service or local genitourinary medicine clinic as soon as possible.

    Find a sexual health clinic.

    You should also get tested if you don’t have any symptoms but are concerned you could have a sexually transmitted infection .

    If you’re a woman, sexually active and under 25 in England, it’s recommended that you have a chlamydia test once a year, and when you have sex with new or casual partners.

    If you’re a man, sexually active and under 25 in England, it’s recommended that you have a chlamydia test once a year if you are not using condoms with new or casual partners.

    Read more about chlamydia diagnosis.

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