In 2020, there were 128.5 million new cases of Chlamydia infections worldwide. Researchers have also noticed a relationship between chlamydia and erectile dysfunction. This raises the question: Can chlamydia cause erectile dysfunction? And since chlamydia usually remains undetected until it has caused severe damage, can chlamydia cause permanent erectile dysfunction?
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Chlamydia trachomitis, hence the name. Rather than being viral in nature, Chlamydia is due to a bacterial infection, which means that it’s curable thanks to antibiotics. However, while Chlamydia is actually easy to treat, it may not be as easy to diagnose. Carriers may not know that they are infected because Chlamydia can be asymptomatic. This is why regular screening for STIs like Chlamydia is recommended for those who are sexually active.
While Chlamydia is contracted by having sex, please note that not every kind of intimate contact can transmit Chlamydia. Chlamydia is carried by semen (and vaginal fluids in women). You can catch Chlamydia if you have sexual intercourse (penetration of the vagina), anal sex, oral sex (especially if one swallows fluids), and shared sexual toys (usually for sexual partners of the same gender). But this means that you’re not going to get Chlamydia by kissing, hugging, inhaling droplets from a cough, or sharing food/drinks.
Symptoms of Chlamydia
When Chlamydia shows symptoms, it’s usually after several weeks of infection. But even then, it’s not guaranteed that an individual will show signs. The only way to know for sure is to get a urinalysis, wherein your pee will be examined, or a urethra swab test (usually done if you have discharge). Here are the symptoms of Chlamydia for men:
- Discharge from your penis
- Pain when peeing
- Pain or swelling in the testes
Chlamydia is acquired from partnered sex. Men will also benefit from being aware of the symptoms of Chlamydia for women:
- Unusual/smelly vaginal discharge
- Pain during intercourse
- Pain when peeing
- Increased urge to pee
- Irregular bleeding between periods
- Increased period pain
- Any irritation on the vagina
Just like men, women may also be asymptomatic. It’s important for couples to get regularly tested for Chlamydia. Also, keep in mind that individuals could have carried Chlamydia for years due to its tendency to be asymptomatic, so it’s not an automatic sign that your partner cheated on you. And you may have noticed that Chlamydia affects the testes, a critical male reproductive organ. You might be wondering if there’s a connection between chlamydia and erectile dysfunction. The quick answer is yes, chlamydia can lead to erectile dysfunction. Additionally, it’s unlikely to cause permanent erectile dysfunction.
Does Chlamydia Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Just to clarify for those asking, “Can chlamydia give you erectile dysfunction?” The bacterium doesn’t directly cause erectile dysfunction. However, the damage from its spread can indirectly trigger erectile dysfunction. Since it’s an infection, the immune system would respond by triggering inflammation. The reproductive issues would depend on where the inflammation is. If it’s on the testes, men may experience pain, which lowers libido and issues with testosterone production.
Men may also have prostatitis, which is the inflammation of the prostate. When the prostate is swollen, it can prevent blood from properly entering the penis, so a man may struggle to be erect during sex even if they’re aroused. The prostate is also in charge of producing semen, which carries the sperm and provides nutrition when it travels the female reproductive tract. This means that undiagnosed Chlamydia can lead to fertility issues for couples.
Other Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
It’s important to note that Chlamydia isn’t the only thing that could be causing your erectile dysfunction. Other STIs can also trigger erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is also usually the result of a combination of triggers. Psychological factors like depression and anxiety can affect your erectile capacity. If you’re stressed by the thought of having STIs, that can get in the way of being hard. Coping with stressors or mental health issues through alcohol and cigarettes can also throttle erection.
Men may also have underlying chronic conditions that cause erectile dysfunction. Examples of these are diabetes, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, other cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid problems, gut issues, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, metabolic syndrome, chronic inflammation, and excess fat. Many of these conditions usually go undiagnosed until symptoms become severe enough for individuals to notice and consult a doctor. Medications taken for both physical and mental disorders may also cause erectile issues as a side effect.
Treating Erectile Dysfunction due to Chlamydia
If you’re struggling with erectile difficulties and think that you may have chlamydia, calm down first. As mentioned before, chlamydia is curable. Erectile dysfunction is also treatable if you’re able to accurately target your causes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you suspect that you have chlamydia and erectile dysfunction:
- Get tested for STIs – Confirm whether you do have chlamydia and any other STIs by raising your concerns with a doctor. They will order tests for STIs, including chlamydia. Remember, other STIs can lead to erectile dysfunction too, and they may have a different course of treatment.
- Take antibiotics – Once it’s certain that you have chlamydia, your doctor would usually prescribe a round of antibiotics. Make sure that you finish all your antibiotics and take them on time so that you don’t develop antibiotic resistance. This would be critical in case you get reinfected with chlamydia or contract any other disease caused by bacteria.
- Consult with ED experts – If you’re still unable to get a satisfactory erection even after a few weeks of being cured of chlamydia, this means that you still have other unresolved ED triggers. You need to get checked thoroughly to pinpoint every factor so that they can be properly addressed.
- Get comprehensive treatment – While others would usually prescribe PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra and Cialis, these won’t be enough if your ED is due to other causes. The only chance you have of successfully treating ED and preventing a recurrence is through treating all its causes.
- Clean up your lifestyle – If you’re drinking or smoking, reduce it as much as you can. We recommend you eliminate it from your lifestyle, but we understand it can be difficult due to withdrawal. Addiction experts may be able to help you transition better from using these substances. Make sure that you’re also eating a balanced diet of whole foods and getting a minimum of 150 minutes of exercise per week!
Preventing Chlamydia with Safe Sex
Contrary to expectations, you don’t get immunity after contracting and curing chlamydia before. You can still get infected if you have unprotected sex with someone who has chlamydia. This is why safe sex is crucial, not only for avoiding chlamydia but also for dodging other deadlier STIs. Here are some safe sex practices you can apply to prevent both chlamydia and resulting sexual dysfunctions:
- Wear a condom – Whether you’re having intercourse or oral sex, a condom would prevent direct contact with sexual fluids. It will also help women because they’re more vulnerable to STIs due to how the vagina is absorbent and can get microtears from penetration. Using a condom would also prevent unplanned pregnancies.
- Ask your partner to get tested – Before you have sex with someone, ask them to get tested. Do NOT take their word for it. Ask them to show you the lab test result proving they’re clear of STIs. You can offer to pay and accompany them as well as get tested yourself so that it’s fair for both of you.
- Avoid sex with strangers – Again, do not take people’s word that they’re clean. They may not know that they have an undiagnosed STI because they are asymptomatic. This means it’s best to avoid random or impromptu sexual activities with someone you don’t know. While you can have sex with multiple partners, it’s essential that everyone is tested. Remember, some STIs are incurable.
Conclusion
Can chlamydia cause erectile dysfunction? Yes. Chlamydia can indirectly cause erectile dysfunction, making safe sex practices and regular screening for STIs crucial for your erectile health. However, if you’re suffering from persistent erectile dysfunction despite treating chlamydia, book an appointment with us. Our doctors will help you identify all your erectile dysfunction triggers and provide a comprehensive treatment tailored for you!
