Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can potentiate the chances of developing erectile dysfunction (ED). Erectile dysfunction or impotence is a sexual difficulty in males, which affects their ability to get and sustain stronger erections.
Individuals having chlamydia might experience erectile dysfunction. Their coexistence is quite common though. Chlamydia indirectly leads to impotence issues, as it contributes to prostatitis, which interferes with erection function. Thus, chlamydia indirectly affects the erection function.
What is Chlamydia?
In general, Chlamydia refers to a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. In males, the infection can affect the functioning of the reproductive organs.
Some might develop several symptoms while others might remain asymptomatic. It is a treatable condition. Delay in treatment or lack of treatment can increase the risk of the following conditions:
Prostatitis: Disorder of the prostate gland that causes inflammation, leading to pelvic pain and discomfort.
Urethritis: An inflammation of the urethra, contributing to pain and discomfort while urinating.
Epididymitis: The inflammation of the coiled tube at the back of the testicles, contributing to pain and swelling.
Symptoms of chlamydia
The person might not be even aware that they have caught this infection until it has already caused the most damage. They may remain asymptomatic for a few weeks of catching the infection.
Some early symptoms of chlamydia are listed below:
- Pain and discomfort while urinating
- Abnormal white/clear discharge from the tip of the penile
- Pain and swelling in the testicles
- Itching, irritation, and redness at the penile tip
Men with this condition may face some issues with their fertility.
What is erectile dysfunction?
It is a sexual difficulty, which is characterized by the inability to get and maintain erections for sexual intercourse. Such difficulty stems from a lack of blood flow through the penile arteries. As a result, the penile remains feeble.
Erectile dysfunction can be a sign of some physiological or psychological issue. There are various other factors such as alcohol, smoking, injuries, accidents, medicines, etc., that can contribute to impotence.
Chlamydia and erectile dysfunction
An STI like Chlamydia enhances the possibility of erectile dysfunction among males. It is a bacterial infection that affects the health of the reproductive system. Sexual difficulties may arise when the infection affects the prostate gland.
The bacteria can infect the prostate gland. It can cause inflammation, leading to pain and discomfort in the prostate. Swelling of the prostate and pain can interfere with the sexual function.
As a result, the person may not feel like engaging in sexual activities due to the inflamed prostate gland. This may also affect their arousal and desire for sex. This causes the avoidance of sexual activities.
How does Chlamydia spread?
This infection is primarily spread via unprotected sexual contact with an infected individual. Chlamydia trachomatis is the bacteria responsible for causing this infection. It enters from the tip of the penile and moves to the urethral tube and to the prostate and testicles.
The modes of transmission of these bacteria are given below:
Sexual intercourse and oral sex: The infectious bacteria get transferred from one infected individual to another after unprotected sex. It can be vaginal or anal sex.
Performing oral sex on the infected individual can also cause its transmission. Such sexual activities involve the exchange of body fluids. These fluids carry Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria.
Genital contact: Direct genital contact with an infected individual leads to the transmission of these bacteria. Even if you are not having sexual intercourse with the infected individual, but still any kind of contact involving the genitals can lead to spreading of infection.
Sharing of sex toys: Those who use sex toys should never share them with anyone. As chances are that the person might have this infection. Sharing of toys can transfer bacteria due to the exchange of body fluids.
Mother-to-child transmission: An infected mother might transfer this infection to her child during childbirth. The baby might come into contact with the mother’s body fluids, which potentiates the risk of bacterial transmission to the baby.
Prevention of chlamydia
Some preventative measures one needs to take to avoid the chances of developing chlamydia are given below:
Practice safe sex: Avoiding unprotected sex will reduce the risk of bacterial transmission. Always use a protective barrier like condoms.
Get regular checkups: If you suspect that you have a chance of developing this infection after unprotected sex, then you must show up for regular testing. Early detection will eliminate the risk of severe damage.
If you are sure that both of you are free from any bacterial infection, then you can peacefully continue sexual contact. In case you have ED, you can make use of ED medicines like Fildena. It can restore your erection function within an hour of intake.