Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacteria. In men, Chlamydia causes infection in the urinary tract and testicles and can cause men to become sterile (unable to father a child).

What causes Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is usually passed from one person to another during sex or close contact with the genitals, mouth or rectum. When a baby is born, if the mother has Chlamydia, the baby can get an eye or lung infection from the mother.

What are common symptoms of Chlamydia in a man?

Many men do not have symptoms and do not know that they have the infection. Some men who have Chlamydia may have a discharge or drainage from the penis, mild pain when urinating or pain in the testicles.

How can Chlamydia be prevented?

• Your care provider will ask you questions about your medical and sexual history and then do an exam of your penis and testicles. Tests may be done on the urine or from the urethra (tube that urine passes through). You may have to wait up to a week to get your test results. Your care provider may start you on medicine before the test results come back.
  
  
• Chlamydia is cured with medicine. Take all of the medicine, even if your symptoms go away.
  
  
• Tell your sexual partner(s) to go to their doctor or clinic and get treated. It is very important that any person that you have had sex with in the last 2 months take the medicine.
  
  
• If you do not take the medicine for Chlamydia, there is a chance that the bacteria can move into your testicles and you may become sterile (unable to father a child). You can also spread Chlamydia to other people.
  
  
• Follow the instructions from your care provider if follow up visits are needed.
  
  
• Do not have sex until you and your partner(s) have taken all of the medicine and your care provider says it is safe.
  
  
• To lower your risk of getting an STD, always use latex condoms when you have sex.