How Does Chlamydia Affect Men and Women Differently?

12/31/2024

Chlamydia is highly contagious, which means it can spread to other people easily if close contact is established with the infected person, either through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. This infection spreads easily as it often shows no symptoms. This means you can unknowingly pass chlamydia to sexual partners. Among people with chlamydia, about 75% of people with vaginas and 50% of people with penises have no symptoms. However, if left untreated, chlamydia can induce serious complications. On the other hand, it doesn’t transfer from one person to another through casual contact such as kissing, hugging, holding hands, etc.

As listed earlier, in most cases, it doesn’t show any evident symptoms, which means you can spread it to your sexual partners unknowingly. The good part is that this STD (sexually transmitted disease) is completely curable and treatable. Therefore, you should get yourself tested every now and then. If diagnosed with it, get a proper medical treatment to cure it completely. Untreated chlamydia can induce permanent damage to your reproductive organs. 

Using condoms while having sex is one of the most effective ways to prevent chlamydia.

Symptoms of chlamydia

In most cases, this bacterial sexually transmitted disease is asymptomatic. If symptoms happen,  they may not become evident up to 3 weeks after engaging sexually with someone infected and living with Chlamydia. The symptoms of this condition are different in males and females: 

Symptoms of chlamydia in males:

• Discharge from the penis

• Burning when urinating

• Pain in the testicles

Symptoms of chlamydia in females:

• Itch

• Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen

• A change in vaginal discharge

• Bleeding between menstrual periods or after sex

• Burning sensation when urinating

Anal infection occurring due to chlamydia can result in anorectal:

• Discharge,

• bleeding, and

• Pain

The newborn babies may stumble upon pneumonia and eye infection if birth is given by a mother living with chlamydia.

The LGV (lymphogranuloma venereum) type of chlamydia can result in:

• Severe inflammation

• Genital ulcers

• Lymph node enlargement

• Inflammation of the anorectal area accompanied by discharge, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramps, fever, etc.

How does chlamydia transmit? 

Engaging in sexual activity, such as oral sex, vaginal sex, or anal sex with a person infected with this virus without a condom or other barrier method, can transmit the infection from one person to another. You can even have this STD without penetration. Touching each other's genitals can transfer the bacteria. You can also get the infection while engaging in oral sex without any barrier method.

Newborn babies can develop this virus from their mothers during birth. Therefore, before and after birth, make sure to carry out essential check-ups to ensure the newborn's safety.

You may develop chlamydia infection in the eye through oral or genital contact with the eye. However, it remains very uncommon. Even after getting a successful treatment, you may still develop this infection. Therefore, while engaging in any sexual activity, make sure to follow the necessary precautions. 

How can you decrease your risk of developing chlamydia?

Preventing yourself from engaging in sexual activities is the only way to reduce your risk of getting it. Having said that, if you have sex regularly with one or many sexual partners, you can follow the following ways in order to reduce your risk of contracting it and other STIs:

Using barrier methods:

While engaging in sexual activity, such as oral, vaginal, or anal sex, you need to make sure you use a condom, dental dam, and other barrier methods to minimize your risk of getting chlamydia. 

Getting tested frequently:

If you have multiple sexual partners, getting tested every now and then can help you reduce your risk of developing it. Please meet your healthcare provider to learn how frequently you should opt for testing based on your risk level. 

A candid conversation with sexual partners:

As listed above, having multiple sex partners can elevate your risk of stumbling upon chlamydia and other STIs. However, having a candid conversation with your sex partners about STI prevention and using barrier methods can drastically reduce your risk. 

Refrain from sharing sex toys:

You should not share your sex toys with your friends or sex partners. However, if you decide to share them with your connections, make sure to wash them thoroughly before each use and cover them with a barrier method like a condom.

Is there any treatment for Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is one of those STIs that can be cured and treated easily. Bacteria spread this infection, so antibiotics can effectively treat them. After going through your condition, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics, such as Doxycycline or Azithromycin, to treat the underlying infection. Before starting the treatment, you should follow guidelines laid down by the doctor or as listed on the patient’s leaflet. Don’t increase or decrease the recommended dosage until a doctor says so. If you stop the treatment in between, the infection may grow back or worsen. Depending on your needs, the treatment may take up to two weeks or more.

When you are under treatment for Chlamydia, you have to refrain from indulging in sexual activity. Engaging in sexual activity during treatment can transmit the infection. Therefore, stick to the guidelines marked by the doctor altogether throughout the treatment.

The takeaway:

Chlamydia comes as one of the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infections. In most cases, it doesn’t induce any evident symptoms. However, if left untreated, it can surely result in serious complications.  Opting for antibiotics can help clear up the infection easily and quickly. If you encounter any symptoms, get yourself checked as early as possible before it leads to further complications. Opting for regular screening can be a good idea, even if you have no symptoms.

FAQs:

What gender is most affected by chlamydia?

Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can affect anyone regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, race, etc. On a gender basis, this bacterial transmission disease mainly affects young women. This STD can be treated easily, but if left untreated, it can invite serious complications. 

Do girls get chlamydia easier than guys?

As listed above, this sexually transmitted disease is more common in young females than males. However, it can affect males and may occur in all age groups. Seeking medical attention upon witnessing any discomfort or symptoms can improve the situation quickly. If left untreated, it can induce serious complications. 

Is it harder for guys to get chlamydia? 

Anyone can develop this condition irrespective of race, gender, age, etc. However, it is much more common in females than males. Males who build sexual relations with other males or individuals assigned male at birth are also at risk of developing it.

Can chlamydia be transmitted by kissing?

This STD, named chlamydia trachomatis, can’t be transmitted through developing casual contact with the infected person. You won’t be developing this condition through sharing foods or drinks, kissing, hugging, sneezing, coughing, and holding hands. In order to reduce your risk of contracting chlamydia, make sure to use condoms and dental dams while engaging in sexual activity.