Can Chlamydia Cause Erectile Dysfunction (ED) ?

Chlamydia is an STD (sexually transmitted disease). It infects the prostate and causes Prostatitis. And Erectile Dysfunction (ED) may occur for men with Prostatitis. Here, the prostate swells. Because of this, the blood circulation to the penile organ gets less. So, even after arousal, a hard erection does not happen.

So, ED is one of the complications of Chlamydia. But it is not necessary; every person with this infection may have a weak erection. At the same time, you must seek treatment for this condition as soon as possible. The infection will not go away on its own. If left untreated, it can lead to long-term health issues.

In this post, we will discuss Chlamydia and its symptoms for men and women, outlook toward this STI, causes of ED, tips for safe sex.

What Are the Symptoms of Chlamydia?

Chlamydia may happen to men and women. It may take a few weeks for symptoms to occur. But in this interval, damages may already happen. And you will not even know that you have an STI. More than men, women are more susceptible to this issue. The symptoms of Chlamydia are like other STDs.

So, prior testing will confirm the diagnosis. And then the doctor will take a call as to which medicines to provide for treatment. Below-given are details of how Chlamydia affects men and women. While some of the experiences are similar, others are a bit different due to differences in sexual organs.

• For Men

For men, there is no visible effect on fertility. But they may experience pain in the tube from testicles that carry sperm. And this may last for a long time. So, the pain can lead to erectile dysfunction. You can experience swelling and pain in the testicles. Or, there is a burning sensation and pain when passing urine.

There is the possibility of foul discharge from the penile head. Altogether, this may hurt the libido. Thus, a psychological disturbance is common. With pain and discomfort, your physical urge may also reduce. Thus, a combination of factors may give rise to ED.

• For Women

For women, symptoms are vaginal discharge, pain during urination, bleeding between periods, and abdominal pain. Females face worse long-term complications than men. If the STI spreads to the fallopian tubes and uterus, it can cause PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease).

Women with PID cannot conceive. Also, it can raise the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Here the fetus attaches to a location outside the uterus. Such pregnancies need elimination, as you cannot carry it to full term. It is also not recommended to try to conceive if you are diagnosed with PID.

Nonetheless, it is not safe for anyone irrespective of gender to sit idle if Chlamydia exists. Immediate treatment with medications is necessary. Otherwise, it can cause infertility in females. And this does not even have due treatment. So, better not delay taking required measures.

Outlook towards Chlamydia

This bacterial infection spreads through anal, vaginal, or oral sex. Thus, erectile dysfunction may occur from an infected prostate. The condition may even cause pain in the testicles. So, painful intercourse makes ED worse. The anxiety and pain make it harder for one to stay aroused.

Since the causative agent is bacteria, a course of antibiotics will work as a treatment. Fortunately, this STI has a cure with medicines. But for best effect and recovery, take the medicines as per prescription. Complete the entire course of medications even if you feel better in between. 

Completing the medicine course will ensure that the infection is clear from the body. In the meantime, your partner must also take an STD test. If the diagnosis is positive, then he/she must also take the medicines.

Remember that once the treatment happens, you must remain careful. Chlamydia can happen for a second time. Get intimate only if you are sure the infection is no more there. Otherwise, one of you will keep infecting the other, and this will create permanent health problems.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

ED is the inability of getting an erection. Or, you may get a weak erection, which cannot help to fulfil sexual activities. Erectile dysfunction has physiological, psychological, and lifestyle practices as causes. In some cases, it is the fallout of certain treatments, herbs, supplements, and medications.

• Physical Causes

To keep a healthy erection, the penile organ must receive sufficient blood flow. But certain conditions can affect the blood vessels and make them narrow. This restricts blood circulation to the genital area. The arteries and veins cannot transport blood to the phallus as required.

And this is why erectile dysfunction happens. Some of the physical causes are:

• Obesity
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Sleeping troubles
• High blood pressure
• Treatment for prostate problems
• Parkinson’s disease
• Narrow or clogged arteries (atherosclerosis)
• Prostatitis

• Psychological Causes

For some, erectile dysfunction is from mental health issues. Remember that how you feel and the way the brain reacts influence sexual arousal. So, emotional and psychological health matters in intimacy as well. Your brain triggers neurotransmitters, which make has a role in libido.

If you lose interest in lovemaking, then ED may happen. Some of the causes of ED are stress, anxiety, relationship problems, and depression. Counselling, behavioral therapy, and medications may help fight the psychological disorder. This can eventually eliminate erectile dysfunction.

• Lifestyle Practices

If you take recreational substances and smoke a lot, then it can invite erectile dysfunction. Smoking is bad for neurological health. Also, it has long-term consequences such as breathing issues, high blood pressure, bad breath, lung or oral cancer, etc. It also reduces interest in sex and increases stress.

Similarly, too much alcohol consumption can also have an ill effect on health. It can lead to liver disorders, which results in ED. Also, ED medications may not work if you have a liver problem. It can even affect your neural health. Apart from this, it causes brain fog and unsound decisions.

If you are leading a sedentary life, then obesity is a common problem. Lack of exercise and unhealthy eating habits can increase the risk of ED. Beware, hypertension medicines and antidepressants may also cause ED. So, follow a healthy lifestyle and stay safe.

Why Follow Safe Sex?

Safe sex will keep most of the STIs at bay. Or at least, it will reduce the risk of contracting an STD, such as Chlamydia. It also prevents unwanted pregnancy. So, it will do away with stress and improve libido, outdoing ED. The practice is not only beneficial for you but for your partner as well. 

Preventing future bouts with chlamydia or other STDS, as well as preventing unwanted pregnancy, rely on both partners being proactive about safe sex. Some of the ways of maintaining safety during intercourse are:

• Have a loyal and monogamous relationship
• Be open about what you expect from your partner
• Know the sexual preference of your person as well
• Communicate as to the extent you both may go to during lovemaking
• Wear a condom during vaginal, oral, or anal sex
• Wear a condom when coming directly in contact with your partner’s skin
• Avoid unprotected sex with a person whose sexual history you are unaware of
• If you think there is a risk of an STI, do not get intimate with that person
• Even if you are loyal to an individual, go for STI testing at intervals

If you find that your person has an STI or Chlamydia, get yourself tested for the infection as well. A diagnosis is possible through a simple urine test. If there are symptoms such as pain during intercourse, or abnormal discharge, then do not delay a consultation.

The doctor may take a swab of the discharge from the urethra for diagnostic purposes. Do not wait for the symptoms to get worse. Chlamydia needs proper treatment. It does not fade away on its own. If you have ED associated with the STI, then look to treat this condition as well.

Occasional instances of erectile dysfunction happen to almost every man. Young to aged men, all may experience ED at a certain point in their life. If there are issues with libido, arousal, or interest in lovemaking, you can consult a counsellor or urologist. A specialist in male sexual health can give answers to ED-related queries.

To Sum it Up

Chlamydia and erectile dysfunction are both treatable. ED medications may cause a few side effects. But these are temporary and not serious. Antibiotics can, on the other hand, treat the STI of the prostate. Together, you can get rid of both the problems if you consult a doctor as soon as the symptoms occur.

If you experienced ED or Chlamydia in the past, then reveal it to your doctor. Being open about your medical history will help the physician to select the right treatment. If there are any known interactions, then let your doctor know. Similarly, inform him/her about known contradictions.