Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through sexual contact, and it is the most common sexually transmitted disease in men. The National Institutes of Health states that as many as one in four men who have chlamydia do not have symptoms.
Symptoms
Often there are no signs and symptoms of early chlamydia infection; however, a man can experience symptoms one to three weeks after exposure. Symptoms of chlamydia in men include painful urination, lower abdominal pain, discharge from the penis and pain in the testicles.
Medications
Chlamydia is easily treated with prescription antibiotics. Azithromycin, doxycycline and erythromycin are prescribed to be taken orally.
Length of Treatment
The Mayo Clinic states that antibiotics can be taken as a one-time dose or prescribed to be taken once a day or multiple times a day for five to 10 days. To be effective, take the medication exactly as prescribed. Missed doses and not finishing the full course of antibiotics might not cure the chlamydia infection. Treated chlamydia infections are gone within one to two weeks; however, during that time a man with chlamydia should refrain from having sex so he does not spread the infection.
Medicine Side Effects
Common side effects of azythromycin include nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, dizziness, headache and fatigue. Side effects of erythromycin include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. Doxycycline causes less nausea than other antibiotics, but it can induce vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset and white patches inside the mouth or on the lips. Common side effects are usually not life-threatening and can go away as a person's body adjusts to the medication. If side effects persist or become uncomfortable, a different antibiotic can be prescribed.
Antibiotics in general have the potential of causing severe allergic reactions. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include severe itching, hives, difficulty breathing and swollen face, lips or tongue. Allergic reactions occur within minutes of taking the antibiotic. The National Institutes of Health states these reactions are serious, and medical attention should be sought immediately.
Untreated Chlamydia
Chlamydia can spread and cause additional damage if left untreated. It can spread to the eyes and cause infection and blindness. In men, chlamydia can spread to the testicles and prostate causing pain, fever and sterility.
Prevention
Chlamydia can be prevented if precautions are taken. Males should use latex condoms when engaging in sexual intercourse. Having sex with multiple partners increases a man's risk of contracting chlamydia. A man who has frequently has sex with multiple sex partners should talk with his doctor about how often he should be screened for chlamydia and other STDs.
