How is chlamydial urethritis diagnosed in men? For the diagnosis of chlamydial urethritis in men, a series of laboratory tests is performed. It is necessary for the patient to provide urine to be tested for the presence of chlamydia. Microbiological examination of urethral discharge may also be required to rule out gonorrhea. The symptoms of gonorrhea often resemble the symptoms of a chlamydial infection. It is possible for both infections to occur at the same time. For microbiological examination, it is necessary to take a sample, in which the head of the penis is smeared with alcohol or another sterile agent. The doctor then places a cotton swab 1.5-3 centimeters into the urethra at the tip of the penis and after twisting the swab is removed. It is desirable that the patient has not urinated for at least one hour before taking the sample. The collected discharge is examined in a laboratory to determine the cause of the infection. What is the treatment for chlamydial urethritis? When the patient is diagnosed with chlamydial urethritis, he and his sexual partners should be treated with antibiotics. It is important that the patient’s partners are treated, even if they do not show symptoms of infection. This helps prevent re-infection. Without proper treatment, sexual partners can continue to transmit the infection. Antibiotics that may be used to treat chlamydial urethritis include: Doxycycline; Azithromycin; Erythromycin; Levofloxacin; Ofloxacin In most cases, the doctor prescribes the patient antibiotics for 5 to 10 days. Most infections are cured within 1-2 weeks. It is important that the patient refrain from sexual activity for at least seven days after completing the course of antibiotic treatment to prevent re-infection. What are the complications of chlamydial urethritis in men? It is important to seek treatment for STDs as soon as symptoms appear. Untreated infections can spread and lead to more serious health complications in men, including: Infection and pain near the testicles; Infection of the prostate gland; Barrenness or sterility; Urethral stricture, which is an anatomical narrowing of the urethra due to inflammation or infection Men often have no symptoms of infection immediately after becoming infected. Regular STD screenings can diagnose the condition even if there are no symptoms. This is especially important when changing sexual partners or if the patient has several partners. What is the prevention of chlamydial urethritis in men? Men who are sexually active can prevent STDs by using safe sex practices. Male and female condoms can significantly reduce the spread of chlamydial infection. Regular screenings for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, are important for sexually active people and especially for those with multiple partners. Bibliography:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Chlamydia Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Chlamydial infections in adolescents and adults