Chlamydia symptoms are on the rise among male adults aged 40 and up, and part of the reason may have to do with improvements in treatment for erectile dysfunction. Now that ED treatment is so easy to come by, more and more men in their 40s and above are pursuing their sexual fantasies without inhibition—and getting infected with STDs like chlamydia as a result.
Chlamydia is the country’s most commonly reported STD. Though chlamydia symptoms don’t always surface following infection, for many, they include genital discharge and a burning sensation during urination. While ED medication itself doesn’t necessarily increase one’s risk of contracting chlamydia, symptoms and all, it does make it easier for men who may have been previously stifled to engage in more high-risk sexual behavior. Furthermore, since condom usage can contribute to ED, those taking medication will often choose to take their chances STD-wise rather than find themselves having trouble in the bedroom.
Since anyone who has unprotected sex is at risk for chlamydia, symptoms included, those who don’t use condoms should get a regular chlamydia test. Though the thought of an STD test might kill the mood, STD testing is an essential component of protecting one’s sexual health. And considering the challenges that some men have to overcome in order to enjoy active sex lives, it’s better to proceed with caution than risk having chlamydia symptoms interfere with their newfound sexual freedom.
