Dr. Tra Anh Duy, a specialist at Men's Health Center, reported that a 40-year-old patient sought consultation after experiencing an unusually strong genital odor for about two months. The man described the smell as persistent and uncomfortable, even after showering. He also noticed a clear, slightly sticky discharge at his urethral opening each morning, sometimes accompanied by frequent urination without pain. Initially, he attributed these symptoms to work stress or poor hygiene. However, the odor intensified, especially after physical activity or a long day, leading him to seek medical advice.
The doctor suspected urethritis caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and ordered a PCR test on a urine sample. The results were positive for Chlamydia trachomatis. The patient's wife was asymptomatic, consistent with statistics showing that 70% to 80% of women infected with Chlamydia experience no clear symptoms. The patient received appropriate antibiotic treatment and was advised to abstain from sex during this period. Both he and his wife were recommended to get tested.
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Patient undergoing testing. Photo: Quynh Tran |
Patient undergoing testing. Photo: Quynh Tran
Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacterium that causes non-gonococcal urethritis, primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. The infection often presents subtly, with many individuals experiencing no symptoms or only mild ones, such as frequent urination or urethral discharge in the morning. A distinct genital odor can also arise from inflammatory discharge combining with sweat in the groin, creating a mixture of inflammatory cells, bacteria, and volatile organic compounds. This odor is often most noticeable in the morning after discharge has accumulated overnight.
If left untreated, Chlamydia can lead to serious complications such as epididymitis, chronic prostatitis, reduced sperm quality, and long-term infertility. The infection spreads easily, often because many carriers are asymptomatic and unknowingly transmit it to their partners. While Chlamydia is curable with antibiotics, strict adherence to the prescribed dosage and treatment duration is essential, along with abstaining from sexual activity during the treatment period.
Dr. Duy emphasized that individuals engaging in unprotected sex with multiple partners are susceptible to acquiring disease-causing bacteria, which they can transmit to others even if asymptomatic. Regular sexual health check-ups are crucial, even without obvious symptoms. Any genital abnormalities, including unusual odors, discharge, or mild burning sensations, should be considered warning signs. Practicing safe sex, undergoing regular testing, and being honest with healthcare providers are vital steps to curb the spread of silent STIs like Chlamydia.
Le Phuong
