These infections, in turn, may trigger ED.
Read on below to learn more about the connection between ED and STIs.
laflor / Getty Images
What Is Erectile Dysfunction and Why Can STIs Cause It?
laflor / Getty Images
ED is the failure to achieve and/or sustain an erection.
Oftentimes, the cause of ED can be a combination of both psychological and physical factors.
Untreated STIs can cause male accessory gland infections (MAGIs).
MAGIs are infections that involve inflammation of the male reproductive tract, including the prostate.
Some MAGIs include:
STIs and the Prostate
Some STIs can cause a prostate infection.
These STIs include:
Chlamydia and ED
One of many complications linked to chlamydia is ED.
This is because chlamydia often infects the prostate and triggers prostatitis.
Symptoms
There are varioussymptoms of chlamydia.
In males, these include:
Chlamydia often presents with no symptoms.
That said, it can still damage the reproductive system.
for prevent chlamydia, regular STI testing and practicing safer sex are vital.
A Word From Verywell
Erectile dysfunction is a common sexual issue.
Understandably, those experiencing ED want to identify the underlying mechanism at play so they can remedy the situation.
Sometimes, an STI, such as chlamydia, may be the root cause of ED.
This is because STIs can cause MAGIs, infections of the male reproductive tract.
Thankfully, many STIs are treatable.
Regular STI testing and practicing safer sex are imperative to reducing your risk of contracting and spreading STIs.
STIs are nothing to be ashamed of, but they need to be diagnosed to be treated properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, pumps do not increase penis size.
Penis pumpscan help treat erectile dysfunction.
A vacuum erection equipment (VED) can be prescribed by your urologist.
These devices are approved by the American Urological Association for the treatment of ED.
Constriction rings, or “cock rings,” are elastic rings designed to help someone maintain an erection.
These should never be worn for more than 30 minutes, however.
This is because excessive use may cause nerve injury.
Harvard Health.Sex and the Prostate: overcoming erectile dysfunction when you have prostate disease.
Trojian TH, Lishnak TS, Heiman D.Epididymitis and orchitis: an overview.American Family Physician.
2009;79(7):583-587.
2016;11(4):e0153054.
doi:0.1371/journal.pone.0153054
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chlamydia treatment and care.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definitions & facts for erectile dysfunction.
Burnett AL, Nehra A, Breau RH, et al.Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline.J Urol.
2018;200(3):633-641. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2018.05.004
