Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can infect both men and women and is spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Many people with chlamydia don't experience symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis, burning sensation during urination, pain during sex, or pain in the lower abdomen. In women, symptoms might include bleeding between periods or after sex.

How is chlamydia diagnosed?

Chlamydia is diagnosed through laboratory tests that can be performed on urine samples or swab samples taken from the penis, cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat. These tests detect the presence of the bacteria that cause chlamydia.

How is chlamydia treated?

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics, typically azithromycin or doxycycline. It's important to take all medication as prescribed, even if symptoms disappear. You should also avoid sexual contact until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment.

Can chlamydia be cured?

Yes, chlamydia can be cured with the right antibiotics. However, reinfection is possible if you are exposed to the bacteria again, even if you've been treated before.

What happens if chlamydia is not treated?

If left untreated, chlamydia can cause serious health problems. In women, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and ectopic pregnancy. In men, it can cause epididymitis, a painful condition of the ducts attached to the testicles that may lead to infertility if left untreated.

How can I prevent chlamydia?

You can reduce your risk of getting chlamydia by using condoms correctly every time you have sex, limiting your number of sex partners, and getting regular STI screenings if you are sexually active, especially if you have new or multiple partners.

Should my partner(s) get tested if I have chlamydia?

Yes, if you are diagnosed with chlamydia, all of your sexual partners from the past 60 days should be notified, tested, and treated to prevent reinfection and further spread of the disease.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Chlamydia Symptoms: What to Look For

Recognize the common and uncommon signs of chlamydia infection in men and women.

Medically reviewed by healthcare professionals

Last updated: April 2025

Understanding Chlamydia Symptoms

Chlamydia is often called a "silent" infection because many infected people have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can be mild and easily confused with other conditions. This makes regular testing crucial for sexually active individuals, especially those under 25 years of age.

Important to Know

Up to 75% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia have no symptoms at all. Even without symptoms, the infection can still cause damage and be transmitted to partners.

Symptoms in Women

When women do experience symptoms, they may include:

Abnormal vaginal discharge that may have an unusual odor
Burning sensation during urination
Pain during sexual intercourse
Bleeding between periods or after sex
Lower abdominal pain, sometimes with fever and nausea
Pain, itching, bleeding, or mucus discharge from the rectum (if infection is rectal)
Sore throat (if infection is in the throat from oral sex)

Complications of Untreated Chlamydia in Women

If chlamydia isn't treated, it can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can lead to:

Permanent damage to reproductive organs
Infertility - difficulty getting pregnant or inability to become pregnant
Chronic pelvic pain
Ectopic pregnancy - pregnancy outside the uterus, which can be life-threatening

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience severe pelvic pain, especially with fever, seek medical attention immediately as this could indicate PID. Don't wait for symptoms to worsen or go away on their own.

Symptoms in Men

When men do experience symptoms, they may include:

Discharge from the penis - this can be clear or cloudy
Burning or painful sensation during urination
Pain and swelling in one or both testicles (less common)
Pain, discharge, or bleeding from the rectum (if infection is rectal)
Sore throat (if infection is in the throat from oral sex)

Complications of Untreated Chlamydia in Men

Although less common than in women, untreated chlamydia in men can cause:

Epididymitis - infection of the epididymis (the tube that carries sperm from the testicles), which can cause pain, swelling, and in rare cases, infertility
Reactive arthritis - painful joints, inflammation of the eyes, and urethritis
Prostatitis - inflammation of the prostate gland

When to Seek Medical Attention

Men should seek medical attention if they experience discharge from the penis, burning during urination, or pain/swelling in the testicles.

Symptoms of Rectal Chlamydia

Chlamydia can infect the rectum through receptive anal sex or potentially by spreading from the vagina. Symptoms of rectal chlamydia may include:

Rectal pain
Rectal discharge
Rectal bleeding
Pain during bowel movements

However, like other forms of chlamydia, rectal infections are often asymptomatic.

Symptoms of Chlamydia in the Throat

Chlamydia can infect the throat through oral sex with an infected partner. Symptoms may include:

Sore throat
Pain when swallowing

Most throat infections with chlamydia cause no symptoms.

Chlamydia and Pregnancy

Untreated chlamydia during pregnancy can lead to:

Premature birth
Low birth weight
Transmission to the baby during delivery, which can cause eye infections or pneumonia in newborns

Recommended Testing

All pregnant women should be tested for chlamydia during their first prenatal visit. Those at high risk should be tested again in their third trimester.

When Should I Get Tested?

The CDC recommends the following testing schedule:

All sexually active women under 25 should be tested annually
Women 25 and older with risk factors (new or multiple partners, sex with a partner who has an STI) should be tested annually
Pregnant women should be tested during their first prenatal visit
Men who have sex with men should be tested at least annually and every 3-6 months if at high risk
Anyone with symptoms should get tested immediately
Anyone whose partner has been diagnosed with chlamydia should get tested

Types of Tests

Chlamydia testing can be done with a urine sample or by swabbing the affected area (cervix, penis, rectum, or throat). Many clinics and healthcare providers offer convenient testing options.

Learn More About Chlamydia

Treatment

Learn about effective treatment options and what to expect.

Prevention

Discover strategies to protect yourself and partners.

FAQ

Find answers to common questions about chlamydia.

View FAQs

Sources & References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Chlamydia - CDC Fact Sheet (Detailed).

2. World Health Organization. (2022). Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Chlamydia.

3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis.

4. Mayo Clinic. (2022). Chlamydia trachomatis.

5. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2021). Screening for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Recommendation Statement.