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Symptoms of Chlamydia

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Symptoms of Chlamydia

Most people who have chlamydia do not have any symptoms. They may have the infection for years and spread it to others without knowing.

In others, symptoms often start weeks after exposure. They may be:

In Women

  • Increased or unusual vaginal discharge
  • Vaginal redness or irritation
  • Pain passing urine or passing it more often than usual
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding or bleeding between periods
  • Pain or bleeding during or after sex
  • Belly pain

In Women

  • Increased or unusual vaginal discharge
  • Vaginal redness or irritation
  • Pain passing urine or passing it more often than usual
  • Unusual vaginal bleeding or bleeding between periods
  • Pain or bleeding during or after sex
  • Belly pain

Symptoms in Men

  • Pus exiting the penis
  • Burning, itching, or pain when passing urine
  • Swelling and pain in the scrotum

Health Problems

Chlamydia can lead to serious health problems if it is not treated.

In Women

Some problems may be:

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)—A serious infection of the female pelvic organs that can lead to infertility, problems during pregnancy, and long term pain
  • Ectopic pregnancy —A pregnancy that happens outside of the womb, such as in the cervix, an ovary, or the belly
  • Neonatal chlamydia—A person who is pregnant can spread chlamydia to their newborn during childbirth, which may result in conjunctivitis or pneumonia in the baby
  • Proctitis—Swelling of the lining of the rectum that can cause pain, discharge, and bleeding

In Men

Some problems may be:

  • Epididymitis —Inflammation of a tiny tube that stores sperm. It can lead to damage of the testicle.
  • Urethritis —Swelling of the inside of the urethra, which may cause problems passing urine
  • Proctitis—Swelling of the lining of the rectum that can cause pain, discharge, and bleeding

References

  • Chlamydia—CDC detailed fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/STDFact-chlamydia-detailed.htm.
  • Chlamydia genital infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chlamydia-genital-infection.
  • Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/default.htm.

Contributors

  • Elizabeth Margaret Prusak, MD
Last Updated:
2022-12-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.