Symptoms guide · All STD symptoms
Chlamydia Symptoms in Women and Men
Noticed something? Around 70% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia have no symptoms – the only way to know is a test. Results in 1–2 business days. Nobody has to know.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, MD · Updated June 2, 2021
Quick answer: The most common symptom of chlamydia is no symptom at all. When symptoms do show, they usually start 1–3 weeks after exposure, if they show at all and include unusual vaginal discharge and burning or pain when you pee. If you had an exposure, a private test near you takes about 5 minutes – order online or call, go to any of 2,100+ partner labs, results in 1–2 business days.
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Chlamydia symptoms at a glance
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Burning or pain when you pee
- Pain during sex
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Lower belly or pelvic pain
- Rectal pain or discharge (after anal sex)
- Discharge from the penis (clear, milky or yellow)
- Burning or pain when you pee
- Itching or burning at the tip of the penis
- Pain or swelling in one testicle
- Rectal pain or discharge (after anal sex)
- Sore throat (after oral sex)
Remember: Around 70% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia have no symptoms. Symptoms can also come and go, or look like something else entirely. None of these lists can tell you whether you have it – a test can, in 1–2 business days.
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More about Chlamydia symptoms
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can produce painful symptoms for both men and women. This common STD is especially serious for women because it can cause severe damage to their reproductive system. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or PID, is a known consequence of leaving Chlamydia untreated, and can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy or result in infertility.
A More Detailed Look at Chlamydia Symptoms
Men and women can experience a variety of Chlamydia symptoms. Most symptoms are quite uncomfortable. Oftentimes individuals do not seek treatment until the symptoms become inconvenient and even painful. However, sometimes the symptoms don’t show. Symptoms like these are called asymptomatic. Even though no symptoms are showing, the virus is causing harm inside the body to the reproductive system. Chlamydia can also be spread to sexual partners even though the infected individual shows no signs or symptoms. Regular testing, especially when beginning a new sexual relationship, is the best way to prevent Chlamydia and to protect you and your partner.Men and women will often manifest symptoms differently. For your convenience, we’ve listed common Chlamydia symptoms for both men and women below.
Symptoms of Chlamydia in Women
The most common symptom in women includes:
- No Symptoms
Other symptoms of Chlamydia in women include:
- Painful urination
- Discharge, pain, or bleeding from the rectum
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Inflammation of the eye
- Pain during intercourse
- Bleeding between menstrual cycles
- Lower back pain
- Pelvic and lower stomach pain
- Fever
- Nausea
- Sore throat
If you have experienced any, or noticed the development, of the above Chlamydia symptoms, you might be starting to worry. The best thing to do is to stay calm and seek urgent medical attention. Chlamydia is one of the most easily treated STDs. However, if left untreated, Chlamydia can cause many serious complications.
Symptoms of Chlamydia in Men
The most common symptom in men includes:
- No Symptoms
Other symptoms of Chlamydia in men include
- Painful urination
- Abnormal discharge (thick, milky, watery, or yellow-white) from the penis
- Bleeding, pain, or discharge from the rectum
- Sore throat
- Inflammation of the eye
- Swelling and pain of the testicles
- Itchy or burning sensation around the tip of the penis
If you have experienced any, or noticed the development, of the above Chlamydia symptoms, you might be starting to worry. The best thing to do is to stay calm and seek urgent medical attention. Chlamydia is one of the most easily treated STDs. However, if left untreated, Chlamydia can cause many serious complications.
Chlamydia Prevention
Safe sex is the best way to prevent Chlamydia. Preventative measures include, but are not limited to, methods such as condoms and dental dams. Chlamydia trachomatis is the bacterium that causes Chlamydia and is transmitted through sexual fluids, allowing Chlamydia to be spread through any type of sexual activity (vaginal, anal, and oral) that includes two or more individuals. Sexual fluids include semen, pre-ejaculate, and vaginal fluids. Males partners do not have to ejaculate to spread the disease, making preventative measures so crucial.
Contracting Chlamydia More than Once
Individuals who have been diagnosed with Chlamydia are not immune from contracting it again. Unfortunately, even those previously infected can contract Chlamydia more than once. If your partner presently has Chlamydia, refrain from sexual contact until they have finished their prescribed antibiotics. This is typically about 7-14 days.
Overcoming the Embarrassment of Testing
It can be hard to overcome the embarrassment of being tested for Chlamydia, but keep in mind that Chlamydia is quite common since most carriers are asymptomatic and are unaware they’re infected. In 2014 the Center for Disease Control reported nearly 1.5 million cases of Chlamydia in just the United States. At Rapid STD Testing we do all we can to reduce the risk of embarrassment for our patients and to ensure confidentiality. We are aware of how uncomfortable it can be to discuss STDs and are even more aware of the value of being tested. Testing for Chlamydia can protect you and your partner(s) and allow you to get the treatment necessary.
Testing for Chlamydia
Testing for Chlamydia is quite simple – it just requires a urine analysis which detects the presence of bacteria. Don’t be surprised if your doctor recommends testing for Gonorrhea while being testing for Chlamydia. Doctors often recommend this because it is not uncommon for individuals with Chlamydia symptoms to test positive for Gonorrhea too. Completing these tests together saves time, worry, and allows for treatment to begin as soon as possible.
Treatment for Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the easiest STDs to treat, if you begin treatment before serious complications occur. An oral antibiotic, usually azithromycin or doxycycline, is the typical treatment prescribed by doctors. These antibiotics help to reduce the effects of the symptoms in as few as 2 to 3 days. As a precautionary measure, your doctor may recommend a prescription for antibiotics before your results come back. The reason for this is that even if you get negative results, it is likely you have another type of infection such as a UTI that would require treatment. Regardless of your results, taking the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed is quite important.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind About Treatment:
- You should always finish your medication as prescribed by your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. Failure to complete the course of antibiotics could support an increase of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and can also lead to relapse. Mention any concerns you have about your medication to your doctor before beginning treatment.
- Communicate with those you have had sexual contact with about the symptoms you are experiencing. It is possible they are infected and unware of the symptoms or not exhibiting any symptoms. We recommended testing for everyone involved to ensure protection and the quickest and safest treatment possible.
- Individuals should wait to have intercourse until the bacteria is fully out of their system. Refrain from sexual contact for at least 7 days after treatment for your Chlamydia symptoms, whether you are prescribed a single dose or one that requires a daily dose for 7 to 10 days. This is the best practice to protect your partner and to prevent re-infection.
Pregnancy and Chlamydia
If you are pregnant, or think you might be pregnant, testing should be done as soon as possible. Chlamydia can lead to eye infections and pneumonia in your newborn. It can also increase the risk of an early birth. Testing is safe while pregnant and should be done quickly to prevent harmful effects and to begin any necessary treatment.
Other STDs with similar symptoms
- Gonorrhea symptoms2–14 days after exposure, if they show at all
- Hepatitis B symptoms1–4 months after exposure, if they show at all
- Hepatitis C symptoms2–12 weeks after exposure, if they show at all
- Herpes symptoms2–12 days after exposure for a first outbreak, if one happens at all
- HIV symptoms2–4 weeks after exposure for early flu-like symptoms, then often nothing for years
- Syphilis symptoms10–90 days after exposure (average 3 weeks)
- Trichomoniasis symptoms5–28 days after exposure, if they show at all
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Questions people ask about Chlamydia symptoms
How soon do chlamydia symptoms show up?
Usually 1–3 weeks after exposure – but most people never get any. That’s why chlamydia spreads so easily and why a test is the only way to know.
Can chlamydia go away on its own?
No. Without antibiotics it stays in the body, can quietly damage the reproductive system, and can still be passed on. Once treated, it’s gone in about a week.
Is it chlamydia or a UTI?
They feel similar – burning when you pee, urgency, discomfort. A urine test tells them apart. If you had a new partner recently, test for chlamydia and gonorrhea rather than guessing.
Do I need symptoms to get tested for Chlamydia?
No. Most people who test have no symptoms. If you had an exposure you’re unsure about, that is reason enough.
Will anyone find out?
No. We never bill insurance, nothing is mailed, the lab doesn’t know what you’re being tested for, and your card statement just says RSC Health. Results go only to your private online account.
Resources
The medical information on this page is drawn from the public-health sources below and reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, MD. It is general information, not a diagnosis – a test and, if needed, a physician consultation are how you get an answer for your situation.
- About Chlamydia – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Chlamydial Infections – CDC Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021
- Chlamydia Infections – MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Screening – U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
- Screening Recommendations – CDC Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021
