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What is Chlamydia: Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment
- Dr Joseph Nightingale
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that often doesn’t cause any symptoms. That means many people who have chlamydia don’t know it, unknowingly infecting other people. However, if it’s left untreated, it can lead to serious, irreversible complications.
The infection is caused by a specific strain of bacteria known as Chlamydia trachomatis. It is estimated that around 3% to 7% of sexually active young people in the UK have chlamydia, and it is currently most common in those under 25.
In this article we cover:
How Do You Get Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is caught by having sexual intercourse with an infected person, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It is spread by semen or vaginal fluids. If you come into contact with these fluids, especially around the genitalia, then there is a risk of being infected.
Symptoms of Chlamydia
Most people with chlamydia have no symptoms, which is why it often goes unnoticed. When symptoms do appear, they vary depending on where the infection is in the body. Symptoms can also differ between men and women.
Chlamydia doesn’t only affect the genitals. It can also infect the rectum, eyes, or throat, depending on sexual contact.
Rectal symptoms may include:
Anal discharge
Pain, itching, or swelling in or around the anus
Rectal bleeding
Diarrhoea
Eye infections may cause:
Redness
Itching or irritation
Discharge
Changes in skin colour around the eye
Symptoms in Men
In men, chlamydia may cause:
Penile discharge, which can appear clear, milky, or pus-like
Irritation, burning, or itching at the tip of the penis
Pain or stinging when passing urine
Testicular pain or swelling (less common)
These symptoms are often more noticeable first thing in the morning.
Symptoms in Women
In women, possible symptoms include:
Unusual vaginal discharge, which may be yellow in colour or have a strong odour
Discomfort or burning when urinating
Needing to pass urine more frequently
Internal vaginal irritation or swelling
Pain during sex
If chlamydia is not treated, the infection can move beyond the cervix and vagina and lead to:
Pain in the lower abdomen or lower back
Nausea
Bleeding between periods or after sex
Fever or chills
How Long Does it Take for Chlamydia Symptoms to Show
Chlamydia is a “silent disease.” It’s estimated that around 50% of males and 70% of females with chlamydia have no symptoms.
If an infection causes symptoms, they usually appear within 1 – 3 weeks after exposure. But it can take months for symptoms to develop. Symptoms can also appear and disappear within a few days.
Why Does Chlamydia Often Go Undetected
Chlamydia is asymptomatic in most people. If symptoms occur, they can be mild and short-lived. People often mistake these symptoms for something else, for example, a water infection.
Because chlamydia often goes undetected, people pass it on to others without realising it. It’s only when a previous partner informs them that they were infected that people get checked.
How is Chlamydia Tested?
Most people visit their doctor if they think they may have chlamydia. Your doctor may carry out a physical examination, looking for discharge, sores, or other signs of infection.
They may also swab any areas that appear affected, such as the vaginal canal, penile urethra, anus, or throat.
In women, the most common test is a vaginal swab. The swab is gently inserted into the vagina, rotated for a few seconds, and then stored safely before being sent to a laboratory for testing. In some cases, a swab may be taken from the cervix, or a urine test may be used instead.
In men, the most common test is a urine sample. This is usually collected after not passing urine for at least one hour. In some cases, a swab may be taken from the penile urethra.
When Should You Get Tested for Chlamydia?
Chlamydia has no symptoms in most cases. Unless you get tested, you cannot know if you’re infected. It is, therefore, recommended that you get regularly screened if you are sexually active, even if you feel well.
Testing is recommended if:
You have symptoms such as unusual discharge, pain when urinating, or pelvic or testicular pain
A current or previous sexual partner has told you they have chlamydia
You have had a new sexual partner or multiple partners
You have had unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex
You are under 25 and sexually active, as chlamydia is more common in this age group
If you notice any symptoms or have been informed by a current or previous partner that they have chlamydia, it is sensible to get tested as soon as possible. The earlier chlamydia is caught, the easier it is to treat and prevent long-term complications.
How Long Do Test Results Take?
Health Klinix provides a comprehensive STI test. It tests for chlamydia alongside other common STIs. After the 15-minute appointment to collect the samples, you’ll receive your results within 5 working days.
The results are highly accurate, providing a clear answer. Your results are completely confidential. We won’t even share them with your GP unless you give us your permission.
Chlamydia Treatment
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection. The treatment is a short course of antibiotics that usually clears the infection. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, let your doctor know. This will affect the choice of antibiotic.
The most commonly used antibiotics are:
Doxycycline is usually taken as one tablet twice a day for seven days.
Azithromycin is taken as a single dose of one tablet.
Do not have sex with any partners until you have finished the treatment (or for seven days after the treatment with a single-dose antibiotic). You may still be infectious during this time. If any of these antibiotics is unsuitable, your doctor can advise on other treatments.
What Happens If Chlamydia Is Left Untreated?
If left untreated, chlamydia will continue to progress. The infection can affect the womb and fallopian tubes. This is called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Around 10 – 40% of women with chlamydia develop PID.
PID is defined by sudden fever and pain. However, it can develop over months or years. The condition scars the fallopian tubes, causing persistent pain and making it difficult to get pregnant. Even if you get pregnant, there is an increased risk of:
Ectopic pregnancy
Miscarriage
Premature births
Stillbirths
Men also experience reduced fertility. And both men and women can develop reactive arthritis (inflammation of the joints).
How to Prevent Chlamydia
The only way to avoid getting chlamydia completely is to abstain from all forms of sexual intercourse with someone who has a chlamydia infection.
It is not always possible to know if a partner is infected. Sensible precautionary measures include wearing a condom, using dental dams during oral sex, only having sex with one partner (who only has sex with you), and not sharing sex toys. Always wash sex toys after use.
Regular testing is also an important part of prevention. Health Klinix offers confidential STI testing, helping you detect infections early and reduce the risk of passing them on to others.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chlamydia
Can You Get Chlamydia From Kissing?
No. Chlamydia is not spread through kissing, hugging, or sharing drinks or utensils. It is passed on through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection.
What Does Chlamydia Look Like?
In most cases, chlamydia doesn’t have a visible appearance. Many people have no symptoms at all.
If symptoms occur, they include unusual discharge, pain when urinating, or pelvic or testicular discomfort. However, these signs are not specific to chlamydia.
Can I Get a Free Chlamydia Test?
Yes. Free chlamydia testing is available through NHS sexual health clinics, GP surgeries, and local sexual health services. However, these tests don’t provide a comprehensive assessment for all STIs.
The Health Klinix STI Blood Test screens for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B & C, and herpes simplex virus 1 & 2. It’s a fast, effective test designed to give you peace of mind.
How Long Will I Test Positive for Chlamydia After Treatment?
You may continue to test positive for a short time after treatment. Remnants of the bacteria can remain in the body. We recommend repeating the test around 4 weeks after treatment.
Does Chlamydia go Away on its Own?
Not reliably. Without treatment, chlamydia can lead to severe complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, fertility problems, and passing the infection onto others.
References
Written by:
Dr Joseph Nightingale, MBBS, MSc
Approved by:
Consultant Physician in General Internal Medicine
MBBS, MRCP(UK), DTM&H, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, DFFP
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