Understanding Chlamydia Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Know about chlamydia, what it is, common symptoms, causes, how it affects your health and treatment options and more.
Written by Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam
Reviewed by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula MBBS
Last updated on 3rd Sep, 2025
Introduction
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It often goes unnoticed because many people don’t experience symptoms, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications. The good news is that chlamydia is easily treatable with antibiotics.
This article will help you understand: What chlamydia is, its symptoms and causes, how it affects health, treatment and prevention tips and when to seek medical help.
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that spreads through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex). It can infect both men and women and is most common among sexually active young adults. Many people with chlamydia don’t realise they have it because symptoms may be mild or absent. However, even without symptoms, the infection can cause long-term damage if untreated.
Consult a General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
Common Symptoms of Chlamydia
Since chlamydia often has no symptoms, regular testing is important if you're sexually active. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
In Women:
• Unusual vaginal discharge (yellow or with a strong odour)
• Pain or burning during urination
• Pain during sex
• Lower abdominal pain
• Bleeding between periods
In Men:
• Discharge from the penis (white, cloudy, or watery)
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Pain or swelling in the testicles
In Both Genders (Rectal or Throat Infection):
• Discharge, pain, or bleeding from the rectum (if infected through anal sex)
• Sore throat (if infected through oral sex)
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to get tested as soon as possible.
What Causes Chlamydia?
Chlamydia spreads through unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral) with an infected person. It can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby during childbirth, leading to eye infections or pneumonia in newborns.
You are at higher risk if:
• You have multiple sexual partners
• You don’t use condoms consistently
• You have a history of STIs
• You are a young adult (ages 15–24)
How Does Chlamydia Affect Your Health?
If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious complications:
In Women:
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): A severe infection of the reproductive organs that can cause chronic pain, infertility, or ectopic pregnancy (a life-threatening pregnancy outside the uterus).
• Increased risk of HIV: Untreated chlamydia makes it easier to contract HIV if exposed.
In Men:
• Epididymitis: Painful swelling of the testicles, which can affect fertility.
• Reactive arthritis: Joint pain and swelling caused by the infection.
In Newborns:
• Eye infections or pneumonia if passed from an untreated mother during birth.
How is Chlamydia Diagnosed?
Testing for chlamydia is simple and painless:
• Urine test: A sample is checked for bacteria.
• Swab test: A swab from the cervix (women), urethra (men), throat, or rectum may be taken.
Since chlamydia often has no symptoms, sexually active individuals should get tested regularly, especially if they have new or multiple partners.
Treatment for Chlamydia
Chlamydia is curable with antibiotics. Treatment usually involves:
• Azithromycin (single dose) or Doxycycline (taken for a week)
• Avoiding sex until treatment is completed (usually 7 days)
• Informing recent sexual partners so they can also get tested
Even if symptoms disappear, finish the full course of antibiotics to ensure the infection is completely gone.
Preventing Chlamydia
You can reduce your risk of chlamydia by:
• Using condoms correctly every time you have sex
• Getting tested regularly if sexually active
• Limiting sexual partners and ensuring they are also tested
• Avoiding douching (it can push bacteria further into the reproductive tract)
When to See a Doctor
You should consult a doctor if:
• You notice any symptoms of chlamydia
• Your sexual partner has been diagnosed with an STI
• You’re sexually active and haven’t been tested recently
• You’re pregnant (to prevent passing it to your baby)
Final Thoughts
Chlamydia is a common but treatable infection. Since it often shows no symptoms, regular testing is crucial for sexually active individuals. Practising safe sex, getting tested, and seeking prompt treatment can help you stay healthy and avoid complications.
Consult a General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
Consult a General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr Syed Mateen Pasha
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. D Bhanu Prakash
General Practitioner
10 Years • MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Madhuri Sai Sreepada
General Practitioner
9 Years • MBBS
Hyderabad
BRIGHT SMILES MEDICARE & DENTAL CARE, Hyderabad
Dr. Karanam Kondalamma
General Practitioner
4 Years • MBBS
Hyderabad
KK Clinic, Hyderabad
Consult a General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr Syed Mateen Pasha
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. D Bhanu Prakash
General Practitioner
10 Years • MBBS, AFIH, Advanced certificate in critical care medicine, Fellowship in critical care medicine
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Madhuri Sai Sreepada
General Practitioner
9 Years • MBBS
Hyderabad
BRIGHT SMILES MEDICARE & DENTAL CARE, Hyderabad
Dr. Karanam Kondalamma
General Practitioner
4 Years • MBBS
Hyderabad
KK Clinic, Hyderabad