Symptoms of Chlamydia
Symptoms of chlamydia can be difficult to recognise because the infection often causes no noticeable signs. In fact, up to 70% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia may have no symptoms at all. Still, understanding the possible signs is essential for early diagnosis and preventing serious complications.
1. Symptoms in Women
When symptoms do appear in women, they may include:
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Pain during intercourse
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
If untreated, chlamydia can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause chronic pain, infertility, or ectopic pregnancy.
2. Symptoms in Men Symptoms of Chlamydia
In men, signs of chlamydia may include:
- Clear or cloudy discharge from the penis
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Pain and swelling in the testicles (usually on one side)
- Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding (especially after anal sex)
Men are less likely to suffer long-term reproductive complications, but untreated infection can lead to conditions like epididymitis (inflammation of the tube behind the testicles).
3. Rectal and Throat Infections
Chlamydia can also infect the rectum or throat:
- Rectal chlamydia may cause pain, discharge, or bleeding
- Throat chlamydia is usually asymptomatic but can occasionally cause a sore throat
4. Symptoms in Newborns | Symptoms of Chlamydia
Babies infected during childbirth may show:
- Eye redness, discharge, or swelling
- Coughing or difficulty breathing (due to pneumonia)
Recognising the symptoms of chlamydia is tricky due to its silent nature. Routine testing, especially after unprotected sex or partner change, is often the only way to detect the infection early.
[Next: Diagnosis of Chlamydia →]
