Chlamydia Channel
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Chlamydia Signs and Symptoms
In most cases, symptoms of chlamydia occur within one to three weeks of infection. However, the disease is considered "silent" because the majority of people infected show no symptoms. Common chlamydia signs and symptoms may include discharge from the penis or vagina, and pain during urination. If left untreated, more serious complications can occur, including infertility.
Chlamydia is known as a "silent" disease because 75 percent of infected women and at least half of infected men have no signs or symptoms.
If symptoms do occur, they usually appear within one to three weeks of exposure.
Chlamydia symptoms in women, if any, might include an abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. The infection is often not diagnosed or treated until there are complications. If you think you have chlamydia or are concerned about it, both you and your sex partner should see a doctor right away.
The infection first attacks the cervix and urethra. Even if the infection spreads from the cervix to the uterus and fallopian tubes, some women may still have no chlamydia signs and symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you might have things like:
- Lower abdominal pain
- Low back pain
- Nausea
- Fever
- Pain during sex
- Bleeding between menstrual periods.
Men with symptoms might have a discharge from the penis and a burning sensation when urinating. Men might also have burning and itching around the opening of the penis or pain and swelling in the testicles, or both. The bacteria also can infect the throat from oral sexual contact with an infected partner.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD