What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

When symptoms occur, vaginal or penile discharge may be different from usual, and passing urine can sting. Some people notice lower abdominal or pelvic pain, pain during sex, bleeding between periods or after sex, or pain and swelling in a testicle. Rectal infection may cause soreness, discharge or bleeding. Symptoms can be mild, and having no symptoms does not exclude infection. Untreated chlamydia can spread into the reproductive organs and may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease; it can also affect a partner without obvious warning signs.

Arrange STI screening if you have symptoms, a new partner, condomless sex, or a partner with a diagnosis. Testing may use urine or a swab from the relevant body site. Avoid sex until a clinician confirms when it is safe after treatment, and tell recent partners so they can be assessed. Chlamydia is treated with prescribed antibiotics; do not share medication or use an old prescription.

Seek prompt medical care for pelvic pain, fever, vomiting, pain during pregnancy, or testicular pain or swelling. These symptoms can signal an infection needing rapid treatment. Seek urgent help for sudden severe testicular pain, fainting, or severe abdominal pain.

Ask which sites need testing, when to notify partners, when to repeat testing, and whether symptoms suggest pelvic inflammatory disease or another infection.