Chlamydia

Chlamydia symptoms

If you have chlamydia, then you may get symptoms. You’re most likely to notice something 1-3 weeks after having sex. 

In men, this is usually fluid – also called discharge – coming out of your penis. It’s often watery and happens after you get up in the morning. Peeing might also be painful or give a burning sensation. 

Women may have fluid coming out of their vagina. Vaginal discharge is normal, but if you have chlamydia, it will be more than usual and look different too. Peeing might also be painful or give a burning sensation. 

Chlamydia can sometimes affect your anus and cause some discomfort. That could be itching, or pain when you’re having a poo.

Female symptoms

• More fluid (discharge) than normal that may look different
• Pain or burning sensation when peeing
• Pain or vaginal bleeding during or after sex
• Abdominal pain
• Itching or irritation in the anal area
• Blood in your poo or diarrhea

Male symptoms

• Fluid coming out of your penis, mostly in the morning
• Pain or burning sensation when peeing
• Pain in your scrotum
• Itching or irritation in the anal area
• Blood in your poo or diarrhea

Chlamydia with no symptoms

Women and girls usually don’t even notice that they have chlamydia. Nor do some boys or men. So, you can even have chlamydia without any symptoms. And pass it on to someone else during sex. 

Easy to treat!

Chlamydia is an STI that’s easy to treat with medication. Do you think you may have it? Perhaps because:

• You had sex without a condom
• You have symptoms
• You had sex with someone who has chlamydia

Then go to your doctor or the CSGC for an STI test. If you get a bit nervous about going, you’re not the only one – other people often feel that way too. But being proactive about your sexual health is something to be proud of. 

If you have been tested at CSGC and you have chlamydia, you will receive your treatment at CSGC.

What happens if chlamydia is left untreated?

If the chlamydia infection isn’t treated, most girls and women will never have any symptoms. But for some women, the infection will spread to the fallopian tubes. This can cause severe lower abdominal pain, sometimes with a fever. Or chronic abdominal pain later in life. Do you have any of these symptoms? Then make an appointment to see your doctor or to go to the CSGC. 

Can it make you infertile?

Yes it can, but there is only a very slight chance of this. There is a greater chance of you having difficulty getting pregnant if you’re infected with chlamydia more than once. And if you have symptoms.

Tell your sex partners

If you have chlamydia, tell the people you’ve had sex with recently. Then they can get tested and treated too. Talk to the doctor or nurse about who you should tell.