People with chlamydia usually don’t have symptoms, so most people don’t know they have it. If you do notice signs of chlamydia, get tested. Here’s what to look for.
Chlamydia can be sneaky, because you probably won’t have any symptoms you can see or feel. Sometimes the signs of chlamydia are so mild that people don’t notice them, or they mistake the symptoms for something else. Most of the time, people don’t even realize they have chlamydia — that’s part of the reason it’s such a common infection (and why it’s so important to get tested).
Chlamydia can lead to serious infections and even infertility if you don’t treat it. But it’s usually easy to cure it with medicine if you catch it early. This is why regular STD testing is so important, no matter how healthy you feel.
Signs of chlamydia
If you do have chlamydia symptoms, they can take several weeks after you got the infection to show up. Symptoms of chlamydia can appear in people of all genders. Symptoms include:
pain or burning while peeing
pain during sex
lower belly pain
abnormal vaginal discharge (may be yellowish and have a strong smell)
bleeding between periods
pus or a watery/milky discharge from the penis
swollen or tender testicles
pain, discharge and/or bleeding around the anus
If chlamydia infects your eyes, you may have redness, skin discoloration around your eye, itching, or discharge. Sometimes chlamydia infections in the throat cause soreness, but it’s rare.
If you or your partner has any of these symptoms, go to a nurse, doctor, or your nearest Planned Parenthood Health Center. It’s especially important to get checked out if you’re pregnant.
Remember, most people don’t show any signs at all when they have chlamydia. That’s why the only way to find out for sure if you have chlamydia is to get tested.
Most people with chlamydia don’t have any symptoms. Or if they do get symptoms, they show up weeks after having sex without a condom.
Even without symptoms, if you have chlamydia and you don’t get it treated it can damage your reproductive system, cause epididymitis, or lead to infertility. That’s why it’s so important to get tested for STDs if you’ve had sex without a condom.
Chlamydia symptoms in people with penises can include:
Pus, or watery or milky discharge from the penis
Pain or burning when peeing
Pain and/or swelling in one or both testicles
You can also get chlamydia in your butt, usually from receiving anal sex. Symptoms aren’t common, but you might notice:
A painful or itchy anus (butthole)
Discharge or bleeding from your anus
Diarrhea
Swelling in or around your anus
Chlamydia can also infect your eyes, causing redness, itching, or discharge.
Regardless of where on your body they show up, chlamydia symptoms in men are most likely to appear in the morning.
If you notice any of these symptoms, if your partner has been diagnosed with chlamydia or another STD, or if your partner has symptoms, check in with your doctor or nurse or nearest Planned Parenthood health center right away.
Most people with chlamydia don’t have any symptoms. Or the symptoms show up weeks after having sex with someone who’s infected.
Even without symptoms, untreated chlamydia can damage your reproductive system, cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or lead to infertility. That’s why it’s so important to get tested for STDs, especially if you’ve had sex without a condom.
If you have a vagina, chlamydia symptoms can include:
Abnormal, yellowish, or strong smelling vaginal discharge
Swelling inside your vagina/painful sex
Pain or burning when you pee
The urge to pee more than usual
If the infection spreads beyond your vagina and cervix, symptoms of chlamydia may include:
Pain in your belly or lower back
Nausea or a low-grade fever
Bleeding between your periods or after vaginal sex
You can also get chlamydia in your butt, usually from receiving anal sex. Symptoms aren’t common, but you might notice:
A painful or itchy anus (butthole)
Discharge or bleeding from your anus
Diarrhea
Swelling in or around your anus
Chlamydia can also infect your eyes, causing redness, itching, or discharge.
If you notice any of these symptoms, if your partner has been diagnosed with chlamydia or another STD, or if your partner has symptoms, check in with your doctor or nurse or contact your nearest Planned Parenthood health center.
Between our trained sexual health educators or chat bot, we can answer your questions about your sexual health whenever you have them. And they are free and confidential.
