What are the Signs of Chlamydia?

Most people know what Chlamydia is and how it is spread. But do you know what signs and symptoms to look out for? In this blog, Your Sexual Health details what Chlamydia looks like in both men and women, and how to know if you have the disease. 

So, what are the signs of Chlamydia? Chlamydia is asymptomatic in 50-70% of cases. However, where symptoms do present, these include:

• Unusual smell, colour or texture to discharge.
• An increased need to pee, pain, burning or itching sensations.
• Unusually painful periods or bleeding between periods.
• Painful intercourse.
• Pain in the testicles.

Read on to learn more about the signs and symptoms of Chlamydia with Your Sexual Health.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Chlamydia?

Chlamydia often presents without symptoms in both men and women, and when they do occur, they’re typically on the milder side and easy to mistake for something else. As such, if you’re sexually active, it’s important to know what to look out for.

Signs of Chlamydia in Women

Often, Chlamydia symptoms in women are similar to those of Cervicitis or a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). As such, it is highly recommended to get tested if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Unusual colour, smell or texture to discharge. In particular, look out for white, yellow or grey discharge with a foul odour. 
• Pus in your urine.
• Increased need to pee.
• Pain or a burning sensation when you pee.
• Unusually painful periods.
• Bleeding between periods.
• Painful intercourse.
• Itching or burning sensations around the vagina. 
• A dull pain in the lower part of the abdomen.

Note that these symptoms also apply to those that were assigned female at birth (AFAB), but no longer identify as female. 

For information about what Chlamydia looks like in women, take a look at our dedicated blog, What Does Chlamydia Look Like in Women?

Signs of Chlamydia in Men

Like in women, Chlamydia often presents without any symptoms in men. However, when they do occur, they may include: 

• Pain when peeing
• White, cloudy or watery discharge from the tip of the penis
• Burning or itching in the urethra
• Pain in the testicles

Note that these symptoms may also apply to those that were assigned male at birth (AMAB), but no longer identify as male. 

For information about what Chlamydia looks like in men, take a look at our dedicated blog, What Does Chlamydia Look Like in Men?

Is it Common to be Asymptomatic with Chlamydia?

It is very common to not present with any symptoms. Chlamydia is asymptomatic in 70% of female cases and in at least 50% of male cases. As such, most people don’t know that they have it without testing (or being told by a partner). 

This is why regular STI testing is so important. Chlamydia is the most common STI in the UK, with 199, 233 cases reported in England in 2022. Not testing significantly increases the risk of passing the disease on to a new sexual partner without knowing. They may then further spread the disease. 

Learn more about how common Chlamydia is in the UK in our recent blog where we dive into the recently updated Public Health England data.

How Long Can You Have Chlamydia and Not Know?

If asymptomatic, people can go months and even years without knowing they have it. However, in cases where symptoms do occur, they will typically present 1-3 weeks after transmission, although for some they can present months later.

Read our blog, How Long Can Chlamydia Lay Dormant? for more information. We go into more detail about how long you can have Chlamydia without knowing, as well as what happens if you don’t get treated.

How Do You Know If You Have Chlamydia?

The only way to know for sure if you have Chlamydia is to have an STI test. We understand that they may seem a little awkward, embarrassing or even inconvenient. But, at Your Sexual Health, we offer discreet, private STI tests that you can take at a clinic of your choice across the country. Or, for the ultimate convenience, why not use one of our at-home testing kits?

If you’re not sure which option is right for you, learn more about how at-home STI testing works in our detailed blog.

How is Chlamydia Treated?

Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline or azithromycin. During treatment, it’s important that you abstain from sexual activity until you have finished your course of medication. 

It’s also important to inform any recent sexual partners of your diagnosis so that they can also be tested and treated. You can do this yourself, but many clinics will offer to help you contact them confidentially and advise them to get tested.

With a positive diagnosis at Your Sexual Health, you will be offered a complimentary appointment with a GP at our sister company. During this appointment, appropriate treatment will be prescribed and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your condition. 

Everything Else You Need to Know About Chlamydia

For more information about Chlamydia, its symptoms, treatments and everything in between, check out our comprehensive guide to Chlamydia. In this blog, we go into much more detail about each and every aspect of Chlamydia and answer your burning questions.

Alternatively, if you’re ready to test, take a look at our range of Chlamydia STI tests. We offer a variety of testing options at our clinics across the UK, or via a home testing kit. We also offer instant testing and tests that check for a range of common STIs. Get in touch with us today if you’re not quite sure what you need and a friendly member of our team will be happy to point you in the right direction.