What Does Chlamydia Look Like on a Woman?

If you have recently had unprotected sex with someone that has Chlamydia it can be a difficult couple of weeks waiting until you can take an STI test. For some sexually transmitted diseases, a variety of symptoms may give you an early indication of whether or not you have contracted the infection but most cases of Chlamydia are asymptomatic. 

So, what does Chlamydia look like in women? In 70% of cases, Chlamydia does not present with symptoms in women. In the cases where symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Changes to discharge

• Increased need to pee

• Pain or burning sensation when peeing

• Painful sex

• Itching or burning sensations around the vagina

• Pain in the abdomen

Read on to learn more about Chlamydia symptoms in women as well as how to tell if a woman has Chlamydia, complications, testing options and how the disease is treated. 

What Does Chlamydia Look Like in Women?

In most cases, Chlamydia is asymptomatic. In 70% of cases it does not present with any symptoms and most women will not know that they have it. This is why regular STI tests are so important, particularly if you’re sexually active outside of a committed, monogamous relationship. 

That being said, Chlamydia does occasionally present symptoms. 

Chlamydia Symptoms in Women

The Chlamydia bacteria sometimes causes symptoms in women that are similar to Cervicitis or a UTI. Symptoms may include:

• 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.

It’s important to note that these symptoms may also affect those that were assigned female at birth (AFAB), but no longer identify as female. 

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

How Can You Tell if a Woman Has Chlamydia? Chlamydia Tests for Women

As Chlamydia is asymptomatic in 70% of women, and can lay dormant for years without you knowing, the only reliable way to tell if you have the disease is by taking an STI test.

Chlamydia tests can be taken from 14 days after exposure. Depending on the area being investigated,, samples will be collected via a throat swab, rectal swab or a urine deposit. 

At Your Sexual Health, we provide a range of Chlamydia tests for women that suit all needs. If you’re in a rush and need a speedy turnaround, check out our Instant Chlamydia test with a turnaround time of just 30 minutes. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to deposit your sample in your own time and in the comfort of your own home, then our at-home testing kits may be more suitable. Check out our Urine Test or Throat Swab Test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea with turnaround times of just 2 days once the sample reaches our lab.

If your result comes back positive, we offer a complimentary GP appointment with our sister medical practice. You will be provided with all the information you need and an appropriate prescription of antibiotics to treat the infection. This is also your opportunity to ask any questions you may have on the topic with a private doctor. It’s also worth noting that these appointments are completely private and confidential. They will not show only your NHS medical record.

Chlamydia Complications if Left Untreated

When left undetected and untreated, Chlamydia can spread to the womb and cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PIV). This is a very serious health concern which can lead to chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancies and infertility. 

Untreated Chlamydia in pregnant women poses the risk of passing the disease onto the baby. This can result in the baby developing an eye or lung infection. There is also an increased risk of premature birth and your baby being born with a low birth weight.

What Can Be Mistaken for Chlamydia in Women?

As we’ve already mentioned, Chlamydia in women can often be mistaken for Cervicitis or a UTI due to their similar symptoms. Here are a few more conditions that you could mistake Chlamydia with:

• Gonorrhoea – The symptoms of Gonorrhoea are very similar to those of Chlamydia and can easily be mistaken.
• Trichomoniasis – Like Chlamydia, this STI is often asymptomatic but when symptoms do present, they are almost identical to the signs of Chlamydia.
• Yeast infection – Yeast infections have a number of similar symptoms to Chlamydia but are not identical. 

Everything Else You Need to Know About Chlamydia

For more information about Chlamydia, its symptoms, causes, testing and treatments, check out our comprehensive guide to Chlamydia. Here we go into more depth about each aspect of the disease and answer a range of common questions to give you peace of mind or help you to make the decision whether or not to test.