Symptoms

Most people with chlamydia notice nothing at all, which is a large part of why it spreads so easily. When symptoms do appear, usually within one to three weeks of exposure, they can include:

  • Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
  • A burning sensation during urination
  • Pain during sex
  • Bleeding between periods or after sex
  • Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding, if the infection is in the rectum

How It Spreads

Chlamydia spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom with a partner who has the infection. A pregnant person with an active infection can also pass it to their baby during delivery, which is why prenatal screening is standard.

Testing & Diagnosis

Testing typically involves a urine sample or a swab (vaginal, rectal, or throat, depending on exposure). It's straightforward and doesn't require a pelvic exam in most cases.

Treatment

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics — doxycycline, typically over seven days, is the currently preferred option, with azithromycin as an alternative. Medication clears the infection but doesn't reverse any damage already caused, which is why prompt treatment matters. Avoid sex until seven days after a single-dose treatment, or until a full course is finished, and until any partners have also completed treatment. Re-testing around three months later is recommended, since reinfection is common.

If Left Untreated

Untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, raising the risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy, and to epididymitis in men. It also increases the chance of both acquiring and transmitting HIV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can chlamydia go away on its own?

No. It requires antibiotics — left untreated it can persist for months or longer and cause lasting damage.

How soon can I get tested after exposure?

Most guidance suggests testing about one to two weeks after a potential exposure for reliable results.

Can I get chlamydia again after treatment?

Yes — successful treatment clears the current infection but doesn't protect against a new one. Reinfection from an untreated partner is common.