Overview
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and is frequently silent — most infected people feel nothing. Left untreated it can scar the fallopian tubes and cause infertility or ectopic pregnancy. It is easily cured with the right antibiotics.
Symptoms
- Often no symptoms
- Vaginal or penile discharge
- Burning when urinating
- Pain during sex
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Testicular pain
Causes & risk factors
- Unprotected sex with an infected partner
- Multiple partners without condom use
- Mother-to-baby transmission during delivery
Treatment & self-care
A confirmed infection is cured with a prescribed antibiotic course, with partners treated simultaneously and no sex until both complete treatment. Because it is so often silent, sexually active people with any risk should test periodically. Condoms remain the best prevention.
See a doctor urgently if
- Genital discharge or burning urination
- Pelvic pain or pain during sex
- Trying to conceive after a past untreated STI
- A partner tests positive for chlamydia