Chlamydia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

If you’re sexually active, you are at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs can cause various symptoms that can cause discomfort and be unpleasant to deal with. One sexually transmitted infection is chlamydia, which can cause detrimental reproductive effects in women.

If you have chlamydia, you may not always experience symptoms. Knowing what to look for can help you obtain proper treatment when symptoms occur. Getting tested regularly for STIs can also help diagnose and treat sexually transmitted infections.

What Is Chlamydia, and What Causes It?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that can occur in both men and women. The National Institute of Health reports that it’s the most common bacterial infection in the United States. It’s common in young people under the age of 25, particularly in young women. You’re also at a higher risk if you have multiple sexual partners and don’t use protection such as condoms during sex.

Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis. The infection can be spread through having vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse with someone with chlamydia. Pregnant individuals can also spread the disease to a baby during childbirth.

What Are the Symptoms of Chlamydia?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many people with chlamydia may not have symptoms, or symptoms may not appear until several weeks after sexual activity.

Some common symptoms of the infection for women include:

Abnormal vaginal discharge
A burning sensation when peeing
Bleeding between periods

Common symptoms of the infection for men include:

A burning sensation when peeing
Discharge from penis
Swelling or pain in the testicles

Other symptoms to look out for include:

Rectal pain
Unusual sores
Smelly discharge
Rectal bleeding

Treatment and Prevention

The National Institute of Health reports that when chlamydia is untreated, it can cause significant health problems. In women, untreated chlamydia can cause difficulties with fertility, lead to long-lasting pelvic pain, and put women at a higher risk for an ectopic pregnancy. It also can cause various infections of the urinary and genital tracts.

If you’re pregnant and have chlamydia, treatment will involve antibiotics that are safe to use during pregnancy. Treatment is essential for pregnant women with chlamydia as the infection has been linked to pre-term labor, low birth weight, and premature rupturing of membranes. The condition can be transmitted during birth while the baby passes through the birth canal. The infant can develop severe infections if the infection is transmitted during birth.

If you are worried you have chlamydia, getting treatment is necessary to help prevent further complications. Treatment consists of antibiotics.

The National Institute of Health reports that the World Health Organizations guidelines for treatment include these common antibiotics:

Azithromycin
Doxycycline
Erythromycin
Ofloxacin
Tetracycline

There is no sure way to prevent contracting chlamydia if you’re sexually active. You can lower your risk of infection by using protection measures correctly, such as condoms. If you have multiple sexual partners, using protection each time can help you reduce your risk.

Overview and Additional Resources

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to long-term complications if left untreated. If you have had sex with anyone who has an STI, getting tested regularly can help you identify and treat infection early, as not everyone with chlamydia will show symptoms.

If you’re having a burning sensation when you pee, have abnormal discharge from your vagina or penis, or notice unusual sores that weren’t there before after intercourse, you should consider talking with your healthcare provider immediately.

For more information on chlamydia, you can check out this CDC brochure that summarizes risk factors, symptoms, and provides education on when to get tested. You can also find information about the infection on this Chlamydia 101 fact sheet from the Chlamydia Coalition.

Getting tested regularly for STIs such as chlamydia can help you take control of your health and avoid serious complications later. Talk to your healthcare provider today if you suspect you have chlamydia or have any questions related to STI’s and your potential risk.