Can Chlamydia Be Dormant?

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) affecting women worldwide. While it's easily treatable, it can often go unnoticed for long periods because of its ability to remain dormant. 

Many sexually transmitted infections can be dormant for months or even years, meaning the infection is present in the body without causing any symptoms. This makes it difficult for a person to self-diagnose based on symptoms alone, and they can unknowingly pass a sexually transmitted infection on to their sexual partners.

Below is everything you need to know about how long chlamydia can stay dormant, what symptoms look like, and how to test and treat chlamydia.

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, spread through unprotected sex with someone who has the infection. It's one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, particularly in women aged 15 to 24.

Chlamydia is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. This can happen if:

• You have vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person.
• An infected person’s bodily fluids (like semen or vaginal fluids) enter your body.

Even if your partner doesn’t show symptoms, they can still pass chlamydia to you — and vice versa. Using condoms or dental dams can reduce your risk, but chlamydia can still be transmitted through contact with infected genital fluids. That means the best way to curb transmission is to get screened for STIs regularly. 

Symptoms of chlamydia

Chlamydia often doesn’t cause any symptoms, which is why it’s known as a "silent" infection. If symptoms do appear, they might include:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge that is white, yellow, and has a foul smell 
• Itching or burning in and around your vagina
• Painful sex 
• Pain or tenderness in the lower belly
• A frequent need to pee
• A burning sensation when you pee
• Vaginal bleeding between periods
• Painful periods

Symptoms can develop when a person's immune system is weakened by conditions like colds and flu, but we still need more research to figure out exactly what causes chlamydia symptoms to flare up.

It's also worth noting that chlamydia symptoms can look really similar to other conditions, including yeast infections. If you're experiencing any noticeable symptoms (like abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation) you should see your healthcare provider.

Can a yeast infection cause bleeding?

Mild yeast infections don't typically cause bleeding, but it can happen in some cases. Bleeding may happen due to irritation and scratching; the intense itching and discomfort associated with a yeast infection can lead to small tears in the vaginal and vulvar skin. When you scratch or rub the irritated area, it could result in minor bleeding (especially after having sex). 

Additionally, if the yeast infection causes significant inflammation, your skin may become more sensitive, increasing the likelihood of small amounts of blood. 

However, if you notice more than just a few spots of blood or if the bleeding seems unrelated to scratching or vaginal irritation, it’s important to consider that something else might be going on.

Other causes of vaginal bleeding

There are several potential causes of vaginal bleeding beyond yeast infections, and it’s important to be aware of them so you can better understand what’s happening with your body. Other health conditions that can cause bleeding include (but are not limited to):

• Ovulation: Some women experience light spotting when they ovulate, which typically occurs around the middle of their menstrual cycle. This is harmless and usually very light.
• Pregnancy spotting: It’s common for women to have some light spotting in the early stages of pregnancy. This is often due to implantation (when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus). If you think you could be pregnant, it’s a good idea to take a test or check in with your healthcare provider.
• Hormonal changes: Changes in birth control, or even menopause can lead to unexpected, temporary spotting or bleeding.
• Urinary tract infection (UTI): Though UTIs mainly affect the bladder and urethra, they can sometimes cause blood in your urine, which may be mistaken for vaginal bleeding. UTIs can also cause pelvic pain and a frequent urge to pee.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Certain STIs, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, can cause irritation and bleeding, especially after having sexual intercourse.
• Cervicitis: Cervicitis is the inflammation of the cervix. It can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding that occurs after sexual intercourse, or between periods. Other symptoms of cervicitis include abnormal vaginal discharge and pelvic pain.
• Cancer: Vaginal bleeding can be a symptom of vaginal, cervical, ovarian, or endometrial cancer. These cancers are incredibly rare, and it’s worth remembering that other, less serious causes are also responsible for vaginal bleeding. 

Whether you're experiencing unusual bleeding or not, it's worth seeing a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis because yeast infections can cause the same symptoms as many other conditions.

When should you see a healthcare provider?

It’s always a good idea to listen to your body. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s worth checking in with a healthcare provider:

• Unexplained bleeding: If the bleeding is more than light spotting or occurs outside of your normal cycle, you should get it checked out.
• Abnormal vaginal discharge: See your healthcare provider if you notice changes to the smell, color, consistency, or quantity of your discharge — especially if you notice a fishy smell, which could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV) or a sexually transmitted infection called trichomoniasis.
• Persistent or recurrent yeast infections: If you’re getting yeast infections frequently, it could be a sign of an underlying issue, like diabetes or an immune system disorder. If your yeast infection treatment fails, your healthcare provider may also recommend trying a different antifungal medication.
• Severe pain or discomfort: While yeast infections can be uncomfortable, extreme pain isn’t typical and should be evaluated.
• Symptoms of a UTI or STI: If you feel a burning sensation when you pee, experience pelvic pain, or have abnormal vaginal discharge, make an appointment to get tested.

FAQ

What type of infection can cause bleeding?

Aside from a yeast infection, several other types of infections can cause vaginal or vulvar bleeding. Sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can also result in bleeding (especially after intercourse). Additionally, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is often a complication of untreated STIs, can result in severe pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding. A urinary tract infection can cause blood to appear in the urine, which may be mistaken for vaginal bleeding. If you're experiencing unexplained bleeding or other concerning symptoms, it's important to seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

What are severe yeast infection symptoms? 

Severe yeast infection symptoms can include redness, swelling, and cracks in or around the vagina. You may also develop pelvic pain. 

Does bacterial vaginosis cause bleeding?

Bacterial vaginosis doesn’t typically cause bleeding. Anecdotally, some people with bacterial vaginosis may experience bleeding after having sex, but it’s not common.