Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) both in the U.S. and worldwide. Part of the reason why it’s so prevalent is because it often remains asymptomatic, so people often don’t know they have it. But when it does cause symptoms, what does chlamydia look like?

Below is everything you need to know about chlamydia symptoms, how to know if you have it, and how to treat it. 

What is chlamydia? 

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Often asymptomatic, recognizing its signs is vital for early detection and treatment. A chlamydia infection spreads through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection. It can also be contracted by sharing sex toys, as the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis can be transmitted via vaginal fluid and semen.

Chlamydia symptoms 

The tricky thing about many sexually transmitted infections is that they don't always cause visible symptoms, or symptoms are so mild they're barely noticeable. Chlamydia is no different — it's dubbed a "silent" infection because many people don't realize they have it. This can lead to unknowingly spreading the infection to others.

If you do have symptoms of chlamydia, they can easily be confused for something else, like a vaginal yeast infection or urinary tract infection (UTI).

Although they don't always happen, some common chlamydia symptoms include:

  • Unusual vaginal discharge that is white, yellow, and has a foul smell
  • Cloudy urine
  • A frequent need to pee
  • Burning or discomfort when you pee
  • Painful intercourse
  • Pain or tenderness in the lower belly
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods
  • Vaginal bleeding after or during sex
  • Painful periods
  • Itching or burning in and around your vagina. 

These symptoms could be related to other sexually transmitted infections or vaginal infections, so they're not a definite indicator of chlamydia. It's important to chat with your healthcare provider or take an STI test to know for sure.

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Diagnosis and testing

It's super important for sexually active people to get regular screenings for chlamydia since it often doesn't show symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting tested for chlamydia infections once a year, especially if you have new or multiple partners (as those are considered risk factors for chlamydia).

To diagnose chlamydia, your healthcare provider will do a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT), which is a really sensitive test and can be done using a urine sample or vaginal swab. The sample is then sent to a lab to check for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis.

If you prefer, you can even do an at-home chlamydia test, like Evvy's Vaginal Health Test and Expanded PCR Panel. 

Remember that chlamydia might not show up in test results immediately; it can take up to two weeks to be detected. So, for the most accurate results, it's best to wait at least 14 days after sexual contact before getting tested.

Chlamydia treatment

Because it's a bacterial infection, antibiotics like azithromycin or doxycycline are the go-to option to treat chlamydia infections. It's really important to stick to the antibiotics prescribed all the way through (even if your symptoms go away) and to hold off on any sexual activity until you no longer test positive. 

You should also let your sexual partners from the past 60 days know so they can get tested and treated too, to stop the infection from spreading. As with all STIs, regular screenings and prevention (safe sex) are part of the package, too.

It's crucial to get treatment because untreated chlamydia can cause some pretty serious, long-term health problems — including infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). 

FAQ

What do early signs of chlamydia look like?

Symptoms of chlamydia can look like abnormal vaginal discharge that has a strong or foul smell, vaginal itching, pelvic pain, and pain during sex or when peeing. That said, most people who have chlamydia don't notice any symptoms, especially in the early stages. If you do get symptoms, they usually show up between one and three weeks after having unprotected sex. Sometimes they might not appear until many months later, so you can't always rely on symptoms to know whether or not you have chlamydia.

What does chlamydia discharge look like?

Chlamydia infections can cause unusual discharge that's yellow, white, thick and has a strong odor. Sometimes, chlamydia discharge can be subtle and might be mistaken for other vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection. That's why all sexually active people need to get regular STI testing to catch and treat any issues early.

What does pee look like with chlamydia?

Chlamydia infections may cause your urine to look cloudy. It can also lead to painful urination, or make you feel like you need to pee more often. These symptoms can be easily confused with those of a urinary tract infection.

What can be mistaken for chlamydia?

Chlamydia shares symptoms with many other infections. It can easily be mistaken for other STIs, including trichomoniasis or gonorrhea, or a vaginal yeast infection. You should always seek medical advice if you're experiencing symptoms like unusual discharge, pain, or a burning sensation when you pee.