What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. People who
have chlamydia often don’t have outward symptoms in the early stages.

In fact, about 90 percent of women and 70 percent of men with the STI have no symptoms. But
chlamydia can still cause health problems later.

Untreated chlamydia can cause serious complications, so it’s important to get regular screenings
and talk with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Chlamydia pictures
Chlamydia can cause a vaginal discharge. It may resemble pus or mucus.

Warning
Contains Graphic Imagery

Symptoms of chlamydia may be similar to symptoms of other STIs. See photos of symptoms
caused by different STIs to understand the visible effects these infections can have.

Chlamydia causes
Sex without a condom and unprotected oral sex are the main ways a chlamydia infection can be
transmitted. But penetration doesn’t have to occur to contract it.

Touching genitals together may transmit the bacteria. It can also be contracted during anal sex.

Newborn babies can acquire chlamydia from their mother during birth. Most prenatal testing
includes a chlamydia test, but it doesn’t hurt to double-check with an OB-GYN during the first
prenatal checkup.

A chlamydia infection in the eye can occur through oral or genital contact with the eyes, but this
isn’t common.

Chlamydia can also be contracted even in someone who’s had the infection once before and
successfully treated it. Find out more about how chlamydia is shared between individuals.

How common is chlamydia?

In 2017, more than 1.7 million casesTrusted Source of chlamydia were reported to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, many cases go unreported, so the real
number of chlamydia infections every year may be closer to 3 millionTrusted Source.
Men and women can both get the infection, but more casesTrusted Source in women are
reported.

Infection rates are highest among younger women, with the highest ratesTrusted Source of
infection occurring in women between ages 15 and 24.

The CDCTrusted Source recommends that all sexually active women ages 25 years and younger
get screened for chlamydia every year, as well as older women with risk factors like multiple or
new partners.

Statistically, a person is more likely to get an STI if they’ve had sex with more than one person.
Other risk factors include having had an STI in the past, or currently have an infection, because
this could lower resistance.

An act of sexual assault can raise the risk for contracting chlamydia and other STIs. If you were
forced into any sexual activity, including oral sex, aim to get screened as soon as possible.
Organizations like the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) offer support for
survivors of rape or sexual assault. For anonymous, confidential help:

 Call RAINN’s 24/7 national sexual assault hotline at 800-656-4673

 Find a local service provider for screenings
 Chat 24/7 on their online sexual assault hotline at online.rainn.org

Rates for chlamydia and other STIs have been climbing in recent years. See the new statistics
and groups that are most at risk.

Chlamydia symptoms in men

Many men don’t notice the symptoms of chlamydia. Most men have no symptoms at all.

If symptoms do appear, it’s usually 1 to 3 weeks after transmission.

Some of the most common symptoms of chlamydia in men include:

 burning sensation during urination

 yellow or green discharge from the penis
 pain in the lower abdomen
 pain in the testicles

It’s also possible to get a chlamydia infection in the anus. In this case, the main symptoms are
often discharge, pain, and bleeding from this area.

Having oral sex with someone who has the infection raises the risk for getting chlamydia in the
throat. Symptoms can include a sore throat, cough, or fever. It’s also possible to carry bacteria in
the throat and not know it.