Definition:

Chlamydia is a common, and treatable STD which can damage a woman's reproductive organs. The CDC estimates that 2.8 million Americans are infected with Chlamydia every year. Even though symptoms of Chlamydia are usually mild or absent, serious complications can occur as a result of Chlamydial infection.

About three quarters of infected women and about half of infected men have no symptoms.


If symptoms do occur, they usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks after exposure.

Women who have symptoms might have an abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. If the infection spreads, from the cervix up into the fallopian tubes, some women may experience lower abdominal pain, low back pain, nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, or bleeding between menstrual periods.

Men with signs or symptoms might have a discharge from their penis or a burning sensation when urinating. Men might also have burning and itching around the opening of the penis. Pain and swelling in the testicles are uncommon.

Men or women who have receptive anal intercourse may acquire chlamydial infection in the rectum, which can cause rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding. Chlamydia can also be found in the throats of women and men having oral sex with an infected partner.

Learn more about Chlamydia

Learn more about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Learn more about safer sex

Reference:
Information taken from the Center for Disease Control Chlamydia Fact Sheet