Chlamydia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. The bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis causes this infection. Many people never show signs, but without treatment, it can create serious health issues such as infertility in women and complications in men.

The positive news is that chlamydia is preventable, simple to diagnose, and treatable with antibiotics. This guide explains its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection spread through sexual contact. It can be passed during vaginal, anal, or oral sex without protection. Both men and women can get it, and the infection may affect the genitals, rectum, or throat.

Because symptoms often don’t appear, many people never realize they are infected. That’s why regular testing is so important.

How Chlamydia Spreads

The main ways include:

• Having vaginal or anal sex without a condom

• Oral sex with an infected partner

• Sharing sex toys without proper cleaning

• From mother to baby during childbirth

It does not spread through hugging, kissing, or sharing utensils.

Symptoms of Chlamydia

Most people do not experience symptoms. When signs appear, they usually show within 1–3 weeks.

Women may experience:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge

• Burning during urination

• Pain during sex

• Lower belly or pelvic pain

• Bleeding between periods

Men may notice:

• Discharge from the penis

• Pain while urinating

• Swelling or pain in one or both testicles

Both men and women can also develop:

• Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding (if infection is in the rectum)

• Sore throat (after oral infection)

Complications if Left Untreated

Untreated chlamydia can cause serious health problems:

• Women: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), infertility, or pregnancy outside the womb (ectopic pregnancy).

• Men: Inflammation near the testicles (epididymitis) and, in rare cases, infertility.

• Newborns: Eye infections or pneumonia if infection passes during birth.

Diagnosis of Chlamydia

Doctors can test for chlamydia in simple and painless ways:

• Urine test – a sample checks for bacteria.

• Swab test – a sample from the cervix, urethra, throat, or rectum.

Since chlamydia often shows no signs, doctors recommend regular testing, especially for sexually active people under 25.

Treatment of Chlamydia

Antibiotics can cure chlamydia quickly. The most common options are:

• Azithromycin – usually taken as a single dose

• Doxycycline – taken twice daily for 7 days

During treatment:

• Avoid sex until you finish the full course.

• Make sure your partner also gets tested and treated.

• Some people may need a follow-up test to confirm the infection is gone.

Preventing Chlamydia

You can lower your risk of infection by:

• Using condoms correctly during sex

• Limiting the number of sexual partners

• Getting regular STI screenings

• Talking openly with partners about sexual health

• Cleaning sex toys before sharing

Living with Chlamydia

A positive test may feel worrying, but remember—chlamydia is one of the easiest STIs to treat. With timely care and safer sexual practices, you can recover fully and avoid future infections.

Final Thoughts

Chlamydia is common but often silent. Since many people don’t show symptoms, regular testing is the best way to detect it early. If you test positive, don’t panic—antibiotics can cure it quickly and effectively. By practicing safe sex, getting screened, and encouraging partners to do the same, you protect your health and the health of others.