Chlamydia, also known as chlamydia trachomatis, is a sexually transmitted infection (sexually transmitted disease*) that is caused by bacteria, according to the Mayo Clinic. Chlamydia is generally spread through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex. It is passed through the semen or vaginal fluid.
Once exposed, symptoms generally show one to three weeks after contact, but some people do not show any symptoms at all. Chlamydia is curable with antibiotics.
*What is the difference between a sexually transmitted infection, STI, and a sexually transmitted disease, STD? According to Verywell Health, an STI is an infection that is transmitted through sexual activity. These infections may or may not show symptoms and become a sexually transmitted disease. Keep in mind, STD and STI terminology are used interchangeably, so that is why both terms are used in this article.
Chlamydia Symptoms
Men and women can get the chlamydia infection, but symptoms present differently.
Symptoms in Women
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Bleeding between periods and/or painful periods
- Painful urination
- Abdominal pain with a fever
- Painful sex
- Burning or itching in or around your vagina
Symptoms in Men
- A small amount of clear or cloudy discharge from the tip of the penis
- Burning or itching around the opening of your penis
- Painful urination
- Swelling and pain around your testicles
According to WebMD, it is possible to have chlamydia without knowing it. In fact, 75 percent of infected women and 50 percent of infected men have no symptoms, also known as being asymptomatic. This is why it is advised to get tested if you are having unprotected sex or genital contact. Chlamydia can also be passed from an infected mother to her child during delivery.
What’s the Difference between Chlamydia and Gonorrhea?
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are very similar sexually transmitted diseases (sexually transmitted infections). Both infections are caused by bacteria. Shared symptoms include: painful urination, abnormal discharge from the vagina, penis, or rectum; or pain/bleeding from the rectum.
According to Medical News Today, some symptoms that are specific to gonorrhea include vaginal bleeding between periods in females. In males, penile discharge may be white, yellow, or green.
Gonorrhea symptoms may also include rectal symptoms like soreness, itching, and pain when you defecate.
Complications
If left untreated, chlamydia can progress to:
- In women – pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, infertility, or reactive arthritis
- In men – an infection near the testicles, prostate gland infection, or reactive arthritis
- Infections in newborns due to the infection spreading from an infected mother to the newborn during vaginal childbirth
Chlamydia Treatment
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection so it is easily treated with antibiotics, according to WebMD. A medical provider will prescribe oral antibiotics to people with chlamydia. They’ll also advise you to let your sexual partner(s) know you tested positive, so they can get tested themselves.
Where Do I Get an STD Test for Chlamydia?
At Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine we offer a lab send-out test. Walk-in or reserve your spot online for an urgent care visit to get tested. Test results are available in 3 to 7 days. Other common STDs to get tested for are gonorrhea and trichomoniasis.
Get Tested Today!
Testing for STDs is offered at all Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine clinics across the Denver metro area. Click here to view our clinic locations and to reserve your spot for an urgent care visit today.