Cause

Chlamydia infection is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is spread during vaginal, anal, or possibly oral sex with an infected partner. A pregnant woman may spread the infection to her newborn during delivery.

You can spread chlamydia even if you do not have symptoms of infection. You can spread the infection until you have been treated.

Symptoms

Most women and men with chlamydia do not have symptoms.¹

The time between exposure to chlamydia and the start of symptoms—the incubation period—may range from days to months. If symptoms appear, it is usually 1 to 3 weeks after sexual contact with an infected person.

Symptoms in women

• Painful urination
• Cloudy urine
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding with intercourse or between periods
• Genital itching
• Irregular menstrual bleeding
• Lower abdominal pain
• Fever and general tiredness
• Swollen and painful glands at the opening of the vagina (Bartholin glands)
• Conjunctivitis

Symptoms in men

• Painful urination or itching sensation with urination (often the first symptom)
• Cloudy urine
• Watery or slimy discharge from the penis
• Crusting on the tip of the penis
• Tender anus or scrotum
• Conjunctivitis