Urinary or genital symptoms
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Unusual vaginal or penile discharge
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Pain or swelling in a testicle
Patient education
Understanding chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is curable—and testing and treatment can help protect you and your partners.
Questions about sexual health are welcome. Your care is handled privately and respectfully.
CauseBacterial infection
TestingUrine or swab
TreatmentPrescription antibiotics
The basics
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection. It can also pass to a baby during childbirth.
Anyone who is sexually active can get chlamydia. A person can have it, feel completely well, and still pass it to someone else.
Possible signs
Symptoms can be easy to miss
Many people have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:
Rectal or pelvic symptoms
- Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
- Pain during sex
Do not wait for symptoms. Consider testing if a partner has an STI, you have a new or multiple partners, or a clinician recommends routine screening for you.
Testing
A simple test can give you answers
Chlamydia is usually diagnosed with a urine sample or a swab. Testing may involve the vagina, throat, or rectum depending on the type of sexual contact. Your clinician can help determine which tests are appropriate.
Ask whether testing for other STIs—including gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV—is recommended at the same visit.
If your result is positive
- 1Take medicine exactly as prescribed.
Finish the full course, even if you feel well.
- 2Pause sexual contact.
Follow your clinician's instructions. CDC guidance says to wait 7 days after single-dose treatment or until a 7-day regimen is complete—and until partners are treated.
- 3Notify recent partners.
They should be evaluated, tested, and treated.
- 4Plan repeat testing.
CDC recommends retesting about 3 months after treatment.
Protect your health
Ways to lower your risk
01
Use barriers correctly
Use condoms or dental dams consistently during sexual contact.
02
Talk openly
Discuss STI testing and results with partners before sex.
03
Test when recommended
Screening frequency depends on age, anatomy, partners, and exposures.
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