Chlamydia
Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Chlamydia infection is a common bacterial infection in the US with 1,648,568 reported cases in 2023. with the highest rate among people aged 24 or younger. It is curable when treated it with antibiotics. Chlamydia is often called the " silent infection " because many people infected with the bacteria do not experience any symptoms. Some may experience early signs or mild symptoms that can be overlooked. Contact your healthcare provider or get tested if you are experiencing any of the symptoms below. Early detection and treatment are important to prevent disease progression that can potentially be life-threatening. It may avoid spreading of the disease and infecting others.
Symptoms
In men, symptoms may include:
- •Painful urination
- •Burning and itching at the tip of the penis
- •Pain and swelling around the testicles
In women, symptoms may include:
- •Abnormal vaginal discharge
- •Bleeding between periods
- •Painful periods
- •Abdominal pain with fever
- •Pain when you have sex
- •Itching or burning in or around the vagina
- •Painful urination
Maternal and Newborn Health Risks
- •Preterm labor
- •Premature membrane rupture
- •Low birth weight and eye and lung infections in the newborn
Treatment
Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics, and the earlier it is detected, the easier it is to treat. Treatment usually involves a course of antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline. It is important to take the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if the symptoms go away, to ensure that the infection is fully treated. It is also important to abstain from sexual activity until the antibiotics have been completed and any symptoms have disappeared. Partners should also be tested and treated to avoid re-infection.
Prevention
The best way to prevent chlamydia is to practice safer sex. This includes using condoms correctly and consistently during every sexual encounter, including oral, anal, and vaginal sex. People who are sexually active and have multiple partners should get tested for chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) regularly, even if they do not have symptoms.
Sources
- Written by Love Hurts, Inc. and Kecia Gaither, MD. on November 1, 2025
- CDC: “Chlamydia -- CDC Fact Sheet.”
- Mayo Clinic: “Chlamydia trachomatis.”
- WebMD: “Chlamydia”
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