What are the symptoms?
Chlamydia is known as the ‘silent’ infection because it has no obvious symptoms. If left untreated it can spread to other parts of the body and cause pain, especially in the abdomen, and may lead to infertility.

Most people have no symptoms so you will not know you have it. However, 25 per cent of women and 50 per cent of men do develop symptoms.

If you do develop symptoms, these may show up 1-3 weeks after contact with chlamydia, many months later or not until the infection spreads.

Women may notice the following:
Unusual vaginal discharge
Bleeding between periods
Bleeding after sex
Heavier periods (including those using hormonal contraception such as the pill)
Pain (and/or bleeding) during sex
Pain when having a wee
Lower abdominal (pelvic) pain

Men may notice the following:
A thick white/cloudy or watery discharge from the penis
Burning and itching in the genital area
Pain when having a wee
Painful swelling of the testicles

For both Men and Women:
There are rarely any symptoms if the infection is in the rectum, but it can sometimes cause discomfort and discharge.
Infection in the eyes can cause pain, swelling, irritation and discharge.
Infection in the throat isn’t common and doesn’t produce any symptoms.

If you have any of these symptoms visit your GP or BRASH clinic as soon as possible.