How do I know if I have chlamydia? What does it feel like?
Usually, chlamydia has no symptoms. Seventy-five percent of women and 50 percent of men with chlamydia have no symptoms. Most people are not aware that they have the infection.
Only a health care provider can diagnose chlamydia. If you believe you may ave chlamydia, see your health care provider or make and an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.
Chlamydia is easy to cure, but untreated it can lead to sterility in women and men. In men, it can even lead to disabling arthritis.
When symptoms of chlamydia do occur, they may begin in as little as five to 10 days after infection.
When women have symptoms, they may experience
- bleeding between menstrual periods
- vaginal bleeding after intercourse
- abdominal pain
- painful intercourse
- low-grade fever
- painful urination
- the urge to urinate more than usual
- cervical or rectal inflammation
- abnormal vaginal discharge
- mucopurulent cervicitis (MPC) — a yellowish discharge from the cervix that may have a foul odor
When men have symptoms, they may experience
- pus or watery or milky discharge from the penis
- pain or burning feeling while urinating
- swollen or tender testicles
- rectal inflammation
In women and men, chlamydia may cause the rectum to itch and bleed. It can also result in a discharge and diarrhea. If it infects the eyes, chlamydia may cause redness, itching, and a discharge. If it infects the throat, chlamydia may cause soreness.