Chlamydia

Symptoms

Up to 90% of 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 include:

  • 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 include:

  • 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.

Go to previous sectionGo to previous sectionGo to top of pageGo to top of pageGo to next sectionGo to next section

Author: Douglas Dana
Sabra L. Katz-Wise
Ralph Poore
Last Updated: March 9, 2007
Medical Review: Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine

© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Click here to learn about Healthwise
Click here to learn about Healthwise
Topic Contents
 Topic Overview
 Cause
Arrow PointerSymptoms
 What Happens
 What Increases Your Risk
 When To Call a Doctor
 Examinations and Tests
 Treatment Overview
 Prevention
 Home Treatment
 Medications
 Surgery
 Other Treatment
 Other Places To Get Help
 Related Information
 References
 Credits