Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria, affecting millions of people annually. It can infect both men and women, often without causing any noticeable symptoms. This asymptomatic nature often leads to questions about symptom duration when they do appear.
When Chlamydia Symptoms Appear
Symptoms of chlamydia typically emerge within one to three weeks following exposure. However, some individuals may not experience symptoms for several months, or never at all. This wide range in onset contributes to the infection often going undetected.
For women, common symptoms can include abnormal vaginal discharge, a burning sensation during urination, bleeding between periods, or abdominal pain. Men might notice discharge from the penis, painful urination, or pain and swelling in one or both testicles. Chlamydia can also affect other areas, such as the rectum or throat, sometimes causing pain, discharge, or bleeding.
How Long Symptoms Last After Treatment
Antibiotic treatment typically improves chlamydia symptoms within a few days. The infection is treatable with antibiotics like azithromycin or doxycycline. Symptoms usually resolve completely within one to two weeks after starting treatment.
It is important to complete the entire course of prescribed antibiotics, even if symptoms disappear sooner. This ensures the infection is fully eradicated and reduces the risk of recurrence. While the infection clears, some residual discomfort might linger briefly after treatment but should gradually subside.
Why Untreated Chlamydia is Dangerous
Untreated chlamydia carries health risks, even if symptoms are mild or absent. The infection will not resolve on its own and can persist for months or even years, leading to permanent damage. Initial damage often goes unnoticed, which is particularly concerning.
For women, untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), causing chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. PID occurs when the infection spreads to the reproductive organs, forming scar tissue that can block fallopian tubes. In men, untreated chlamydia can result in epididymitis, a painful inflammation of the tube that carries sperm, and reduced fertility. Both men and women can also develop reactive arthritis, which causes joint pain and inflammation of the eyes.
Confirming the Infection is Cleared
Follow-up after treatment helps confirm the infection has cleared and prevents reinfection. While a “test of cure” (TOC) is not always routinely recommended for non-pregnant individuals, it may be advised if symptoms persist, treatment adherence is questionable, or for pregnant individuals. This test is typically performed three to four weeks after completing the antibiotic course.
Retesting approximately three months after treatment is recommended to detect possible reinfection. Notifying and treating all sexual partners from the previous 60 days is important to prevent reinfection and further spread. Individuals should abstain from sexual activity until both they and their partners have completed treatment and, if applicable, received a negative test of cure.