Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria, often called a “silent infection” because many individuals experience no symptoms. Even when symptoms are present, they can be subtle and easily mistaken for other conditions. Understanding the various signs, including changes in discharge, is important for early detection and preventing complications.
Discharge Appearance with Chlamydia
Chlamydia discharge is often not distinctly colored like some other infections. Instead, it can appear clear, cloudy, whitish, or yellowish. The discharge is frequently thin or watery. Many individuals, particularly women, may not experience any noticeable changes in vaginal discharge at all. This discharge, if present, might also have a strong or unpleasant odor.
For men, chlamydia discharge typically appears white, cloudy, or watery from the tip of the penis. It can sometimes be thicker or pus-like. Any penile discharge outside of sexual arousal could be a sign of infection.
Additional Chlamydia Symptoms
Beyond discharge, chlamydia can cause various other symptoms in both women and men.
In women, common symptoms include painful urination, similar to a urinary tract infection. Other signs may involve lower abdominal pain, discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse, and unusual vaginal bleeding, such as spotting between periods or bleeding after sex. Itching or burning around the vagina can also occur.
For men, chlamydia can cause painful urination and a burning sensation around the penis opening. They might also experience pain and swelling in the testicles. Chlamydia can also affect other areas of the body, such as the rectum, leading to pain, discharge, or bleeding, or the throat, which may cause a sore throat.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
Seek medical attention if any unusual discharge, pain, bleeding, or discomfort in the genital or anal areas occurs. Even without symptoms, get tested if you have engaged in unprotected sex, have a new sexual partner, or if a partner has been diagnosed with chlamydia. Regular screening is recommended, especially for sexually active women under 25 and gay or bisexual men.
Early diagnosis and treatment prevent serious complications. Untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, causing chronic pelvic pain, infertility, or ectopic pregnancy. In men, untreated chlamydia can result in epididymitis, an infection of the tubes attached to the testicles, potentially impacting fertility.
Testing and Treatment
Chlamydia is typically diagnosed with laboratory tests, using a urine sample or a swab. For women, samples are often collected from the cervix or vagina; for men, a urine sample is commonly used. Swabs can also be taken from the anus or throat if those areas are infected. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are the most sensitive detection method.
Chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics. Common antibiotics include azithromycin (often a single dose) or doxycycline (typically twice daily for seven days). Complete the entire course of medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve or disappear.
During treatment, abstain from sexual activity to prevent reinfection and further spread. Partners should also be tested and treated simultaneously to break the transmission cycle. A retest may be recommended after treatment to confirm the infection cleared.