Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. It is one of the most frequently reported infectious diseases, but it often presents without noticeable symptoms, meaning many individuals may have the infection without realizing it. This asymptomatic nature can lead to its spread and, if left untreated, serious health complications.
Understanding Chlamydia’s Appearance
Chlamydia does not typically cause distinct “bumps” on the skin. While rare, some individuals might develop small, raised bumps around the anus, throat, genitals, or inner thighs. These bumps, which can be yellow-white, red, or skin-colored, are uncommon and not a typical visual sign of the infection. They might also be accompanied by itching or pain.
In most cases, chlamydia infections do not produce visible signs on the genital skin. Any visual changes are generally subtle and non-specific, such as mild redness or inflammation. These subtle signs are not reliable indicators for diagnosis and are often absent. Therefore, visual inspection is not an accurate method for detection.
Other Symptoms of Chlamydia
Even when chlamydia causes symptoms, they are frequently mild or can be mistaken for other conditions. In women, these may include unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods or after sex, painful urination, and lower abdominal pain.
For men, common symptoms might involve a white, cloudy, or watery discharge from the penis and a burning sensation during urination. Pain and swelling in one or both testicles can also occur, though this is less common. These symptoms typically appear one to three weeks after exposure, but they can take several months to develop or may never appear.
Chlamydia can also infect other body areas through sexual contact, such as the rectum, throat, and eyes. Rectal infections may cause pain, bleeding, or discharge from the anus. Throat infections can lead to a sore throat, cough, or fever, though they are often asymptomatic. Eye infections (chlamydial conjunctivitis) can result in redness, pain, and discharge, sometimes accompanied by light sensitivity.
Limitations of Self-Diagnosis
Attempting to self-diagnose chlamydia based on symptoms alone is unreliable and not recommended. A significant percentage of people with chlamydia, including an estimated 70% to 80% of women and up to 50% of men, experience no symptoms, making it a “silent infection.” Even when symptoms are present, they are often non-specific and can be easily confused with other conditions, such as urinary tract infections or yeast infections.
The absence of symptoms means individuals can unknowingly transmit the infection to others. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health complications. For instance, untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. In men, it can result in epididymitis, an inflammation of the tubes near the testicles, potentially leading to pain and, rarely, infertility.
Getting Tested and Treated
The only way to definitively diagnose chlamydia is through medical testing. Healthcare providers typically collect a sample for testing, such as a urine sample or a swab from the cervix, vagina, throat, or anus, depending on the site of potential infection. These samples are then sent to a laboratory for analysis, often using highly sensitive nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs).
Once diagnosed, chlamydia is highly treatable and curable with antibiotics. Treatment may involve a single dose of medication or a course of antibiotics taken over several days. It is important to complete the entire course of medication, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully cleared. Individuals should avoid sexual activity until treatment is finished and any partners from the last 60 days also get tested and treated to prevent reinfection and further spread.