Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. While many individuals with chlamydia experience no symptoms, discharge can be an indication of the infection. Recognizing changes in discharge is one way to identify a potential infection, though it is not a definitive diagnostic tool.
Characteristics of Chlamydia Discharge
Chlamydia-related discharge can vary significantly among individuals and may sometimes be absent entirely.
For those with vaginas, discharge caused by chlamydia, often linked to cervicitis (inflammation of the uterine cervix), can appear milky or white. It may also be yellowish or thick and cloudy, potentially accompanied by a strong or foul smell. A noticeable increase in the amount of discharge or a change in its consistency, color, or odor could signal an infection.
For individuals with penises, discharge from the tip of the penis can be a symptom of chlamydia. This discharge is typically white, cloudy, or watery. It can also appear clear, thin, or even yellowish and pus-like. Sometimes, the discharge might only be noticeable when squeezed from the urethra.
The appearance of chlamydia discharge is not always consistent and can be subtle. The discharge may be mistaken for other conditions like bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection in individuals with vaginas.
Other Common Chlamydia Symptoms
Beyond discharge, chlamydia can manifest with a range of other symptoms, though many infections remain asymptomatic.
For individuals with vaginas, additional signs can include painful urination and an increased need to urinate. Abnormal vaginal bleeding, occurring between periods or after sexual intercourse, along with lower abdominal pain and discomfort during sex, are also possible indicators. Itching or burning in and around the vagina may also be present.
For individuals with penises, other symptoms often include painful urination. Pain or swelling in one or both testicles can also occur. The affected area might feel enlarged, tender, warm to the touch, or full.
Chlamydia can also infect other areas of the body through sexual contact. Rectal infections, which can result from anal sex or spread from a genital infection, may cause rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding. Throat infections, acquired through oral sex, are frequently asymptomatic, but some individuals might experience a sore throat. Eye infections (conjunctivitis) can also occur if infected fluids enter the eyes, leading to redness, pain, and discharge.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Relying on self-diagnosis based on discharge or other signs is insufficient. Only a healthcare professional can accurately diagnose chlamydia through specific laboratory tests. These tests typically involve collecting a urine sample or a swab from the potentially infected area, such as the cervix, vagina, urethra, throat, or anus.
Seek medical attention if any symptoms consistent with chlamydia are present, or if there has been a potential exposure to the infection. Regular STI screening is also recommended for sexually active individuals, particularly for women under 25 and gay or bisexual men, even in the absence of symptoms. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent potential complications.