The bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most frequently reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) globally. This infection often presents without noticeable signs, which makes it challenging for a person to realize they have it and increases the risk of transmission. Up to 70% of women who contract Chlamydia remain completely asymptomatic, meaning no discharge or other physical changes are present. Seeking diagnosis is the only way to confirm the infection.
Identifying Chlamydia Discharge
When Chlamydia causes a visible change, the resulting vaginal discharge is typically a consequence of cervicitis. The discharge may differ from normal discharge in color, texture, and odor. It is often described as mucopurulent, meaning it contains mucus and pus, giving it a distinct appearance.
The color is often pale yellow, cloudy, or grayish, distinguishing it from the clear or milky white discharge common in a healthy cycle. Consistency can shift, often becoming thicker, milky, or more watery than usual. This change is subtle and easily missed.
A noticeable change in odor can accompany the discharge, sometimes described as foul-smelling or unpleasant. However, the presence of an unusual odor is not a reliable indicator, as some women experience no change in scent. Any persistent change in the usual characteristics of vaginal discharge warrants medical attention and testing.
Other Common Symptoms in Women
Beyond changes in vaginal discharge, Chlamydia can cause a range of other symptoms indicating infection of the reproductive and urinary tracts. One common sign is dysuria, which is burning or discomfort during urination. This symptom can be mistaken for a urinary tract infection (UTI), but here it results from the bacteria infecting the urethra.
Infection can also lead to dyspareunia, or pain during sexual intercourse. This often occurs due to inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis) or the spread of infection to the upper reproductive tract. Abnormal bleeding is another frequent indicator, presenting as spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods.
Some women report bleeding immediately after sexual activity (post-coital bleeding). If the infection has progressed, it can cause lower abdominal pain or pelvic discomfort, signaling spread into the uterus and fallopian tubes. These symptoms warrant professional medical evaluation.
Next Steps: Testing and Treatment
Because symptoms are often absent or nonspecific, the only way to confirm a Chlamydia infection is through laboratory testing. A healthcare provider typically performs a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), which detects the genetic material of the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium. This test usually involves a simple urine sample or a swab taken from the cervix or vagina.
Once confirmed, Chlamydia is readily curable with antibiotics, most commonly a single dose of azithromycin or a seven-day course of doxycycline. Patients must take all medication exactly as prescribed, even if symptoms disappear. Treatment failure or reinfection is possible if the regimen is not completed.
Patients should abstain from sexual activity for at least seven days following treatment, or until the antibiotic course is fully completed. Notification and testing of all recent sexual partners is necessary, as they require treatment to prevent reinfection and further spread. Retesting is recommended about three months after treatment to ensure the infection has cleared.