Healthier Scotland. Scottish Government

Chlamydia symptoms and how it's caught

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Most people with chlamydia don’t experience any symptoms, so it is important to get tested if you think you are infected. You can be at risk even if you have had unprotected sex only once.

If symptoms are present, these usually include discharge from the penis or vagina, and pain or a burning sensation when peeing.

Women may also experience pain during sex, or bleeding in between periods. Men may notice some discomfort and swelling of the testicles.

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When will chlamydia symptoms show up?

Symptoms of chlamydia can occur at any time in a regular sexual relationship, but they are more likely to show up between one and six weeks after having unprotected sex with someone who has chlamydia.

Sometimes the infection is discovered when one partner develops symptoms, but more often it is diagnosed when someone goes for a check-up.

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What are the health effects of chlamydia?

If untreated, chlamydia infection can lead to other more serious problems - even if you are unaware of any symptoms at first.

In women, chlamydia may lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or fertility problems (difficulty in becoming pregnant).

If men are not treated, the infection may spread to the testicles and cause discomfort. These problems are rare, but the risk increases every time you get chlamydia.

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How is chlamydia caught?

You can catch chlamydia by having unprotected sex, or sharing sex toys.

Chlamydia can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. When this happens, the baby may develop eye or chest infections.

Any sexually active person can catch chlamydia, although it is most common in women between the ages of 15 and 19, and men under the age of 25.

You or your partner could have picked up the infection from a previous partner without even knowing it. The more sexual partners you have, the more chance you have of being infected.

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Avoiding a chlamydia infection

The best way to prevent all sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia is to practise safer sex.

This means using a condom for vaginal, oral or anal sex.

Read more about better, safer sex

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