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Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Many people have no symptoms at all, which is why regular, confidential testing matters. It is easily treated.
Causes & risk factors
- Unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
- Sex with a new or multiple partners without a condom
- A partner who has chlamydia
- Sharing sex toys without cleaning or covering them
- Passed to a baby during birth
Common symptoms
- Often no symptoms at all
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus
- Pelvic or lower tummy pain
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Pain or swelling in the testicles
Tests & diagnosis
- Urine test (for men, usually)
- Vaginal or genital swab
- Swab from the throat or rectum if relevant
- Testing for other STIs at the same time
Treatment & management
- A short course of antibiotics (a doctor prescribes the type)
- Avoiding sex until treatment is finished and cleared
- Testing and treating recent sexual partners
- A repeat test in some cases to confirm it has gone
- Using condoms to prevent reinfection
When to see a doctor urgently
- Any unusual discharge, pain passing urine or pelvic pain
- If a sexual partner tells you they have chlamydia
- For a check-up after unprotected sex, even with no symptoms
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about chlamydia. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have chlamydia without symptoms?
Yes — most people with chlamydia have no symptoms, so you can carry and pass it on without knowing. This is why regular testing is recommended if you are sexually active.
Is testing confidential?
Yes. Sexual health testing is confidential. Many clinics offer free, private testing and some allow home testing kits.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.