Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the most common bacterial STI.

Chlamydia is transmitted during unprotected vaginal, anal and/or oral sex with an infected partner. You can transmit chlamydia without even knowing you are infected.

Most people do not experience any symptoms of chlamydia. If symptoms do occur, they usually appear two to six weeks after exposure.

• A change or increase in discharge from the vagina
• Burning with urination
• Lower abdominal pain
• Pain and/or bleeding during intercourse
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Rectal pain and/or discharge
• Watery and/or milky discharge from the penis
• Burning and/or itching around the tip and/or inside of the penis
• Pain and/or swelling in the testes

• A swab may be taken from the cervix, urethra, throat and/or rectum.
• A urine test may also be done.
• Testing is the only way you will know if you have chlamydia.

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – an infection in the fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries
• Infertility (unable to get pregnant)
• Ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) Babies born to people who are infected with chlamydia could have severe eye infections or infant pneumonia
• Infection of the testes