The sexually transmitted disease chlamydia is a common infection among both men and women. It can cause permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system, making it difficult or impossible to get pregnant later. Chlamydia is also associated with ectopic pregnancy, a potentially fatal condition in which pregnancy occurs outside the womb.
The majority of people infected with chlamydia never notice symptoms. When women do have symptoms, they may include:
White, yellow or gray discharge from your vagina that may be smelly.
Pus in your urine (pyuria).
Increased need to pee.
Pain or a burning sensation when you pee.
Bleeding in between periods.
Painful periods.
Painful intercourse.
Itching or burning in and around your vagina.
Dull pain in the lower part of your abdomen.
To diagnose you, your doctor may perform a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), which involves taking a sample of vaginal or cervical fluid or by collecting a urine sample. The sample is then tested for the bacteria that causes chlamydia.
Because chlamydia can pass from person to person undetected, national guidelines recommend yearly screening for those in high-risk groups, including women under 25.
Antibiotics can clear up chlamydia in about a week or two. Do not wait until the body clears up chlamydia on its own, as the bacteria can do lasting harm to a woman’s reproductive system if left untreated.