Early Signs: Understanding the Various Chlamydia Symptoms
Chlamydia is a prevalent Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) caused by a bacterium, Chlamydia Trachomatis.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), without treatment, it can cause health problems, such as infertility in women and high HIV risks.
Thus, learning about the early Chlamydia symptoms is crucial for a better understanding of the condition and taking prompt actions to prevent serious health problems.
Although Chlamydia is generally asymptomatic, it may sometimes show few common symptoms.
This article will help you understand various symptoms of Chlamydia in men and women for better health.
So, let’s learn in detail.
Symptoms of Chlamydia in men
In men, Chlamydia may show the following symptoms:
Burning or itching in the penis
Chlamydia can lead to the inflammation of the glans penis, the tip of the penis. It is commonly called Balanitis.
Though Balanitis is not an STD, it is a sign of Chlamydia in men.
Penile discharge
Men infected with Chlamydia may have penile discharge.
This discharge may appear mucus-like or clear with a watery consistency from the penis.
Further, urine may appear cloudy and unclear.
Conjunctivitis-like symptoms
When in contact with infected genital secretions, people may also notice pink eye or Conjunctivitis in some cases.
It may cause teary and painful eyes.
Sudden and frequent urination
Chlamydia can cause painful and frequent urination in people.
These symptoms may intertwine with UTI symptoms and thus need a proper diagnosis of the condition.
Pain during urination
Chlamydia may cause a burning sensation during urination.
It may be caused when urine comes in contact with the irritated muscles in the urethra that stimulate pain receptors and cause pain.
Chlamydia symptoms in women
Although 70% to 80% of women infected with Chlamydia are asymptomatic, some may notice a few symptoms.
The symptoms of Chlamydia in women can include the following:
Abnormal vaginal discharge with a distinct odor
According to NCBI, women infected with uncomplicated Chlamydia may have mucus-like vaginal fluid secretion.
It may vary in color, such as white, grey, or yellow.
The released vaginal fluid may be present with a distinct odor or odorless.
Vaginal bleeding in between periods
Chlamydia may lead to vaginal bleeding in women in between their menstrual cycles.
It may also cause rectal (the lower part of the large intestine) bleeding, discharge, and pain in some cases.
Irregular menstrual cycle
As per NCBI, Chlamydia infection is significantly correlated with irregular menstruation in infertile women.
Further, it can also be associated with the history of previous abortions and hormonal and ovarian factors.
Some other Chlamydia symptoms in women may include the symptoms:
- Painful sexual experience
- Lower abdominal pain
- Painful urination
- Fever
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Cloudy urine
- Itching in the genitals
- Swollen and painful glands at the vaginal opening
How long does it take Chlamydia symptoms to show
Chlamydia symptoms may take one to three weeks to show, but it may also take longer in some people.
The occurrence of symptoms can vary from person to person.
However, in some people, Chlamydia may be asymptomatic, which means people will not show any symptoms after getting an infection.
Therefore, it is recommended to seek medical treatment on suspecting any Chlamydia symptoms to avoid severe complications.
Conclusion
Chlamydia is a common STI and is generally asymptomatic. However, it may sometimes show few common symptoms.
In men, Chlamydia symptoms may include burning or itching in the penis and discharge of watery fluid from the penis.
It may also lead to frequent and painful urination and Conjunctivitis-like symptoms in some men.
In women, Chlamydia symptoms may appear as abnormal vaginal discharge with a distinct odor.
Women may also notice vaginal bleeding in between periods and irregular menstrual cycles.
They may also face painful sexual experiences, lower abdominal pain, painful urination, fatigue, and swollen genital area as symptoms of Chlamydia.
The symptoms may appear within one to three weeks in some people or may take more time in others.
Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare practitioner and seek medical attention and treatment for faster recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if you have Chlamydia?
Generally, Chlamydia may be asymptomatic in many cases. However, it may show some common symptoms in men and women, such as itching, pain, discharge from the genitals, and painful urination. You can consult a healthcare practitioner to seek medical treatment for faster recovery.
What are the five symptoms of Chlamydia?
The five common symptoms of Chlamydia are burning and itching in the genitals and discharge from them. People with infection may also notice painful urination, the distinct odor of genital secretion, and fatigue. Women may also get vaginal bleeding in between periods and irregular menstruation.
How do you know you have Chlamydia?
You can detect Chlamydia by noticing some common symptoms. If you notice itching and burning in the genitals or unusual watery discharge of distinct color and odor, you may have Chlamydia. Also, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, and cloudy urine are symptoms of Chlamydia.
What are Chlamydia symptoms in women?
In women, Chlamydia symptoms may include painful sexual experience, lower abdominal pain, itching, and pain in the vagina. Women can also have fever, fatigue, discharge from the genitals, and bleeding in between periods. Chlamydia may also cause irregular menstruation in some women.
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