Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused by an infection of the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. In the United States, nearly 4 million people are infected with chlamydia each year, making it one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, according to the Mayo Clinic. Chlamydia infection is referred to as a "silent" disease, because it often causes no symptoms. If symptoms do appear, the onset is usually within one to three weeks of infection.
Burning Sensation
Chlamydia often infects the urethra. As a result, if symptoms do occur, one of the most common symptoms of chlamydia infection is a burning sensation during urination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, chlamydia infection may cause unusual vaginal discharge in women, or unusual penile discharge in men. Men may also experience an itching or burning or sensation around the opening of the penis, as well as an increased frequency of urination.
Pain
If the chlamydia infection spreads farther up the reproductive or urinary tract, symptoms of pain in the abdomen or lower back may result. Women may also experience pain during sexual intercourse, according to Medline Plus. In rare cases, men with chlamydia man suffer from pain or tenderness in the testicles.
Bleeding
Women with a chlamydia infection may experience spot bleeding from the vagina between normal menstrual periods, WomensHealth.gov says. If a person becomes infected with chlamydia while engaging in anal sex, the rectum may become infected. This may cause rectal bleeding, unusual discharge or pain.
Fever and Nausea
In some cases of chlamydia infection, systematic symptoms may occur. Fever and nausea are two general symptoms that may result from the bacterial infection, according to the University of California-San Diego Student Health Services.
Complications
Left untreated, chlamydia infection may cause severe reproductive consequences in women. These reproduce complications may also occur with few or no symptoms. In 10 to 15 percent of untreated women, chlamydia spreads to the uterus, causing pelvic inflammatory disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent says. The bacteria may also spread to the fallopian tubes. These upper genital tract infections can cause permanent damage to the reproductive tissues, possibly resulting in infertility. In men, complications from chlamydia are generally rare, although the infection may spread to the epididymis and possibly result in infertility.
