Chlamydia: Symptoms
Top Symptoms
1. Rectal irritation
Sometimes, Chlamydia can affect other areas of the body like the rectum. Infection in the rectum can lead to discharge from the region and discomfort while passing stools. This kind of infection is, however, very rare and occurs only in a small percentage of men and women.
2. Irritated eyes
In men and women, Chlamydia infection can sometimes lead to eye infection as well. Chlamydial infection in the eyes will be met with pain in the eyes, discharge from the eyes, swelling and irritation like an episode of conjunctivitis.
3. Pain in the testes
Testicular pain can be followed by swelling and inflammation of the testes which can even lead to infertility in men. Pain will be present while passing urine as well. This can be a burning pain as in the case of a urinary tract infection or a constant pain when the infection is in the advanced stage.
4. Discharge from the penis
In men, Chlamydia can cause discharge from the tip of the penile region which can be watery, cloudy or white. This discharge can be mild or severe and in some cases, can come and disappear even when the infection is present. If in any case you notice any kind of discharge from the tip of the penis without other accompanying symptoms, it is important to check for Chlamydia infection.
5. Fever
Again, fever may not surface in the initial stages of Chlamydia. Severe infections will have fever as a major symptom as the body is trying its best to fight off the infection without causing damage to the organs. Fever is most often followed by nausea during Chlamydia infection.
6. Nausea
Nausea may not be present in the initial stages of Chlamydia. However, if nausea occurs along with other symptoms mentioned above, it must not be ignored. Checking for Chlamydia in the early stage itself will help in treating the infection completely without causing damage to the reproductive organs.
7. Bleeding
Some women experience bleeding during sexual intercourse and also bleeding after sex. During menstruation, there could be heavy bleeding in the case of Chlamydia. Bleeding may also be present in between periods which can be mild or severe.
8. Painful intercourse
Pain during intercourse can be due to a variety of reasons. Chlamydia too can cause pain during intercourse due to the damage to the fallopian tubes. Sexual activity becomes a very painful process with the advancement of the infection.
9. Painful urination
Painful urination due to Chlamydia is the result of infection that has spread to the urethra. The symptoms of urethritis or infection of the urethra are similar to urinary tract infection. Pain and burning sensation during urination and frequent and urgent urination must therefore never be ignored.
10. Abdominal pain
Pain in the lower abdomen is another symptom that points to Chlamydia. The pain will be either concentrated in the lower abdominal area or can even radiate to the lower back depending on the severity of the infection.
11. Vaginal discharge
Though some amount of vaginal discharge is very normal in women, infections like Chlamydia can cause increased vaginal discharge which is immediately noticeable. Any increase in vaginal discharge whether it is slight or profuse increase must therefore be checked for Chlamydia infection.