Chlamydia in women often causes no complaints. When something does show, it can be unusual discharge, bleeding between periods or pain low in your belly. Because the infection runs so quietly, it easily goes unnoticed, and only a test gives clarity.
With women in particular I think it helps to stay level-headed: no complaints does not mean nothing is going on, but it is also no reason to panic.
What are the symptoms of chlamydia in women?
Chlamydia in women often runs symptomless. Possible signs are a changed or unusual vaginal discharge, a burning feeling when you pee, bleeding between periods or after sex, and pain low in the belly. With anal or oral contact the infection can also sit in the anus or throat.
RIVM describes that a large share of chlamydia infections in women run without complaints. That makes the infection hard to recognise on feeling alone.
The table below lists the possible signs. It is a guide, not a diagnosis.
| Site | Possible complaints in women | Often tested with |
|---|---|---|
| Cervix or urethra | Unusual discharge, burning urination (often none) | Self-taken vaginal swab or urine |
| Uterus or fallopian tubes | Lower-belly pain, bleeding between periods, pain during sex | Assessment by a doctor |
| Anus | Usually no complaints, sometimes itching or discharge | Anal swab |
| Throat | Almost never any complaints | Throat swab |
If you are unsure whether your discharge is normal, read discharge: when does it point to an STI. Which check fits you is in STI test for women.
How do you get checked for chlamydia as a woman?
For chlamydia the lab usually uses a self-taken vaginal swab in women, sometimes urine. A vaginal swab is often a bit more sensitive than urine. You take the sample yourself with clear instructions, and it is examined with a sensitive PCR technique.
A test is usually reliable from around 2 weeks after a risk contact.
If you want to keep it discreet, you can do an anonymous chlamydia test with us. If you were exposed to more STIs, a test for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomonas can make more sense than separate tests.
What are the risks of chlamydia in women?
An untreated chlamydia infection can sometimes rise to the uterus and fallopian tubes in women. That can lead to inflammation in the abdomen (PID), which may affect fertility. An analysis of prospective studies (Price et al., American Journal of Epidemiology, 2013) estimated the risk of PID after a chlamydia infection; far from everyone gets this.
A review by Haggerty et al. (Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2010) mapped the possible risks in women, such as PID, an ectopic pregnancy and reduced fertility. Catching it early and treating it lowers that chance.
More on this is in chlamydia risks and infertility. If you are thinking about getting pregnant, also see STIs and trying to conceive.
What after a positive result?
Chlamydia is well treatable with antibiotics your GP prescribes. After a proper course the infection clears in most women. Wait with unprotected sex until you and your partner have finished the course, so you do not reinfect each other.
When a check afterwards can be useful is in chlamydia retest and follow-up. The broader overview is on our hub about chlamydia.
Frequently asked questions about chlamydia in women
Can I have chlamydia without symptoms? Yes, in women the infection often runs without complaints. So how you feel says little, and only a test gives clarity.
Can chlamydia affect my fertility? In a share of women an untreated infection can damage the fallopian tubes. Catching it early and treating it lowers that risk. More is in chlamydia risks and infertility.
Can I test during my period? Usually yes, but blood can make a sample a little less pleasant. If in doubt, wait a few days or ask your GP.
Will my partner notice my test? No. You test anonymously and without insurance, so you keep it fully in your own hands.
How long after sex is a test reliable? For chlamydia usually from around 2 weeks after the risk contact.
Every STI result we provide is assessed by a BIG-registered doctor. If you have symptoms or are unsure about your situation, discuss it with your GP or the GGD; this article is meant as explanation, not as medical advice.
Sources
- RIVM, Chlamydia
- Thuisarts.nl, I may have chlamydia
- Price MJ et al. Risk of pelvic inflammatory disease following Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Am J Epidemiol. 2013 (PMID 23813703).
- Haggerty CL et al. Risk of sequelae after Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection in women. J Infect Dis. 2010 (PMID 20470050).
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