Chlamydia is a bacterial infection and a sexually transmitted disease. Although it is easily treatable, it is a very common disease due to the fact that a large portion of both men and women display no symptoms whatsoever but can still pass on the disease.

The symptoms present differently in men than in women. The portion of infected people who do display symptoms can expect the following:

1. Symptoms For Women

The most common symptoms for women include:

– Vaginal itching or burning both inside and in the areas surrounding the vagina.
– A discharge that has a mild or severe sweet or foul scent.
– Excessive period pain.
– Spotting or bleeding when not menstruating.
– Abdominal pain associated with a mild fever.
– Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse.
– Pain while urinating.

These symptoms may not all be present at one time in women and could be more severe in one individual than another.

2. Symptoms For Men

Chlamydia symptoms in men may include:

– A discharge that is clear or slightly cloudy from the tip of the penis.
– Itching or burning in and around the top of the penis, especially surrounding the opening.
– Painful swelling of the testes or testicles.
– Pain while urinating.

Pain while urinating can be far more severe for male Chlamydia patients than females. Some men describe it as urinating fire. Men also present with symptoms far more often than women.

Some or all of these symptoms may be present due to a Chlamydia infection. However, these symptoms may also be the result of other types of sexually transmitted diseases. If you display any of the above mentioned signs, it is important to get tested for Chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases as soon as possible. Leaving the disease untreated can result in complications or cause other diseases.

Other diseases resulting from Chlamydia include:

– Trachoma which is an eye infection caused by bacteria and results in small granular bumps presenting inside the eyelids.
– Psittacosis is a bacterial respiratory tract infection and can be transmitted by birds to humans as well as result from a Chlamydia infection.
– Non-specific urethritis causes inflammation of the urethra which is the reason for pain during urination.

You can seek a diagnosis for the symptoms of Chlamydia as well as the resulting diseases from your local doctor or a general practitioner. Alternatively, you can go to a clinic to be tested for Chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases. Your doctor or nurse will swab the cervix or penis or take a urine sample for analysis at a laboratory. You should receive the results within a few days of testing.

As Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, it can successfully be treated with one course of antibiotics. It is important for all sexual partners to be treated as well to prevent reinfection as well as the spread of the disease. It is essential to complete the entire course of antibiotics even if the symptoms disappear before the medication is depleted for treatment to be entirely successful.