Sexually transmitted infection (Chlamydia)

Definition
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It's a bacterial infection, which is found in semen and vaginal fluids.

Causes
Chlamydia is usually passed from one person to another during vaginal, oral or anal sex, or by sharing sex toys. It can live inside cells of the cervix, urethra, and rectum and sometimes in the throat and eyes.

Chlamydia can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby.
Chlamydia is often referred to as the 'silent infection', as most men and women don't have any obvious signs or symptoms, or they're so mild they're not noticed.
Symptoms can appear one to three weeks after you've come into contact with Chlamydia, or many months later, or not until the infection spreads to other parts of your body.

Symptoms in women
• Unusual vaginal discharge.
• Bleeding between periods or during or after sex.
• Pain with sex or when passing urine.
• Lower abdominal pain.

Symptoms in men
• White/cloudy, watery discharge from the tip of the penis.
• Pain when passing urine or painful testicles.
If the infection is in the eye or rectum, you may experience discomfort, pain or discharge. Chlamydia in the throat is uncommon and usually has no symptoms.

If you think you might have Chlamydia, it's important to be tested quickly.