75% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia have no symptoms. For people who do develop symptoms, these may show up 1-3 weeks after contact with chlamydia, many months later or not until the infection spreads.

MEN

• A discharge from the tip of the penis
• Pain or burning when peeing
• Irritation at the tip of the penis

• Painful swelling of the balls (testicles)

WOMEN

• A vaginal discharge that is different to usual
• The need to pee more often
• Pain on peeing or during sex
• Pain in the tummy or lower abdomen
• Any irregular bleeding between periods or after sex

Please note: if you have any of the above symptoms please contact your nearest Sexual Health/GUM Clinic

What are the long term health problems?

• Pelvic infection sometimes called PID. You may experience severe tummy pains and occasionally some girls have to be admitted to hospital for investigations. This can damage the tubes and prevent you from becoming pregnant.
• Ectopic pregnancy or a pregnancy outside the womb. This is a very serious health emergency and can happen when the tubes become scarred from having an infection such as Chlamydia.
• Chlamydia can lead to a painful infection in the testicles called epididymitis, and possibly reduced fertility. It is thought that in some men it might cause the prostate (a small gland at the base of the bladder) to become inflammed.
• Inflammation or swelling of the joints can occur. This is sometimes accompanied by inflammation of the eye and the urethra (the tube that you pee from). This is known as Reiter's Syndrome, occurs more in men than women, and can require admission to hospital.
• If you have Chlamydia and become pregnant you can pass it on to your baby during the time of the birth. The baby may have a discharge from the eye (conjunctivitis) or occasionally pneumonia.