Chlamydia | Division of Public Health

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and North Carolina.

It is easily curable. But if left untreated, it can cause serious health issues, including damage to the reproductive system. For women, or those assigned female at birth, it can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms may vary. Some people do not experience any symptoms. Symptoms may appear weeks after being exposed.

Symptoms may include:

Abnormal vaginal discharge
A burning sensation when peeing
Penile discharge
Testicular pain and swelling
Rectal pain
Rectal discharge
Rectal bleeding

How it Spreads

Chlamydia can be spread through sex with a person with the infection. You can get chlamydia through condomless vaginal, anal or oral sex.

A pregnant person with chlamydia can pass the infection to their baby during childbirth.

People at Higher Risk

Sex without condoms increases the risk of getting chlamydia. Talk to your partner about their sexual health.

Babies of an infected birthing parent have a higher risk of getting the infection at birth.

How to Prevent Chlamydia

If you are sexually active, it’s important to talk to your partner(s) about their sexual health status.

Ways to lower your chances of getting chlamydia include:

Using condoms during sexual contact
Limiting your number of sexual partners
Getting tested for STIs with your partner(s)
Taking Doxycycline (Doxy PEP) after having unprotected sex – discuss with your doctor if it is a good choice for you

The most certain way to prevent getting chlamydia is to not have vaginal, anal or oral sex.

Treatment and Recovery

Chlamydia is very treatable. It is important to see a health care provider to get treatment.

You must take all your prescribed medication to cure the infection. You should not have sex until your treatment is complete.

If you don’t get proper treatment, other health problems can develop. Untreated chlamydia may include reproductive challenges and testicular issues.

If Left Untreated

If left untreated, chlamydia can cause serious and permanent health problems. Including:

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can cause:
- Scarring around the fallopian tubes
- Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb)
- Long-term pelvic/abdominal pain
Pain in the tubes next to testicles
The infection can spread to the blood and joints
Increased chance of getting HIV
Infertility (inability to get pregnant or get someone pregnant)