When Do Chlamydia Symptoms Show Up?

"Is it possible to have Chlamydia for a long time and then suddenly show symptoms?"

Yes. While most people who have chlamydia don’t know it, symptoms can show up 1-3 weeks after infection. For women, symptoms can include pain and itching of the vulva, vaginal discharge, bleeding, and pain during sex or urination. Men can experience penile discharge or pain or burning with urination.  Chlamydia is common and 5-10% of sexually active teens and young adults age less than 25 years have it.  Fortunately, it is easy to test for and easy to cure.

Of course, the only way you can figure out if you do have Chlamydia is to get tested. For more information on STD testing, visit City Clinic or STDTest.org or HIVTest.org. .

To your health,
Dr. K

(Photo: Getty Images)

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Dr. K is Jeffrey D. Klausner, MD, MPH, a board-certified internist and infectious disease specialist. Currently, he is a deputy health officer and director of the STD Prevention and Control Services Section at the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.

Comments

[Clay]

"Fortunately, it is easy to test for and easy to cure." is not an entirely true statement. In Hawaii there has recently appeared a strain of Chlamydia this is resistent to the traditionally used anitbiotics including Azitramax and it has also appeared in Southern California. Chlamydia can be contracted pretty easily too compared to other STDs as HIV. I doubt lots of guys are giving BJ's on condomed cocks, be aware when you dare.

[oldkingtroll]

Chlamydia may be common enough, but this response was really not very helpful in terms of figuring out if you have it. For more information, Google "chlamydia male." The text and web sites will give you TMI; and the images will help you see the external symptoms -- the most common of which is a discharge from the infected site.