Chlamydia in women often has no symptoms at all, but when they do appear, they can be mild and easy to miss.

Key chlamydia symptoms in women

Common symptoms (if they appear at all) include:

  • Vaginal discharge that is unusual for you in amount, color, or smell.
  • Burning or pain when you pee.
  • Bleeding between periods or after sex.
  • Pain during sex (especially deep pelvic pain).
  • Lower tummy or pelvic pain, sometimes with low back pain.
  • Fever and nausea when the infection is more severe or has spread to the uterus/fallopian tubes.

Other possible sites and symptoms:

  • Rectum: pain, bleeding, or discharge if infected via anal sex.
  • Throat: sore throat if infected via oral sex (often mild or absent).
  • Eyes: redness, pain, discharge (chlamydial conjunctivitis) if infected by contact with genital fluids.

Silent infections and why that matters

  • Around three‑quarters of women with chlamydia may have no noticeable symptoms, which is why it is often called a “silent” infection.
  • Because it can quietly ascend from the cervix to the uterus and fallopian tubes, untreated chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain, and increase the risk of infertility or ectopic pregnancy over time.

When to get tested or seek help

You should get tested for chlamydia (and other STIs) if any of the following apply:

  • You have a new sexual partner or more than one partner.
  • You’ve had unprotected sex (no condom or barrier).
  • You notice any of the symptoms above, even if they are mild.
  • A current or past partner tells you they have chlamydia or another STI.

Testing is usually a simple vaginal swab or urine test and is quick and confidential in most clinics. Chlamydia is usually treatable with antibiotics, but both you and any partners need treatment to avoid passing it back and forth.

Important safety note

If you have strong lower abdominal pain, fever, pain during sex, or heavy bleeding, you should seek urgent in‑person medical care, as these can be signs the infection has spread and become more serious.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.