Symptoms of urethritis can include a discharge from the penis, burning pain while urinating, or irritation in the urethra. Anal infections can occur in homosexually active men and usually do not cause symptoms. Pain with a bowel movement, pus or blood in the stool might indicate an anal Chlamydial infection. In women, early Chlamydia infections usually do not cause any symptoms. Women who do have symptoms may notice an increased vaginal discharge, an irritation of the area around the vagina, or burning pain with urination.
Anal infections can also develop in women who have had receptive anal intercourse.
To diagnose Chlamydia, a special test must be done by a health professional. This procedure involves swabbing the area where a person could be infected, such as the penis or cervix, and sending the specimen to a laboratory. Results of a Chlamydia test are usually available after several days. Chlamydia infections are easily treated with an antibiotic medication. Your clinician will advise you about the best drug to use for your particular infection.