If present, symptoms may appear in a week to a month after infection. Seventy-five percent of persons with chlamydia may show no symptoms. Men are more likely than women to show signs of infection. Women can carry the bacteria for months or even years without knowing it. This makes screening very important.
Infected persons can also transfer the infection to their eyes.
When treated early, there are no long term consequences of chlamydia. Serious complications can result however when left untreated. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease - an ascending infection that spreads from the vagina and cervix to the uterus and fallopian tubes. PID can lead to sterility. Sterility Chlamydia is very dangerous when passed to infants.