Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a type of bacteria. It infects the cervix in women and the urethra in men, and uninfected mucous membranes coming into contact with infected semen or infected mucous membranes could become infected. Chlamydia is transmitted by having unprotected vaginal and anal sex. Many infected people do not experience symptoms at all.
Symptoms usually occur one to three weeks following infection.
Your health clinician can provide you with testing to see if you are infected. Untreated chlamydia can lead to sterility and other complications in men and women. Women are more likely to be asymptomatic. Visits to a gynecologist usually include screening for chlamydia, so it's important for women to have check-ups. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible for editing and fact-checking their material.