What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is an infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is one of the most commonly reported bacterial sexually transmitted infections in the United States, and the majority of people who have it notice nothing.
Diagnik Health Library · Updated
Why silence is the problem
Because chlamydia usually causes no symptoms, it is often passed on unknowingly and only found through screening. That is why guidelines recommend routine screening for sexually active young women and other groups rather than symptom-triggered testing.
What untreated chlamydia can cause
- Pelvic inflammatory disease, which can damage the reproductive tract.
- Chronic pelvic pain.
- Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and tubal-factor infertility.
- Epididymitis in people with a penis.
Treatment is simple
Chlamydia is cured with a short course of antibiotics prescribed by a clinician. Recent partners should be tested and treated so the infection is not passed back.
Tests mentioned in this guide
Frequently asked questions
- Is chlamydia serious?
- The infection is easily cured, but untreated chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility problems — which is what makes early detection worthwhile.
- Can chlamydia go away on its own?
- You should not count on it. Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics; untreated infection can persist and cause complications.
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Educational information only, not a medical diagnosis or treatment advice. Screening results always need confirmation by a clinician.
This guide is general health information about screening tests. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace care from a clinician. See our medical disclaimer.