Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis, which can damage a woman’s reproductive organs.   Many people experience no signs and symptoms. The disease isn't difficult to treat once you know you have it. If it's left untreated, however, chlamydia can lead to more serious health problems.

An estimated one in two sexually active women will have had chlamydia by the time they're 30 years old.

The disease affects both men and women and occurs in all age groups, though it's most prevalent among teenagers. Seventy-five percent of chlamydia infections occur in people under 25.

Signs and symptoms

Chlamydia is difficult to detect because early-stage infections often cause few or no signs and symptoms that might alert you to see your doctor. Up to 75 percent of women and between 25 percent and 50 percent of men don't have any signs and symptoms. When signs or symptoms do occur, they usually start one to three weeks after you've been exposed to chlamydia. Even when signs and symptoms do occur, they're often mild and transient, making them easy to overlook.

Signs and symptoms of chlamydia infection may include:

• Painful urination

• Lower abdominal pain

• Vaginal discharge in women

• Discharge from the penis in men

• Painful sexual intercourse in women

• Testicular pain in men 

• Abdominal pain

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