Chlamydia

Medically reviewed by Matthew Wosnitzer, MD
Updated on February 03, 2023

Chlamydia is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI). Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, it is the most frequently reported bacterial STI in the United States, with roughly 1.7 million cases each year. Though most people with chlamydia never experience symptoms, it can lead to serious health problems later in life. Chlamydia can usually be treated with antibiotics.  

Understanding Chlamydia

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What Is Chlamydia?
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Signs and Symptoms of Chlamydia
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How Chlamydia Is Diagnosed

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is chlamydia curable?

    Yes. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection and usually clears up with a course of antibiotics. It is commonly treated with either Zithromax (azithromycin) or Vibramycin/Doryx (doxycycline).

    Learn More: How Is Chlamydia Treated?
  • What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

    Chlamydia is often called the silent infection because symptoms are not always present. The most common symptoms include discharge from the vagina or penis, painful urination, and red, swollen, itchy, or painful genitals.

    Learn More: Signs and Symptoms of Chlamydia
  • What does discharge from chlamydia look like?

    Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina is common with a chlamydia infection. The consistency of the discharge can range from thin to thick and clumpy. The discharge may be clear or opaque and may be of a white, yellow, or yellow-green color.

    Learn More: Signs and Symptoms of Chlamydia
  • How do you get chlamydia?

    Chlamydia is transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, it is spread through intimate contact with infected body fluids, including semen or vaginal mucus. Condoms are the most effective protection against this STD.

    Learn More: How to Prevent STDs
  • Can you get chlamydia from kissing?

    No, you cannot catch chlamydia from kissing. Chlamydia is spread through contact with infected body fluids, including semen, pre-ejaculatory fluid, and vaginal secretions. It is not transmitted through saliva.

    Learn More: Causes and Risk Factors of Chlamydia

Living With Chlamydia

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Home Remedies for Chlamydia: Why Antibiotics Are Best
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Chlamydia While Pregnant: Diagnosis, Treatment, Complications
Healthcare provider holding chlamydia test and paperwork.
How Long Does Chlamydia Last?

Key Terms

  • Ectopic Pregnancy

    An ectopic pregnancy is a nonviable pregnancy in which the fertilized egg has implanted outside the uterus. Sometimes called a tubal pregnancy, it commonly occurs in the fallopian tubes, but the egg may also implant on the cervix or elsewhere in the abdomen.

    What Is Ectopic Pregnancy?
  • Female Reproductive System

    The female reproductive system includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina, and labia. The purpose of these internal and external sex organs is to prepare for and maintain a normal pregnancy.

    The External and Internal Female Reproductive Organs
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

    Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the reproductive organs. Commonly caused by an untreated sexually transmitted disease, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. PID occurs when bacteria travels through the cervix to the uterus and fallopian tubes.

    An Overview of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
  • Sexually Transmitted Disease

    Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are diseases that are spread through sexual contact. STDs can be bacterial, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, or viral, as is the case with herpes, HIV, and HPV.

    Guide to Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Page Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted disease surveillance 2019.

  2. Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, et al. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021;70(4):1-187. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1

  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chlamydial Infections. Updated June 4, 2015.

Additional Reading