Chlamydia is often called a “silent” disease because about 75 percent of women and 50 percent of men infected have no symptoms, according to the National Women’s Health Information Center. If symptoms do occur, they usually appear within one to three weeks of exposure and may be mild.

Some signs and symptoms that may be present in women infected with chlamydia are:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
  
  
• Burning sensation during urination
  
  
• Lower abdominal or back pain
  
  
• Nausea
  
  
• Fever
  
  
• Pain during intercourse
  
  
• Bleeding between menstrual cycles
  
  
• Proctitis (inflammation of the rectum)
  

Some signs and symptoms that may be present in men infected with chlamydia include abnormal discharge from the penis and burning sensation during urination. Complications among men are rare, but if untreated, chlamydia can lead to swollen or tender testicles or urethritis (infection inside the penis that can cause pain and difficulty urinating).

Patients diagnosed with chlamydia should inform their current and past sexual partners immediately. Testing and treatment of partners reduces the risk of complications and further spreading of the infection to other individuals.