Chlamydia: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment in Singapore

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can affect both men and women and is one of the most reported STIs worldwide. Many people with chlamydia have no symptoms, which is why regular STI screening is important if you are sexually active. Untreated chlamydia can lead to serious health complications, particularly affecting reproductive health.

Many people with chlamydia have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, women may notice abnormal vaginal discharge, burning during urination, pain during intercourse, bleeding between periods, or lower abdominal pain. Men may experience penile discharge, burning during urination, testicular pain or swelling, or pain during ejaculation. Anyone can have rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding if rectal infection is present, and conjunctivitis if the infection reaches the eyes.

If symptoms appear, they typically develop within 1 to 3 weeks after exposure, though some people may not notice symptoms for several months. Many people remain asymptomatic throughout the infection. Because of this delay and frequent absence of symptoms, regular STI testing is recommended after potential exposure or with a new sexual partner, even if you feel well.

Chlamydia is transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex with an infected person. The bacterium can be passed even when the infected person has no symptoms. It can also be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth, which may cause eye infections or pneumonia in the newborn. Chlamydia is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, sharing utensils, or using the same toilet.

Yes. Chlamydia is curable with appropriate antibiotic treatment prescribed by a doctor. Most cases resolve fully when the prescribed course is completed. However, having had chlamydia does not protect you from getting it again. Reinfection is possible if you are exposed to it through an untreated partner or new exposure. Sexual partners should also be tested and treated to prevent reinfection.

Chlamydia is treated with prescription antibiotics. Your doctor will choose the appropriate antibiotic and dosing schedule based on your situation, pregnancy status, allergies, symptoms, and current clinical guidance. Complete the full course even if symptoms improve. Avoid sexual activity until treatment is completed as advised and until recent partners have been treated. Sexual partners from the past 60 days should also be tested and treated. Retesting after treatment may be recommended.

Untreated chlamydia may cause serious complications. In women, it may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), damage to the fallopian tubes, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. In men, it may cause epididymitis (testicular inflammation, occasionally leading to infertility) and prostatitis. In both sexes, it may cause reactive arthritis (Reiter's syndrome) and increase the risk of contracting HIV and other STIs.

Chlamydia risk can be reduced by using condoms consistently during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, having regular STI screenings (especially if under 25 or with new or multiple partners), maintaining a mutually monogamous relationship with a tested uninfected partner, and ensuring sex toys are cleaned or covered with a fresh condom between partners. Open conversations with partners about STI status also support prevention.

Yes. Reinfection is possible if you are re-exposed to the bacterium. This may happen if a sexual partner has not been tested and treated, or if you have new exposure after recovery. Chlamydia infection does not produce lasting immunity. To reduce reinfection risk, ensure your partners are tested and treated, complete your own treatment course, and consider follow-up testing around 3 months after treatment as recommended.

You can get tested at Mediway through our STD testing service. Testing may involve a urine sample or swab, depending on symptoms and possible exposure. The doctor will recommend the appropriate test and discuss treatment if needed. Learn more on our STD testing in Singapore page, or speak to our team to arrange a confidential consultation.