5 Possible Long-Term Effects if Chlamydia Goes Untreated

Chlamydia trachomatis, also known simply as chlamydia, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a type of bacteria.[1]

It is one of the most common STIs, with close to 1.5 million cases reported every year. Chlamydia is commonly transmitted through unprotected sex, as the bacteria can spread through sexual fluids, including:

• Semen
• Pre-cum
• Vaginal fluids

Chlamydia can infect multiple parts of the body, including the:

• Penis
• Urethra
• Vagina
• Cervix
• Anus
• Throat

A significant challenge with chlamydia is that it often presents no noticeable symptoms in its early stages.[1] Even when symptoms do appear, they may be so mild that they are easy to ignore or mistake for other common conditions.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Chlamydia include:

• Painful urination
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Testicular pain
• Bleeding between periods
• Painful sexual intercourse

Long-Term Issues of Untreated Chlamydia

In the absence of regular chlamydia testing, the lack of noticeable symptoms can make a long-term, untreated chlamydia infection more likely. Unfortunately, this can lead to some long-term health problems. While these issues can affect all sexes, they are often more common among women.

Check For Chlamydia At Home!

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (or PID) is an infection that affects the female reproductive organs.[2] It can occur when certain bacteria, like the bacterium that causes chlamydia, spreads into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Much like chlamydia itself, the initial symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease are often mild and hard to recognize until they reach more advanced stages.

Symptoms can include:[2]

• Mild to severe pain in the pelvis and lower abdomen
• Heavy, abnormal discharge that may have a foul odor
• Abnormal bleeding, particularly during or after intercourse, outside of regular menstrual periods
• Painful, frequent, or difficult urination
• A fever

The pain can become chronic, and excessive damage to the ovaries and fallopian tubes because of PID can contribute to infertility.

Epididymitis

While long-term problems in men are rare, some men with untreated chlamydia may develop epididymitis.[3] This refers to inflammation in the epididymis, a coiled tube at the back of the testicles that is responsible for storing and carrying sperm. This inflammation can sometimes spread to a testicle, resulting in epididymo-orchitis.

Symptoms for epididymitis include:[3]

• Swelling and redness in the scrotum
• Pain or tenderness in the testicles, usually only on one side
• Abnormal discharge
• Blood in the semen
• Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen
• Painful, urgent, frequent urination

Reactive Arthritis

Rarely, chlamydia may cause reactive arthritis.[1] Similar to other forms of arthritis, this condition causes inflammation in the joints, particularly in your knees, ankles, and feet.[4] The inflammation can potentially extend to your eyes, urethra, and skin.

Along with pain and stiffness in the joints, reactive arthritis may result in:[4]

• Mouth sores, rashes on your palms and soles of your feet, and other skin issues
• Lower back pain that is frequently worse at night
• Urinary problems
• Swollen fingers and toes

Ectopic Pregnancy

Untreated chlamydia can also lead to an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, a pregnancy wherein the fertilized egg ends up implanted outside of the uterus.[1] The pregnancy cannot proceed as normal, and without treatment, an ectopic pregnancy can be fatal if medical attention is not received immediately. Experiencing an ectopic pregnancy is thus a medical emergency.

Increased Risk of Fertility Issues

Chlamydia can eventually cause excessive damage and scarring to the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or testicles, all of which can contribute to a higher risk of infertility.[1]

Testing for Chlamydia

Diagnosing chlamydia is the first step to getting proper treatment. With the Everlywell Chlamydia & Gonorrhea Test, you can accurately determine if you have chlamydia or gonorrhea in the comfort of your own home.

If the test shows positive results, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with our independent physician network and may receive treatment.

Everlywell also offers a more comprehensive at-home STD test that lets you check for 6 common sexually transmitted infections.

You can also opt for sexual health testing year-round through the Everlywell+ STI testing membership, giving you easy access to a wide variety of STI test options.