What’s the difference?
Gonorrhea is a urethral infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae — likely the most widely recognized sexually transmitted infection (STI). Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), commonly known as chlamydia, causes similar urethral inflammation and is also an STI, but is caused by different bacteria — most commonly Chlamydia trachomatis, though other organisms such as Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas vaginalis, or herpes simplex virus can also be responsible.
How is chlamydia transmitted?
Chlamydia spreads through vaginal fluid and semen during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. A pregnant woman with chlamydia can also pass the infection to her baby during delivery.
Chlamydia symptoms in women
Chlamydia in women often resembles cervicitis or a urinary tract infection, and may include:
- Yellow or grey vaginal discharge, sometimes with an unpleasant odour
- Pus in the urine
- Frequent urination
- Burning or painful urination
- Spotting between periods
- Painful periods
- Pain during or after sex
- Itching or burning in or around the vagina
- Dull or sharp lower abdominal pain
Chlamydia symptoms in men
In men, chlamydia typically infects the urethra and causes symptoms similar to urethritis:
- Clear or mucous discharge from the penis
- Pain or burning during urination
- Lower abdominal pain
- Testicular pain
Other sites of infection
Depending on sexual activity, chlamydia can also infect the rectum, throat, and eyes:
- Rectal infection — usually mild, but may cause rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding
- Throat infection — typically asymptomatic or causes mild throat irritation
- Eye infection (conjunctivitis) — causes redness and irritation
How early symptoms can be missed
Chlamydia often produces no symptoms, or only mild ones, in the early stages — making it easy to overlook in both yourself and a partner.
Treatment
Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics, with symptoms typically improving within 3–4 days. However, the infection can still be transmitted for 1–2 weeks after starting treatment, so sexual activity should be avoided until fully cleared. Anyone who has had sexual contact with the patient in the preceding two weeks should also be tested, even if asymptomatic.
Complications of untreated chlamydia
In women:
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – a serious complication of untreated chlamydia affecting the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. PID can lead to infertility and chronic pelvic pain, and in some cases causes scarring of the fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy – a dangerous condition for both mother and baby.
- Infertility – long-term untreated infection can damage the fallopian tubes, uterus, or vagina, making conception difficult.
- Pregnancy complications – including preterm birth. Babies exposed to chlamydia during delivery are at risk of pneumonia or conjunctivitis, which can lead to vision loss if untreated.
In men:
- Reduced fertility – chlamydia can damage sperm, reducing fertility.
- Epididymitis – long-term infection can spread to the testicles via the vas deferens, causing pain and swelling in the scrotum.
Prevention
Avoiding sexual contact with an infected partner offers the best protection, but because chlamydia is often symptom-free, safer sex practices are essential for everyone:
- Use condoms consistently during vaginal and anal sex
- Use a dental dam during oral sex
- Limit the number of sexual partners
- Avoid sharing sex toys
A small infection, a big risk if ignored
Although chlamydia symptoms are often mild, leaving the infection untreated can lead to serious reproductive health complications that are far more difficult to manage than the original infection. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking prompt treatment is the best way to protect your long-term health.
For appointments with the Urology Center at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, please contact us through any of our available channels.
