Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. There are many different STDs, and some can cause symptoms like vaginal discharge or penile drips. However, the most common STD that is associated with drips and discharge is chlamydia.
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a bacterial STD caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is one of the most common STDs, with over 1.7 million cases reported each year in the United States. Chlamydia can infect both men and women and is spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected partner.
In women, chlamydia infects the cervix (opening of the uterus) and urethra (urine canal). It can cause cervicitis, an inflammation of the cervix that can lead to vaginal discharge or bleeding between periods. Chlamydia can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is an infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes. This can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, or ectopic pregnancy.
In men, chlamydia infects the urethra and can also infect the throat and rectum. It typically causes urethritis, which is an inflammation of the urethra. This can lead to penile discharge, burning during urination, or testicular pain.
Chlamydia Symptoms
Many people with chlamydia have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they often appear 1 to 3 weeks after exposure.
Some of the most common chlamydia symptoms include:
- Thick, cloudy or watery discharge from the penis or vagina
- Burning sensation during urination
- Lower abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bleeding between menstrual periods (for women)
- Pain or swelling in the testicles (for men)
Without treatment, chlamydia can persist for a long time. Having an untreated chlamydia infection for a prolonged period can cause long-term complications.
Other STDs that Cause Discharge
While chlamydia is the most common STD associated with discharge, other STDs can also cause similar symptoms:
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Symptoms are similar to chlamydia and include penile or vaginal discharge, burning during urination, and swollen testicles.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It causes frothy, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and discomfort urinating in women. Men typically have mild or no symptoms.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. It leads to vaginal discharge, odor, and itching, but it is not an STD.
Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of fungus, usually Candida albicans. They cause thick, white, clumpy vaginal discharge along with itching and burning.
When to See a Doctor
It’s important to see a doctor if you notice any unusual discharge or symptoms that might indicate an STD. Many STDs cause no symptoms at first, so regular screening is important to detect any infections before complications develop.
All sexually active women under 25 years old should be screened yearly for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Older women with risk factors like new partners or multiple partners should also be tested regularly. Sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested every 3-6 months.
Your doctor can perform tests to detect chlamydia and gonorrhea using a urine sample or vaginal swab in women. Tests for other STDs may involve blood work or other procedures. Your partner(s) will also need to be treated to prevent passing the infection back and forth.
Treatment for Chlamydia
Chlamydia can be easily cured with antibiotics, usually given as a single dose of azithromycin or a week-long course of doxycycline. It is vital to complete all medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve quickly.
Partners should also be treated to prevent reinfection. You should avoid sex for 7 days after starting treatment. Make sure to get retested 3 months after finishing treatment to confirm the infection is cured.
Prevention of STDs
The most reliable ways to avoid STDs like chlamydia include:
- Using condoms correctly every time you have sex
- Limiting your number of sexual partners
- Monogamous relationships with uninfected partners
- Regular STD testing
Vaccines are also available that can help prevent HPV, hepatitis B and some pathogens that cause discharge and discharge. Talk to your doctor about what vaccinations are recommended for you based on your age, sexual practices and medical history.
Complications of Untreated Chlamydia
Some complications that can occur if chlamydia is left untreated include:
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Chlamydia bacteria can spread from the cervix to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing PID. This is a serious infection that can damage the reproductive system.
Infertility
The damage caused by PID can lead to blocked fallopian tubes in women. This results in infertility as eggs cannot travel down the tubes for fertilization.
Ectopic Pregnancy
If a fertilized egg gets stuck in a blocked fallopian tube it begins to grow into the tube instead of the uterus. This is an ectopic pregnancy and can be life-threatening.
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Ongoing inflammation from an untreated chlamydia infection can cause chronic and debilitating pain in the pelvic area.
Prostatitis
Chlamydia bacteria can spread to the prostate gland in men, causing prostatitis. This leads to painful urination, discomfort in the groin, and fever.
Urethral Strictures
Scarring from chlamydia can narrow or block the urethra, making urination difficult and painful. This may require surgery to correct.
Conclusion
Chlamydia is the most common STD that causes symptoms like penile discharge, vaginal drips or discharge, and burning during urination. However, other bacterial STDs like gonorrhea can cause similar symptoms. It is important to get tested and treated promptly for any suspected STD to avoid long term complications.
Protecting yourself by using condoms, limiting sexual partners, and getting regular screening is crucial for sexual health. Seek medical care if you have any unusual discharge or discomfort to get tested and treated. With appropriate diagnosis and antibiotic treatment, chlamydia and other common STDs can be cured.
| STD | Cause | Symptoms | Testing | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia | Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria | Discharge, burning urination, pain | Urine or swab | Antibiotics |
| Gonorrhea | Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria | Discharge, burning urination, swollen testicles | Urine or swab | Antibiotics |
| Trichomoniasis | Trichomonas vaginalis parasite | Frothy discharge, discomfort urinating | Microscope exam | Antibiotics |
| Bacterial Vaginosis | Overgrowth vaginal bacteria | Vaginal discharge, odor, itching | Microscope exam | Antibiotics |
| Yeast Infection | Candida fungus | Thick white discharge, itching | Microscope exam | Antifungal medication |
References
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Chlamydia – CDC Fact Sheet. https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia.htm. Accessed October 15, 2023.
[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] Public Health Agency of Canada. Canadian Guidelines on Sexually Transmitted Infections – Management and treatment of specific infections – Chlamydia. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/infectious-diseases/sexual-health-sexually-transmitted-infections/canadian-guidelines/sexually-transmitted-infections/canadian-guidelines-sexually-transmitted-infections-18.html. Accessed October 15, 2023.
[4] Kent CK, Chaw JK, Wong W, et al. Prevalence of rectal, urethral, and pharyngeal chlamydia and gonorrhea detected in 2 clinical settings among men who have sex with men: San Francisco, California, 2003. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2005;41(1):67-74. doi:10.1086/430704
[5] O’Connell CM, Ferone ME. Chlamydia trachomatis Genital Infections. Microb Cell. 2016;3(9):390-403. Published 2016 Sep 5. doi:10.15698/mic2016.09.525