plannedparenthood:

Someone asked us: 

Can you have chlamydia for a year(s) & not have any symptoms?

Yes! Chlamydia — like most STDs — has no symptoms. Many people don’t even realize they have chlamydia because they never experience any symptoms that can actually be felt or seen — that’s part of the reason it’s such a common infection. 

It’s important to get tested regularly for STDs if you’re sexually active, because untreated chlamydia (and other STDs) can lead to serious infections and even infertility. 

If you do have chlamydia symptoms, they can take several weeks to show up. Symptoms of chlamydia can include pain or burning while peeing, pain during sex, lower belly pain, abnormal vaginal discharge (may be yellowish and have a strong smell), pus or a watery/milky discharge from the penis, swollen or tender testicles, and pain, discharge, and/or bleeding around the anus. Chlamydia is usually easy to get rid of. Your nurse or doctor will get you antibiotics to treat the infection. 

Make an appointment with a nurse, doctor, or your local Planned Parenthood health center to get tested or treated. And remember, most people don’t have any symptoms at all when they have an STD — getting tested regularly is the only way to know for sure if you have chlamydia or any other STDs. 

-Attia at Planned Parenthood