Chlamydia is a relatively common STD, and it can cause a wide range of symptoms. But does chlamydia stink? What does chlamydia smell like, if anything at all? Let’s find out the answers to these questions and more.
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that’s caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. According to MedlinePlus, chlamydia in females can infect the cervix, rectum, and throat; meanwhile, chlamydia in males can affect the urethra, rectum, and throat. You can get chlamydia from unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You can’t get chlamydia through other types of contact, such as sitting on a toilet seat.
Chlamydia can be easily diagnosed through STD tests, but have you ever wondered if there are other ways to detect this infection? Does chlamydia have a smell? Keep reading to find out.
Symptoms of chlamydia
Many chlamydia infections are asymptomatic. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, at least 70% of cases of chlamydia in females and 50% of cases in males are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, when chlamydia does cause symptoms, these can include:
- White, yellow, or gray genital discharge that can have a bad smell
- Painful urination
- Increased urinary frequency and urgency
- Pus in your urine
- Pain during intercourse
- Vaginal bleeding between periods or after intercourse
- Itching or burning around your genitals
- Lower abdominal pain
Does chlamydia have a smell?
Chlamydia doesn’t always smell, but the smell of chlamydia can be strong and unpleasant. Chlamydia can also cause pus in your urine, which also makes your urine smell bad. However, foul-smelling discharge can have other causes, which according to the Mayo Clinic, can include:
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- Trichomoniasis
- A forgotten tampon
- Poor intimate hygiene
- Rectovaginal fistula
- Certain types of cancer
Can you detect the smell of chlamydia discharge?
It’s very important to remember that many chlamydia infections are completely asymptomatic, and you won’t always be able to detect a strong chlamydia discharge smell. You shouldn’t rely on noticeable symptoms, such as STD urine smell or discharge, in order to detect potential infections.
An asymptomatic partner with chlamydia or another STD can still transmit the disease, and untreated chlamydia can lead to long-lasting health consequences. If you ever exhibit any signs of chlamydia or detect an unusual genital smell, it’s very important to get tested and seek medical assistance.
How is chlamydia diagnosed?
The best way to detect chlamydia is by getting tested for STDs regularly. Anyone who has an active sex life should get tested, but people with multiple sex partners o a recent new partner should get tested more often.
It’s now possible to get tested for chlamydia and other STDs from the comfort and privacy of your own home. If you use an at-home STD test kit, you’ll simply have to order online, collect your samples according to the instructions, mail the samples back, and wait for your results to become available. Discover the best at-home testing kits at STDWatch.com now.
Sources
Chlamydia Infections - medlineplus.gov
Facts about chlamydia - ecdc.europa.eu
Chlamydia - my.clevelandclinic.org
Vaginal odor - mayoclinic.org
