Chlamydia Discharge: What Does It Look & Smell Like?

A Chlamydia infection often goes undetected due to its usual lack of symptoms. Yet, recognising potential symptoms can be helpful.
Symptoms may include:

• Unusual vaginal discharge, which might look white or yellow and have an unpleasant smell
• Passing Urine has a burning sensation
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pain in the pelvic region
• Bleeding or spotting between periods
• Infrequent fevers (though this is uncommon)

Chlamydia discharge is different to regular discharge. The appearance of chlamydia discharge may vary but it is usually yellow in colour, and has a thick, cloudy appearance. It is accompanied by a strong smell.

If you notice discharge similar to that of chlamydia, you should get tested. You can visit your GP, local pharmacy, or your local genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic to get tested. Alternatively, you can buy a discreet and convenient home chlamydia test kit on the high street or online pharmacy. Unlike other conditions, you cannot make a diagnosis by looking at pictures of chlamydia discharge. This is because discharge can vary amongst individuals. Discharge can also be a symptom of another STI or medical condition, so testing is the most accurate way to confirm diagnosis.

Vaginal discharge in women is normal. Vaginal fluids and cervical mucus keep the vagina clean, healthy, and moist. It also protects the vagina from infection. Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or white, thick, and sticky, and does not have a strong or unpleasant smell. It’s often slippery and wet for a few days during ovulation.

If you notice a change in appearance of discharge, or more discharge than usual, chlamydia is a possibility. Chlamydia often presents as a yellow discharge in women; however, the colour and consistency can also appear thick and milky. Chlamydia discharge usually has a strong odour. Women with chlamydia symptoms often have pelvic pain, bleeding, burning, as well as vaginal discharge. The key is to look out for a change in colour, frequency, smell and consistency of discharge.

At least 70% of women with chlamydia do not notice any symptoms. If symptoms do present, they may not appear until several weeks after sex with an infected partner. Even when chlamydia causes no symptoms, it can still cause serious health conditions. If chlamydia is left untreated, it can spread to the womb and also cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This is a serious condition which can cause ectopic pregnancy and infertility in women.

Chlamydia is often referred to as a silent STI. This is because asymptomatic individuals who engage in unprotected sexual intercourse are likely to pass the infection on unknowingly.

The NHS recommends that sexually active women who are under 25 should have a chlamydia test once a year, and when they have a new sexual partner. If you have chlamydia, it can usually easily be treated with antibiotics.

Normal discharge in men includes pre-ejaculate and ejaculate. These are released from the tip of the penis during sexual arousal and intercourse. Pre-ejaculate has a thick mucus texture, and ejaculate (semen) has a thick and milky appearance. The presence of discharge from the penis at times other than sexual stimulation may be a sign of an underlying health concern, including chlamydia.

In men, chlamydia discharge is usually white in colour, and accompanied by a strong odour. However, this is not always the case and any discharge that occurs when you are not sexually stimulated, could be a sign of chlamydia. If discharge is accompanied by testicular pain, stinging when urinating, itching or burning at the tip of the penis, you should take a chlamydia test.

At least half of all men with chlamydia don’t notice any symptoms. This means that it is easily passed on. In some cases, chlamydia in men can spread to the testicles and epididymis (tubes that carry sperm from the testicles). This can cause pain and swelling and is known as epididymitis or epididymo-orchitis (inflammation of the testicles).

The NHS recommends that sexually active men who are under should have a chlamydia test once a year, and when they meet a new sexual partner.

Chlamydia discharge usually has a strong, foul odour. The odour of chlamydia discharge in women is sometimes said to be fishy, or similar to the smell of pus.

An unusual or foul-smelling discharge does not always indicate chlamydia, as several other conditions can affect the scent or appearance of vaginal discharge:

• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): This common infection is caused by an imbalance of vaginal bacteria and typically presents a thin, grey discharge with a pronounced fishy smell. While BV’s symptoms might seem similar to those of chlamydia, they are distinct infections requiring different treatments.
• Trichomoniasis: Caused by a parasitic infection, it may result in a frothy, yellow-green discharge with a strong, unpleasant odour. The similarity of its symptoms to those of chlamydia highlights the need for precise testing to ensure appropriate treatment.
• Yeast Infections: Typically, these infections cause a thick, white discharge that looks similar to cottage cheese. Although there is usually no strong odour, some individuals may notice a mild “yeasty” smell.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): As a severe condition that might develop from untreated sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia, PID features symptoms such as foul-smelling discharge, pelvic pain, fever, and other related signs. It requires immediate medical intervention to prevent damage to reproductive organs and potential fertility issues.
• Forgotten Tampons: In some cases, a bad odour might stem from non-infectious sources like neglected personal hygiene or a forgotten tampon.

There can be several reasons why you still have discharge or other chlamydia symptoms following treatment:

• Antibiotic treatment can take time to work. Often, they continue to work even once the course is complete. It is not unusual to still experience symptoms even after having completed treatment. However, if symptoms do not resolve soon after completing the course of antibiotics, or they appear to be getting worse, you should visit a sexual health clinic.
• You or your partner have not completed the full treatment course as prescribed.
• Unprotected sex during treatment, or within 7 days after having finished treatment, can result in reinfection.
• The antibiotics are not effective due to antibiotic resistance. You may have built up resistance to certain treatments. The most effective treatment for chlamydia is doxycycline. If you are unable to take doxycycline, azithromycin is the second line treatment, but it is not as effective as doxycycline anymore due to resistance.

To effectively lower your risk of contracting or transmitting chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it’s important to practice safe sex. Here are some crucial measures you can take:

• Always use condoms correctly during vaginal, anal, and oral sex
• Use dental dams for oral sex on a vagina
• Thoroughly wash sex toys before and after each use, and cover them with new condoms when shared
• Regularly undergo STI screenings, especially if you have multiple sexual partners or start a new sexual relationship
• Openly discuss STI testing with your sexual partners

Chlamydia is both common and treatable. Being aware of the symptoms and getting tested if you’re worried is key. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends yearly screenings for sexually active individuals under 25, as well as for those with new or multiple partners.

If you fall into any of the categories listed above, you should get retested after 6 weeks. Remember, discharge is common. It should be a change in discharge that you are looking out for.

It’s also worth knowing that re-infection is common for chlamydia. Therefore, a follow-up test is recommended 6 months after treatment if you have no symptoms. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should have a follow-up test 3 to 4 weeks after completing treatment. If you are unsure about your symptoms or are concerned you have the infection seek medical advice from your doctor.