Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed bacterial STI in England, and roughly half of men who have it experience no symptoms at all. If you have been told a partner has tested positive, or you have noticed something that does not feel right, this page covers what chlamydia looks like in men, when symptoms appear, and how to get tested.
If you would rather skip the reading and just get a test, walk-in appointments are available seven days a week at our Harley Street clinic. A urine PCR test takes minutes and gives results in 1-3 days.
"Chlamydia in men is frequently dismissed as a minor issue, but untreated infection can cause epididymitis and chronic pain. We see this regularly. A simple urine test at 14 days removes all uncertainty."
Dr Mohammad Bakhtiar, Sexual Health Physician, GMC 4694470
What are the symptoms of chlamydia in men?
Chlamydia symptoms in men, when present, typically include a clear or white discharge from the penis, a burning or stinging sensation during urination, and testicular discomfort. Approximately 50% of men with chlamydia will have no noticeable symptoms at all (BASHH, 2024).
When symptoms do appear, they usually develop 1-3 weeks after exposure, though this can vary. Some men notice symptoms within days; others carry the infection for months before anything becomes apparent.
Urethral discharge
The most recognisable symptom is a discharge from the penis that was not there before. In chlamydia, this is typically clear, white, or slightly cloudy, and thin rather than thick. It is often most noticeable first thing in the morning, when a small amount may have accumulated at the urethral opening overnight.
This is distinct from the thicker, yellow-green discharge of gonorrhoea, though the two can co-occur and look similar in some cases. Read our STD discharge guide for detailed comparisons.
Pain or burning during urination
A burning or stinging sensation when you urinate is common with chlamydia. It can range from mild irritation to sharp pain. Some men describe it as a persistent itch inside the urethra rather than a burning sensation.
This symptom overlaps with urinary tract infections and non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), which is why testing is more reliable than symptom-matching.
Testicular pain or swelling
In some men, chlamydia spreads to the epididymis (the coiled tube behind each testicle that stores and carries sperm). This causes epididymitis: pain, swelling, and tenderness in one or both testicles.
Epididymitis from chlamydia is a complication that occurs when the infection is untreated for a prolonged period. It can affect fertility if left unmanaged. If you have testicular pain, particularly with discharge or urinary symptoms, seek assessment promptly.
Rectal symptoms
Men who have had receptive anal sex can develop rectal chlamydia. Symptoms may include rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding, but rectal chlamydia is frequently asymptomatic. A rectal swab is needed for detection; a urine test will not detect rectal infection.
Throat symptoms
Oral chlamydia from giving oral sex is usually asymptomatic. When symptoms occur, they present as a persistent sore throat. Throat swab PCR testing is the only detection method.
Chlamydia symptoms timeline
| Timeframe | What may happen |
|---|---|
| Days 1-7 | Incubation period. Usually no symptoms. Testing is unreliable during this window |
| Days 7-14 | Some men begin to notice mild discharge or urinary discomfort |
| Days 14-21 | Most symptomatic men will have developed symptoms by this point. PCR testing is now reliable |
| Weeks 4+ | If untreated, symptoms may persist or worsen. Risk of epididymitis increases |
| Months+ | Untreated chlamydia can persist indefinitely. Asymptomatic carriage and ongoing transmission |
Approximately 50% of men will progress through all of these stages without any noticeable symptoms. The absence of symptoms does not indicate absence of infection.
What happens if chlamydia goes untreated?
Untreated chlamydia in men can cause epididymitis (infection and inflammation of the epididymis), which can lead to chronic pain and, in some cases, reduced fertility. Reactive arthritis (previously called Reiter's syndrome) is a less common complication affecting the joints, eyes, and urethra.
The more immediate concern for many men is transmission. If you are carrying chlamydia without symptoms, you can transmit it to sexual partners. In women, untreated chlamydia carries more severe long-term risks, including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
Testing for chlamydia in men
Testing is simple. A urine sample is the standard method for urethral chlamydia. You provide a first-void urine sample (the first part of your urination, not midstream), and it is sent for PCR analysis.
If you have had receptive anal sex, a rectal swab is also needed. If you have given oral sex, a throat swab covers that site. Each site is tested separately because infection at one site does not necessarily mean infection at another.
Combined chlamydia and gonorrhoea PCR: £104 per site, results in 1-3 days. FAST PCR (6-hour results): £124 per test. Bronze Screen (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV): £250. FAST Screen Simple (same four, 6-hour results): £350.
Walk-in testing is available seven days a week. All samples processed by UKAS-accredited laboratories. You do not need to use your real name, and we accept cash payment.
If you have noticed discharge, pain urinating, or testicular discomfort, walk in any day of the week. No appointment needed.
Treatment
Chlamydia in men is treated with antibiotics. The current BASHH-recommended first-line treatment is doxycycline 100mg twice daily for 7 days. This has a cure rate above 95% for uncomplicated urethral chlamydia.
If results are positive, our doctors can prescribe treatment the same day. You should avoid sexual contact until you have completed the full course and any sexual partners have also been treated.
A test of cure is not routinely required for uncomplicated urethral chlamydia treated with doxycycline, but may be recommended for rectal or pharyngeal infections.
Frequently asked questions
Can you have chlamydia with no symptoms?
Yes. Approximately 50% of men with chlamydia have no symptoms. Asymptomatic carriage is common and does not mean the infection is less serious or less transmissible.
How long can a man have chlamydia without knowing?
Indefinitely. Without testing, asymptomatic chlamydia can persist for months or years. There is no point at which the infection resolves on its own.
Does chlamydia always cause discharge in men?
No. Only about half of men with urethral chlamydia develop discharge. When present, the discharge is typically clear or white and thin. If you are relying on discharge to tell you whether you have chlamydia, you may be missing an infection.
Can chlamydia affect fertility in men?
Yes, if untreated for an extended period. Chlamydia can cause epididymitis, which can lead to scarring and reduced sperm quality. Early treatment prevents this complication.
References
- UKHSA (2024). Sexually transmitted infections and screening in England: 2023 report.
- BASHH (2024). UK National Guideline for the Management of Genital Tract Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis.
- NICE CKS (2024). Chlamydia — uncomplicated genital.
- NHS (2024). Chlamydia — Symptoms.