Chlamydia: Urologist Answers Your Most Awkward Questions

1. Does Chlamydia Have a Smell?

I get this question a lot, and I get why. People worry about unusual smells "down there" and wonder if it could mean an infection. The truth is, chlamydia itself doesn’t have a distinct smell. But it can cause symptoms that might lead to an odor.

For example:

• In women, chlamydia can lead to an increase in vaginal discharge, which might develop an unusual odor if there's also bacterial overgrowth.
• In men, it typically causes discharge from the penis, but it’s usually not smelly.

If you’ve noticed a strong or foul odor, chlamydia might not be the only issue - you could also have bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, or another STI. Either way, it's worth getting checked out.

2. Can Chlamydia Turn Into HIV?

No, chlamydia does not turn into HIV. They’re completely different infections - chlamydia is a bacterial infection, while HIV is a virus.

However, having chlamydia can increase your risk of getting HIV if you're exposed to it. That’s because chlamydia can cause inflammation and tiny sores in the genital area, making it easier for HIV to enter your body.

Moral of the story? Use protection and get tested regularly.

3. Can You Have Chlamydia and HIV at the Same Time?

Yes, absolutely. You can have both infections at the same time. In fact, people with untreated chlamydia are at a higher risk of contracting HIV if they’re exposed to it.

I’ve seen cases where someone tested positive for chlamydia and later found out they had HIV too. That’s why, whenever I diagnose a patient with one STI, I always recommend a full panel of STI tests - just to be safe.

If you’re sexually active, especially with multiple partners, regular testing is your best friend. It helps catch infections early and keeps you (and your partners) healthier.

4. Is Gonorrhea and Chlamydia the Same Thing?

Nope, but I get why people mix them up. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are two different infections, though they have a lot in common.

• Both are STIs caused by bacteria.
• Both can infect the same areas (genitals, throat, rectum, and even eyes).
• Both can have similar symptoms - burning when you pee, discharge, pain, or sometimes no symptoms at all.

The difference? They’re caused by different bacteria. Chlamydia is from Chlamydia trachomatis, while gonorrhea is from Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The treatments are also different, which is why doctors always test for both when diagnosing an STI.

5. Can You Have Gonorrhea and Chlamydia at the Same Time?

Yes, and I see this all the time. Chlamydia and gonorrhea often show up together because they’re transmitted in the same ways. In fact, if you test positive for one, there’s a good chance your doctor will test you for the other.

Here’s the tricky part:

• If you don’t get tested for both, you might only treat one and still have the other.
• They can both be “silent” infections, meaning you could have no symptoms and unknowingly pass them on.

That’s why regular STI testing is key, especially if you’re sexually active with new or multiple partners.

6. Is Chlamydia a UTI?

No, but I understand why people confuse them. Chlamydia can feel like a UTI because both can cause:

• Burning or pain when you pee
• A frequent urge to urinate
• Discomfort in the lower abdomen

The difference? UTIs are not STIs. They’re usually caused by bacteria like E. coli from the gut, not an STI-causing bacteria. Chlamydia, on the other hand, is a sexually transmitted infection.

I’ve had patients who thought they had a simple UTI, took some over-the-counter remedies, and ignored it only to find out later they had chlamydia. That’s why if your symptoms don’t go away after UTI treatment, it’s worth checking for an STI.

Check out for more: UTI vs Chlamydia: How to Tell Them Apart

7. Can You Test for Chlamydia Through Blood?

Nope, blood tests are not used to diagnose chlamydia.

Unlike viral infections like HIV or herpes, chlamydia is a localized bacterial infection, meaning it stays in the genitals, throat, or rectum - it doesn’t spread throughout the bloodstream.

The only reliable tests for chlamydia are:

• Urine tests (for genital chlamydia)
• Swab tests (for throat, rectal, or cervical infections)

If someone offers you a blood test for chlamydia, they’re either misinformed or trying to sell you an unnecessary test. Stick to urine or swabs, those are the gold standard. 

A quick tip from me: Don’t pee for at least an hour before a urine test! If your bladder is too empty, the test might miss the bacteria.

8. How Long Does It Take for Chlamydia to Show Up on a Test?

This is what we call the incubation period - the time between getting infected and when it shows up on a test. For chlamydia, that’s usually 1 to 2 weeks.

Here’s what I tell my patients:

• If you test too soon (within a couple of days after exposure), you might get a false negative because the bacteria hasn’t multiplied enough to be detected.
• If you had unprotected sex with someone who might have chlamydia, wait at least 7 days before getting tested for the most accurate results.
• If you have symptoms, don’t wait—get checked right away.

9. Do They Test for Chlamydia When Donating Blood?

Nope, blood donation centers do not routinely test for chlamydia (or gonorrhea, for that matter).

Why? Because chlamydia is a localized infection, meaning it mainly affects the genitals, throat, or rectum - it doesn’t circulate in the bloodstream like HIV or hepatitis. So, even if you have chlamydia, it won’t be transmitted through donated blood.

But (and this is important) if you have an active STI, you should wait before donating blood. Some donation centers have rules about STI testing and recent infections, so always check their guidelines.

10. Can You Donate Plasma If You Have Chlamydia?

Most plasma donation centers allow donations from people with chlamydia as long as they are being treated. Unlike some viral infections, chlamydia doesn’t affect your plasma.

However, policies can vary between donation centers. Some might ask you to wait until you’ve completed treatment and are cleared of the infection. If you’re thinking about donating, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and check their guidelines.

11. Can You Be a Carrier of Chlamydia and Test Negative?

Yes, and this is where it gets tricky. False negatives can happen, and I’ve seen cases where someone had chlamydia but tested negative. Here’s why that might happen:

• Testing too soon - If you got tested right after exposure (before the bacteria multiplied), the test might miss it.
• Improper sample collection - If the urine sample was too diluted or the swab didn’t pick up enough bacteria, the test might not detect it.
• Infection in another area - If you have oral or anal chlamydia but only do a urine test, it won’t show up.

If your symptoms don’t go away or your partner tests positive, retest after a couple of weeks just to be sure.

12. If Chlamydia Is Dormant, Can It Be Detected?

Ah, the tricky thing about chlamydia - it can be completely silent. I’ve had plenty of patients who tested positive but had no symptoms for months, even years. That’s because chlamydia can be dormant, meaning it’s in your body but not actively causing noticeable symptoms.

But here’s the key: Even if it’s dormant, it can still be detected on a test.

• Urine and swab tests look for the DNA of the bacteria, not just active symptoms. So even if you feel fine, the infection can still show up.
• If chlamydia goes untreated for a long time, it can lead to complications like PID (in women) or epididymitis (in men), which can cause fertility issues later on.

That’s why regular STI testing is so important even if you feel completely fine.

13. If Chlamydia Is Dormant, Can It Be Passed On?

Yes, even if you have no symptoms, you can still pass it to someone else. That’s what makes chlamydia so sneaky, it often lurks in the body without causing any noticeable issues.

I’ve had plenty of patients who were shocked when they tested positive because they felt perfectly fine. But even dormant chlamydia (meaning no symptoms) is still active in the body—and can be transmitted during sex.

This is why regular STI testing is key, especially if you’re sexually active with multiple partners. You might have no idea you have it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there.

14. What Happens If You Have Protected Sex While Being Treated for Chlamydia?

I get this question a lot from patients who are midway through treatment and getting impatient. 

Here’s the deal: Even if you use protection, you should wait until you’re fully cleared.

• Chlamydia can still be present in your system while you’re being treated, meaning you could pass it to your partner.
• Condoms reduce the risk, but they’re not 100% foolproof, especially if chlamydia is in areas condoms don’t cover (like the throat or rectum).

I always tell my patients: Wait until treatment is complete and you’ve been retested before resuming sex. Otherwise, you risk reinfecting each other and trust me, nobody wants to go through treatment twice.

15. Can You Masturbate With Chlamydia?

Yes, you can, and you won’t reinfect yourself. Chlamydia isn’t like a virus that stays in your body forever, it’s a bacterial infection, and it doesn't "spread" internally like that.

That said, a couple of things to keep in mind:

• Wash your hands before and after to avoid spreading bacteria.
• If you use sex toys, clean them thoroughly after every use to avoid reinfection once you’re treated.

Other than that, you don’t need to worry about chlamydia affecting solo activities.

16. Still Feeling Chlamydia Symptoms After Treatment?

This can happen, and here’s why:

• Your body might still be healing - Even after the bacteria are gone, inflammation can linger for a few days. Think of it like a cut—it doesn’t disappear the second you disinfect it.
• You could have another STI  Chlamydia often comes with gonorrhea or other infections, which might need separate treatment.
• Reinfection is possible - If your partner wasn’t treated, or you had sex too soon after treatment, you might have caught it again.
• Antibiotic resistance (rare but possible) - If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, check back with your doctor for further testing.

17. How Did I Get Chlamydia If My Partner Doesn’t Have It?

This one frustrates a lot of people, and I totally get it. But here are some possibilities:

• Your partner was tested too soon – If they tested right after exposure, their test might have come back negative even if they were infected.
• They had it but cleared it on their own – Rare, but some people’s immune systems can fight off chlamydia without symptoms.
• They weren’t tested at all – Many assume a general STI test checks for everything, but unless they specifically got tested for chlamydia, they might not know they have it.
• You got it from a past partner – Chlamydia can hang around for months without symptoms, so you might have had it before this relationship without realizing it.

The only way to be sure? Both partners should get tested at the same time.

18. Is Chlamydia Forever?

Nope! Chlamydia is 100% curable with the right treatment. Unlike some viral STIs (like herpes or HIV), chlamydia doesn’t stay in your body once it’s treated.

But here’s the catch: You can get it again. Being treated once doesn’t make you immune, so if you’re exposed to it again, you’ll need treatment again.

19. How Long Can Chlamydia Live on Surfaces?

Chlamydia bacteria don’t survive long outside the body. They need a warm, moist environment (like the genital tract) to stay alive.

On surfaces like toilet seats, towels, or sheets? They die quickly, usually within minutes to hours. So no, you’re not catching chlamydia from a toilet seat or a doorknob.

The real risk? Skin-to-skin and sexual contact. That’s how it spreads.

20. Can You Get Chlamydia from Sharing Underwear?

The chances are extremely low, but not impossible.

Here’s why:

• Chlamydia doesn’t live long outside the body, but if the underwear is damp (like sweaty or freshly worn), the bacteria could theoretically survive for a short time.
• If someone wears infected underwear and there’s direct genital contact, there’s a tiny risk of transmission.

That said, the biggest risk comes from sexual contact, not fabric. Still, I’d say play it safe - wear your own underwear.

21. How Did the First Person Get Chlamydia?

Ah, the classic “where did it all begin?” question. The truth is, we don’t know exactly who had chlamydia first—but like all infections, it had to start somewhere.

Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, which evolved over time. It likely jumped from animals to humans thousands of years ago (yes, like many diseases). From there, it spread through sexual contact, becoming the common STI we know today.

So, no—there wasn’t some unlucky “first person” who magically developed chlamydia. It’s just bacteria doing what bacteria do - finding ways to survive and spread.

22. Can Chlamydia Cause Hair Loss?

Nope, chlamydia does not cause hair loss. It’s a bacterial infection, and it sticks to the areas it infects - genitals, throat, rectum, or eyes - not your hair follicles.

However, if you’ve noticed hair thinning, there could be another reason:

• STI-related stress – Getting an STI can be stressful, and stress is a common trigger for hair loss.
• Other infections – Some STIs (like syphilis) can cause hair loss, so if you’re experiencing both, you might want to check for other infections.
• Nutrient deficiencies – If you’ve been unwell, not eating well, or have another underlying condition, that could be a factor too.

Bottom line? Chlamydia itself won’t make your hair fall out—but if you’re worried, it’s worth checking with a doctor.

23. Can You Get Chlamydia from Sharing a Vape?

Nope, chlamydia doesn’t spread through saliva or shared objects like vapes, cups, or utensils. It’s a sexually transmitted infection, meaning it’s passed through genital, oral, or anal contact.

However, if you’re worried about catching something from a vape, other infections can spread that way, like:

• Colds and flu
• Mononucleosis (“mono”)
• Oral herpes (cold sores)

So while chlamydia isn’t the concern here, sharing vapes isn’t the best idea if you want to avoid catching something else.

24. What Does Chlamydia Pee Look Like?

Chlamydia itself doesn’t change the color of your urine, but it can cause symptoms that make peeing uncomfortable.

Some things you might notice:

• Cloudy urine – If there’s pus or discharge, your urine might look a little murky.
• Burning when you pee – This is one of the most common symptoms.
• Frequent urge to pee – You might feel like you always have to go, even if your bladder isn’t full.

But here’s the thing: Other things can cause these symptoms too, like a UTI or dehydration. If your pee looks off and you’re worried, don’t guess - get tested.

25. What Does Chlamydia in the Mouth Look Like?

Oral chlamydia doesn’t always have symptoms - which is why many people have it without realizing it. But when it does show up, it can look like:

• A sore throat (that feels like a mild strep throat but won’t go away).
• Redness and irritation in the back of the throat.
• White spots or patches (rare, but sometimes present).
• Swollen tonsils or discomfort when swallowing.

I’ve had patients mistake oral chlamydia for a cold, allergies, or just a stubborn sore throat. If you’ve had unprotected oral sex and your throat won’t stop feeling irritated, it’s worth getting tested.

See the image below for a better idea.

26. Does Oral Chlamydia Go Away?

Not on its own! Chlamydia - whether oral, genital, or rectal - needs treatment to fully clear. If you leave it untreated, it can stick around for months (or even longer) without obvious symptoms.

Even if your sore throat feels better, that doesn’t mean the infection is gone. You could still pass it to someone else through oral sex.

Moral of the story: If you think you might have oral chlamydia, get tested and treated - don’t just wait for it to disappear.

27. Can You Have Oral Chlamydia but Not Genital?

Yes, you can have oral chlamydia without having it in your genitals.

If you got it from giving oral sex to someone who had chlamydia, the infection stays in the area it was transmitted - meaning it can be in your throat but not in your genitals.

However, if you engage in both oral and genital sex, there’s a chance you could have it in both places. That’s why I always recommend getting tested for oral chlamydia too if you’ve had oral exposure.

28. How Do You Get Chlamydia in the Eye?

Yes, eye chlamydia is a thing, and I’ve seen it happen in ways people don’t expect. You can get chlamydia in your eye if:

• You touch your genitals (or a partner’s) and then rub your eye without washing your hands.
• Infected fluids (like semen or vaginal fluids) get into your eye - this can happen during certain types of sexual contact.
• A mother passes it to her baby during childbirth.

Eye chlamydia (also called chlamydial conjunctivitis) can look like pink eye, with redness, irritation, and discharge. The good news? It’s treatable, just like other forms of chlamydia.

29. Can Chlamydia Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Short answer? Yes, but indirectly.

Chlamydia itself doesn’t directly cause ED, but if left untreated, it can lead to complications that affect erections. Here’s how:

• Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) – If chlamydia spreads to the prostate, it can cause pain, discomfort, and trouble getting or maintaining an erection.
• Epididymitis (inflammation of the tubes behind the testicles) – This can cause pain and swelling, which definitely won’t help in the bedroom.
• Psychological stress – Let’s be real: Finding out you have an STI can mess with your confidence and anxiety, which can affect performance.

The good news? Once chlamydia is treated, any related ED issues should clear up. But if symptoms persist, check with a doctor to rule out other causes.

30. Can Chlamydia Cause Watery Sperm?

Yes, chlamydia can affect semen quality - and I’ve had patients notice their sperm looking thinner, more watery, or even yellowish.

Why? Because chlamydia causes inflammation in the reproductive system, which can mess with the consistency of semen. Other possible symptoms include:

• Less semen than usual
• Pain during ejaculation
• Semen mixed with pus or discharge

Watery sperm doesn’t always mean chlamydia - it could be due to dehydration, diet, or other health factors. But if you’ve noticed changes in semen along with burning, pain, or unusual discharge, it’s time to get tested.

31. Can You Get Chlamydia Without Ejaculation?

Absolutely. You don’t need ejaculation to transmit chlamydia.

Chlamydia spreads through skin-to-skin contact and bodily fluids, meaning:

• Pre-ejaculate (“precum”) can still carry the bacteria.
• Genital contact alone can be enough to pass it.
• Oral and anal sex can also transmit it - even without penetration.

I’ve had patients say, “But we only did it for a few seconds,” or “We didn’t even finish,” yet they still tested positive. That’s why protection is key, from start to finish.