The reason chlamydial infection is called "The Silent Epidemic" is because while millions of people have it, most don't even know it. Why? Because unlike other sexually transmitted infections, you can have chlamydia and/or gonorrhea for days, weeks or even months and never experience a single symptom. Which is why it's so important to get tested routinely.

When symptoms do occur, they may do so in as little as 2-10 days. Both chlamydial infection and gonorrheal infection can occur in the genitals and rectum. In addition, gonorrhea can infect the throat. Here's a list of warning signs of an infection:

Women with an infection
may experience:

  • Vaginal discharge
  • Bleeding between menstrual periods
  • Abdominal pain during intercourse
  • Bleeding after intercourse
  • Burning or itching in the vaginal area
  • Long-term pelvic pain
  • Pain or a burning sensation
    when urinating
  • Rectal bleeding, discharge or pain
  

Men with an infection
may experience:

  • Abnormal discharge from the penis
  • Pain while urinating or having sex
  • Swollen or tender testicles
  • Increased frequency of urination
  • Rectal bleeding, discharge or pain

These infections can be treated and cured with antibiotics. But, if chlamydial and gonorrheal infections go undetected, they can result in serious health problems. To find out what can happen if the infection is left untreated,.