Abdominal pain

Chlamydia can cause pain in the abdomen due to the ascending chlamydia to the prostate or epididymis. In men, however, this is not a classic symptom of chlamydia infection. Pain in the abdomen is more likely to occur in women with chlamydia infection as a result of inflammation of the ovaries or fallopian tubes.

Pain during sexual intercourse

Pain during sexual intercourse is not typical in acute infection with Chlamydia. However, it can occur in the context of chronic inflammation of the prostate or urethra. Pain during sexual intercourse is more likely to be a typical symptom of chlamydia infection in women. In men, pain during sexual intercourse is more a symptom of a narrowing of the foreskin.

Conjunctivitis

Some subforms of Chlamydia can lead to conjunctivitis. One form of conjunctivitis is called trachoma. It occurs very rarely in Germany, but it is particularly widespread in the subtropics and tropics.

The infection occurs through a smear infection from person to person. If left untreated, it can lead to corneal injuries and even blindness through conjunctivitis on both sides and increased lacrimation. Another form of conjunctivitis caused by Chlamydia is paratrachoma.

Here, chlamydia is transmitted via the hands by smear infection. This leads to a purulent, mucous conjunctivitis, which usually occurs on both sides. The paratracheoma usually heals without complications.

Pneumonia

The two rare chlamydial pathogens Chlamydophila pneumoniae and psittaci can lead to pneumonia. Chlamydophila pneumoniae usually leads to an atypical pneumonia with a slow onset, mild fever and dry cough. Chlamydophila psittaci leads to the so-called parrot disease.

The pathogens are transmitted via feather dust or faeces of birds. It leads to flu-like symptoms as well as atypical pneumonia with chesty cough. In order to prevent complications such as myocarditis, antibiotic therapy should be carried out without fail.

Swelling of lymph nodes

A swelling of the lymph nodes as part of a chlamydial infection in men can occur, but is not a typical symptom. This clinical picture is called lymphgranuloma inguinale. In the context of an epididymitis, swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin can also occur. These can then be palpated by the affected person as hardened nodes or even lead to pain in the groin area.

Joint Pain

Acute chlamydial infection does not usually cause joint pain. One complication of a Chlamydia infection, however, is reactive arthritis. This inflammation of the joints occurs after a few days to weeks and mainly affects the joints of the leg, and particularly often the knee joint. In addition to joint pain, it can also lead to fever and pain in the adjacent muscle tendons. Conjunctivitis or inflammation of the iris of the eye are also possible symptoms of this reactive arthritis.