What happens if Chlamydia isn't treated?

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Chlamydia treatment is essential to prevent a number of problems. Non-treatment can cause the infection to spread to other parts of the body causing damage and long-term health problems, including infertility. Infants infected with Chlamydia can have severe eye infections and can develop life threatening pneumonia.

In women, chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease. This can lead to:

• Ectopic pregnancy (when a pregnancy develops outside the womb, usually in the fallopian tube)
• Blocked fallopian tubes (the tubes that carry the egg from ovary to womb) - causing infetrtility
• Long-term pelvic pain
   

In men, chlamydia can lead to  painful infection in the testicles and possibly reduced fertility.

In men and women Chlamydia can cause inflammation of the joints. This is known as reactive arthritis.  When this also involves the urethra and the eyes, it is known as Reiter's syndrome.

If the infection is in the eye or rectum, you may experience discomfort, pain or discharge. Chlamydia in the throat is uncommon and usually has no symptoms

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