What does Chlamydia discharge smell like?

Unusual discharge from the vagina or penis is a classic symptom of Chlamydia, but the presence of discharge does not necessarily mean the presence of the infection. So, how do you know if Chlamydia causes the discharge you experience?

In this blog, we’ll explore what Chlamydia discharge smells like, how the infection is spread, its symptoms, and how it’s treated.

Let’s start with the basics. What’s Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Sexually active people with new or multiple partners are the most likely demographic to have Chlamydia.

Many people who are infected with Chlamydia often don’t show any symptoms and may unknowingly pass the infection on to their sexual partners.

Like other sexually transmitted infections, Chlamydia spreads through vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, or sharing sex toys with someone who is already infected.

Therefore, it’s important to use a condom when you’re having sex, and to use barriers like dental dams when engaging in oral sex.

Many people who have Chlamydia often don’t have any symptoms.

However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:

• A burning sensation during urination
• Pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen
• Pelvic pain
• Unusual vaginal discharge or penile discharge

Chlamydia can also infect other parts of the body besides the genitals, like the eyes, throat, or anus. This usually occurs when infected bodily fluids come in contact with these parts of the body, or when a person with a genital Chlamydia infection transfers bacteria to another part of the body, usually through touching their genitals and then, for example, touching their eye.

Approximately 50% of men will not experience any symptoms of Chlamydia. When symptoms do occur, they’re usually observed within one to three weeks after infection.

Chlamydia discharge is usually clear or cloudy and accompanied by a strong odour. If discharge is accompanied by testicular pain, stinging during urination, itching, or burning at the tip of the penis, it may indicate the presence of an infection.

At least half of all men with Chlamydia don’t notice any symptoms, which makes it easy to pass on. In rare cases, Chlamydia in men can spread to the testicles and epididymis—the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles—causing pain and swelling. This condition is known as epididymitis (inflammation of the testicles).

Vaginal discharge in women is normal. Vaginal fluids and cervical mucus help keep the vagina clean, healthy, and moist, while also protecting it from infection. Normal vaginal discharge is typically clear or white, thick and sticky, and doesn’t have a strong or unpleasant smell.

If you notice a change in the appearance of discharge or an increase in the amount, a Chlamydia infection could be a possibility. Chlamydia often presents as a yellow discharge in sexually active women, although it can also appear thick and milky. This discharge usually has a strong odour. Women with Chlamydia symptoms may also experience pelvic pain, bleeding, burning, and changes in vaginal discharge. The key is to watch for changes in colour, frequency, smell, and consistency.

At least 70% of women with Chlamydia don’t notice any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may not appear until several weeks after sexual contact with an infected partner.

In women, Chlamydia discharge can often have a fish-like odour, similar to the smell of pus. It can often appear yellowish in colour and has a thick, milky consistency.

In men, Chlamydia discharge will also have a similar foul odour. The discharge may seep out of the urethra and collect around the tip. The discharge is usually thick and cloudy, but it can also have a brown or yellow tinge.

Not all unusual or foul-smelling discharge is caused by Chlamydia. Several other conditions can affect the scent, colour, or texture of vaginal discharge, and understanding these differences is important for your health.

• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common vaginal infections. It occurs when there is an imbalance in the natural bacteria of the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis typically produces a thin, grey discharge with a strong fishy smell. While BV symptoms can seem similar to those of chlamydia, they are separate infections and require different treatments.
• Trichomonas is another infection that can cause changes in discharge. This parasitic infection often leads to a frothy, yellow-green discharge with a strong, unpleasant odour. Because its symptoms can resemble those of chlamydia, accurate testing is essential to ensure the right treatment.
• Yeast infections usually cause a thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese. There is generally no strong smell, although some people may notice a mild “yeasty” odour. Yeast infections are not sexually transmitted, but they can still cause discomfort and irritation.

Finally, sometimes a bad odour is not caused by an infection at all. Forgotten tampons or poor hygiene can also lead to unpleasant smells. If you’re unsure, it is always best to get tested.

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. If a Chlamydia infection goes untreated, it can lead to serious complications like inflammation of the testicles, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a serious condition that can result in ectopic pregnancy and infertility.

If you’re still experiencing discharge or other symptoms after completing treatment for Chlamydia, there could be several causes.

Firstly, antibiotics take time to work, and they continue to act even after you finish the prescribed course. It’s not unusual to notice symptoms for a short while after treatment. However, if your symptoms don’t improve soon after completing the medication, or if they seem to be getting worse, you should talk to your doctor.

Another common reason is that either you or your partner didn’t complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed. Reinfection can also occur if you’ve unprotected sex during treatment or within seven days of finishing your medication.

If you are worried about a Chlamydia infection, one of the telltale signs is unusual discharge.

If you’re experiencing any unusual discharge, get tested with Better2Know. By getting tested, you’re taking control of your sexual health and reducing the risk of infections to yourself and your partner(s).

This article first appeared on 18/08/2023. Last updated 21/11/2025.