How Long Does It Take for Chlamydia to Cause Infertility in Females?

If you’ve been diagnosed with chlamydia—or even just worried you might’ve had it in the past—it’s natural to ask: Could it have affected my fertility? And how long would it take for that to happen?

At fertie, we believe in demystifying topics that often carry shame, fear, or silence. STIs like chlamydia are incredibly common—and talking about them clearly and kindly can help you make empowered choices for your reproductive health.

So let’s answer the question head-on: How quickly can chlamydia lead to infertility in women—and what can you do about it?

How Chlamydia Can Affect Fertility

Chlamydia is a bacterial STI that often goes unnoticed because it usually doesn’t cause symptoms. But when left untreated, it can lead to a condition called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

PID can cause:

• Scarring or damage in the fallopian tubes

• Blockages that prevent eggs and sperm from meeting

• Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus

• Long-term fertility challenges—even if your periods are normal

So, How Long Does It Take?

There’s no exact timeline, but here’s what we know:

• Chlamydia can start causing reproductive damage within weeks to months if left untreated

• Studies suggest that about 10–15% of women with untreated chlamydia develop PID

• The longer the infection goes undetected, the greater the risk of lasting impact

This is why early detection and treatment are critical—especially if you're trying to conceive now or may want to in the future.

Symptoms (or Lack of Them)

Up to 70% of women with chlamydia have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Unusual vaginal discharge

• Pain during sex or urination

• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain

• Spotting between periods

But often, the infection silently travels upward—so even if you’ve felt fine, it could still have affected your fertility over time.

What to Do If You’re Concerned

1. Get tested
If you’ve had unprotected sex or a partner with an STI, get a full sexual health screening—including chlamydia and gonorrhea. Many clinics offer this for free or low cost.

2. Ask about fertility testing
If you're actively trying to conceive or considering egg freezing, you can ask for:

• AMH test to check ovarian reserve

• Pelvic ultrasound to look at the uterus and ovaries

• HSG scan to check if fallopian tubes are open and unblocked

3. Seek specialist support
If you’ve had chlamydia in the past and have been trying to conceive for more than 6–12 months, consider speaking to a fertility specialist to explore your next steps.

Final Thoughts

Chlamydia is common—and treatable. But when it goes undetected, it can silently affect your reproductive system, sometimes within months. If you’ve had past exposure or just want peace of mind, getting tested and understanding your current fertility status is one of the most empowering things you can do.

👉 Inside our Fertility 101 course, we walk you through fertility testing, reproductive health, and how to take the next step with clarity—whether you’re trying to conceive, planning ahead, or just looking for answers.

You deserve to know where you stand—and we’re here to guide you through it, every step of the way.

You don’t have to figure this alone

Inside fertie, you’ll get:

• Expert-led courses to make informed decisions

• Private support from women on the same path

• Exclusive partner clinic perks & discounts

Disclaimer: Prices and treatment protocols vary by clinic and individual. Always consult with your fertility specialist for accurate, up-to-date pricing and guidance tailored to your situation.