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Chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) is a group of bacteria that can cause various infections in the urinary and genital tract. Types D–K, in particular, are specifically responsible for chlamydia infections in this area. These infections manifest, for example, as inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis) or inflammation of the ureter (urethritis), with symptoms such as burning during urination or vaginal discharge.

In men: Typical symptoms in men include painful urination and abnormal discharge from the penis. If the infection is left untreated, the bacteria can spread and cause inflammation of the prostate or the internal female reproductive organs, which can ultimately lead to infertility. In addition, swimming pool conjunctivitis, a conjunctivitis that can be transmitted through contact with water, can occur.

In women: The infection often occurs without obvious symptoms in women, which is why they can be carriers without realizing it. Such an infection is particularly dangerous during pregnancy, as it can harm the unborn child. Another form of chlamydia, types L1–L3, leads to the sexually transmitted disease "lymphogranuloma inguinale." This disease manifests as swollen lymph nodes in the groin and occurs primarily in tropical and subtropical regions.

In the acute phase, 2–7 days after infection, men experience urethritis, characterized by itching, purulent discharge, painful urination, and frequent urination. Some men may not notice any symptoms for up to a month.

If the infection is not treated, inflammation of the prostate can occur in the chronic phase.

Women can be infected without experiencing symptoms, and thus the disease remains undetected and untreated for a long time. Otherwise, a variety of local inflammatory reactions in the bladder or female reproductive organs such as the ovaries are possible, with the risk of infertility. Infection is particularly dangerous during pregnancy, as it can harm the unborn child.

Most people infected with Trichomonas vaginalis have no symptoms and the infection can go undetected for years.

Trichomoniasis affects both women and men. Symptoms are more common in women. Symptoms may appear 5 to 28 days after infection. Symptoms include pain, burning, or itching in the penis, urethra (urethritis), or vagina (vaginitis). A foul-smelling, thin vaginal discharge may also occur. Symptoms for both sexes may worsen during sexual intercourse and urination.

The infection causes inflammation of the urethra (urethritis) in both men and women, which is accompanied by mucous-purulent discharge from the urinary tract and painful urination.

In women, it can also cause inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis) and the internal genital organs, which can lead to infertility as a long-term consequence.