What should you know about cdc chlamydia fact sheet?

Chlamydia can affect the cervix, urethra, rectum or throat, depending on sexual exposure. Many people have no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include painful urination, unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods, pelvic discomfort or testicular pain. Untreated infection can move upward into the reproductive organs and contribute to pelvic inflammatory disease, which may affect fertility or cause persistent pelvic pain.

Arrange STI screening if you have symptoms, a new or possibly exposed partner, or a partner diagnosed with chlamydia. Testing may use urine or a swab from the exposed area. Take the prescribed antibiotic exactly as directed, avoid sex until your clinician says it is safe, and tell recent partners so they can be assessed. Do not share leftover antibiotics or assume symptoms have cleared without testing or follow-up.

Seek prompt care for lower abdominal or pelvic pain, fever, pain during sex, bleeding after sex, vomiting, or feeling acutely unwell. These features can indicate a complication such as pelvic inflammatory disease. Pregnancy, severe pain, testicular swelling or pain, and symptoms that persist after treatment all warrant timely medical assessment.

Ask which tests are needed for each exposed body site, when partners should be treated, when sex can safely resume, whether repeat testing is advised, and what symptoms would suggest pelvic inflammatory disease.