What happens if chlamydia is not treated?

Chlamydia may cause few or no noticeable symptoms, so a person can pass it to a partner without realising. In some people, infection moves upward from the cervix or urethra and contributes to pelvic inflammatory disease. This can cause pelvic or lower abdominal pain, pain during sex, bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods or painful urination. Untreated infection can also affect fertility and may cause complications during pregnancy. These outcomes are not certain, but they are reasons to arrange testing rather than wait for symptoms.

Arrange a sexual health or primary-care assessment and follow the recommended test. If the result is positive, take the prescribed antibiotic treatment exactly as directed. Avoid sex until a clinician says it is safe, and ask how current and recent partners should be tested or treated. Do not share antibiotics or use leftover medicine. A clinician may check for other sexually transmitted infections and assess pelvic symptoms.

Seek prompt care for pelvic or lower abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, pain during sex or unusual bleeding. Urgent assessment is appropriate for severe pain, fainting, heavy bleeding or feeling very unwell. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, contact a clinician promptly after possible exposure or a positive test.

Ask which tests you need, when partners should be contacted, how long to avoid sex and whether you need a repeat test. Mention pelvic pain, bleeding or painful urination, even if these symptoms are mild.