When is antibiotic treatment recommended for chlamydia?

Chlamydia can affect the cervix, urethra, rectum, throat or eyes, and many people have no symptoms. Testing may use a urine sample or a swab from the exposed site. Treatment choice changes with pregnancy, the infection site, allergies, other medicines and possible complications. Untreated infection can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, testicular inflammation or infection in a newborn, so a positive result should be acted on even when symptoms are mild or absent.

Take the prescribed medicine exactly as directed and avoid sex until the clinician says it is safe, including avoiding exposure that could pass the infection back and forth. Tell recent partners so they can obtain testing or treatment. Ask whether testing for other sexually transmitted infections is appropriate. Return for review if symptoms continue, and follow advice about repeat testing because a new infection can occur.

Seek urgent care for severe lower abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, fainting, sudden testicular pain or swelling, or significant eye pain or vision change. Arrange prompt review for pain during sex, unusual bleeding, discharge, burning urination or pregnancy with a positive result.

Ask which body site was tested, how to take the prescription, when sexual contact can resume, how partners should be notified, and whether follow-up testing is needed.