When to worry about bleeding between periods with chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that can inflame the cervix. Inflamed cervical tissue may bleed between periods or after sex. Some people have few or no other symptoms, while others notice discharge, pelvic discomfort, or burning when urinating. Bleeding alone does not establish the cause.

Untreated infection can move upward into the reproductive organs and cause pelvic inflammatory disease. Testing usually uses a urine sample or a swab, and sexual partners may also need assessment.

Arrange a sexual-health or primary-care appointment for chlamydia testing and assessment for other sexually transmitted infections. Avoid sex until a clinician advises that treatment is complete and partners have been managed. Tell the clinician about the date of exposure, contraception, pregnancy possibility, pain, discharge, and any previous infection.

Seek urgent care for severe pelvic pain, fever, vomiting, faintness, heavy bleeding, or pain during a possible pregnancy. Prompt assessment matters when pain and bleeding occur together because pelvic inflammatory disease or an ectopic pregnancy may need urgent treatment.

Ask which tests you need, when results will be available, whether partners should be treated, and when it is safe to have sex again. Ask what symptoms mean you should return sooner.