When to worry about painful urination with chlamydia

Chlamydia can inflame the urethra, causing burning when urine passes. It may also cause unusual vaginal, penile, or rectal discharge, discomfort during sex, lower abdominal pain, or pain or swelling around a testicle. Some people have few symptoms, so the absence of discharge does not rule it out. Painful urination can also have other causes, including a urinary infection or irritation, and testing is needed to tell them apart.

Arrange a sexual-health or primary-care assessment for a urine or swab test. Avoid sex, including oral sex, until a clinician advises that it is safe after treatment; recent partners may also need testing and treatment. Do not share antibiotics or use leftover medicine. Drink normally, and record when the pain began, any discharge, and recent sexual exposure so the clinician can choose appropriate tests.

Seek same-day care for fever, vomiting, worsening lower abdominal pain, pelvic pain, or testicular pain or swelling. Get urgent help if you cannot pass urine, feel faint, or become severely unwell. Pregnancy with pelvic pain, bleeding, or fever also warrants prompt assessment because untreated infection can spread.

Ask which chlamydia tests you need, whether testing at the throat or rectum is relevant, when treatment should start, and when partners should be contacted. Ask what symptoms suggest a complication and when you should return if the burning does not settle.