When to Seek Medical Care
When to Call the Doctor
Sexual contact with an infected person: Often, an infected sexual partner informs others about the chlamydial infection, serving as the first indication of the disease. All partners of an infected person should be treated to prevent the infection from spreading.
When to Go to the Hospital
Chlamydial infections can lead to serious medical conditions if left untreated.
Women: Pelvic inflammatory disease is a severe condition that can result in sterility. Symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, and vaginal discharge can be signs of this illness. Women with these symptoms should immediately go to a hospital's emergency department for treatment.
Men: Symptoms like fever, genital discharge, and painful urination may indicate an infection, possibly involving testicle inflammation. Men with these symptoms should promptly visit a hospital's emergency department for treatment.
Follow-up
Complete the full course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve and disappear.
Notify all sexual partners of the infection. They should either be treated or tested to prevent reinfection.
Consider retesting if symptoms persist or if you suspect reinfection. Having the infection once doesn't grant immunity against repeat infections.
Use latex condoms during sexual intercourse.
Prevention
Use latex condoms when engaging in sexual intercourse.
Avoid sexual contact with high-risk partners.
Treat infected sexual partners or ensure they are tested before resuming sexual relations. Up to one-fourth of sexual partners can become reinfected if the partner remains untreated.