Patient guide to chlamydia

About chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection passed on through vaginal, anal or oral sex.

Chlamydia can cause stinging when you pee, discharge or spotting. More than half of those infected have no symptoms.

Without treatment, chlamydia infection can develop into pelvic inflammatory disease in women and inflammation of the epididymis in men. In the worst cases, both conditions can reduce fertility.

The image illustrates typical discomfort in the lower abdomen that can occur with chlamydia

Treatment of chlamydia

Chlamydia is treated with prescribed antibiotics.

• Follow our instructions for taking antibiotics (also on the medicine box).
• Read the patient information leaflet, and contact us if you suspect serious side effects.
• Always complete the full course of treatment, even if the symptoms go away during it.

Precautions for chlamydia

• No sex: Avoid sex until you and your partner have completed treatment.
• Inform previous partners: Tell all sexual partners from the past 6 months that you have been diagnosed with chlamydia, so they can be tested and treated and the infection does not spread.

Follow-up

• Symptoms usually disappear within a week. Contact us if they continue.
• There is no need for a follow-up test unless your symptoms do not disappear.

Preventing chlamydia

• Condoms protect against chlamydia and are recommended for all sex with non-regular partners.

Clinically updated 12 January 2026