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Warning-sign checks

Chlamydia infections in women: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for fainting, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or concerning symptoms during a possible pregnancy.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Most nonpregnant people do not need a test immediately after completing treatment if they took the medicine correctly, symptoms have resolved, and reinfection is not suspected.

    Testing too soon can detect genetic material from dead bacteria and produce a positive result even though treatment worked.

    Arrange a routine or prompt follow-up appointment if:

    • Symptoms continue after treatment
    • Medicine was not taken as directed
    • Sex occurred before both partners completed treatment
    • A partner was not treated
    • New exposure may have occurred
    • There are questions about pregnancy, fertility, or other STI tests

    Seek same-day medical advice for fever with pelvic pain, worsening lower abdominal pain, vomiting, or new pain during sex.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    This is routine follow-up, not a sign that treatment was expected to fail.

The article also says

Testing again about three months after treatment is generally recommended because repeat infections are common.

If that timing is not possible, retesting should occur when medical care is next available within the following year.

During pregnancy, a test of cure is recommended about four weeks after treatment to confirm that the infection has cleared.

Pregnant patients are also retested later because repeat infection can affect both parent and baby.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Chlamydia infections in women. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.