Internal Medicine in Lagos
Chlamydia
The signs, what causes it, and when to see a internal medicine specialist in Lagos.
Signs to look for
Chlamydia
- Usually no symptoms at all
- Unusual vaginal discharge, or bleeding between periods or after sex
- Burning when passing urine
- A clear or cloudy discharge from the penis
- Lower abdominal pain or pain during sex in women
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection passed through sex, and one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Most people who have it feel nothing, which is why it spreads and why it is found late. Left untreated it can cause pelvic infection, blocked fallopian tubes and ectopic pregnancy in women, and pain and swelling in the testicles in men. A PCR test on urine or a self-taken swab finds it accurately, and a short course of antibiotics cures it.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Usually no symptoms at all
- Unusual vaginal discharge, or bleeding between periods or after sex
- Burning when passing urine
- A clear or cloudy discharge from the penis
- Lower abdominal pain or pain during sex in women
- Pain or swelling in the testicles
When to See a Doctor
Test after sex without a condom with a new partner, if a partner has chlamydia, before trying for a pregnancy, and once a year if you are sexually active and under 25 or change partners. The PCR test is reliable from about two weeks after the risk. See a doctor the same day for lower abdominal pain with fever, or a painful swollen testicle.
Treatment options
- A PCR test on a urine sample or a swab you take yourself; blood antibody tests show past infection, not a current one
- Doxycycline for seven days, the first-line treatment in current WHO guidance
- Azithromycin instead in pregnancy, with a test of cure four weeks later
- Treatment of partners, and no sex until a week after you have both finished treatment
- A retest at three months, because reinfection is common
Common Questions
Is a chlamydia blood test enough?
No. A blood antibody test shows that you have met chlamydia at some point, not that you have it now. The PCR test on urine or a swab shows a current infection, which is the one that needs treating.
Can chlamydia stop me getting pregnant?
It can. Untreated chlamydia can scar the fallopian tubes, which causes infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Testing and treating early prevents most of this damage.
Can chlamydia go away on its own?
It sometimes clears, but you cannot know whether it has, and it can do damage while it stays. A course of antibiotics cures it reliably.
Need Help?
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Complete STI screen with PCR, ₦99,500Talk to a doctor privately, ₦15,000Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.