Chlamydia: symptoms, causes and which doctor to see
Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection and causes no symptoms in most people. In women it can silently spread to the womb and tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. It is detected with a simple urine or swab test and is easily treated with antibiotics.
Which doctor should I see for chlamydia?
For chlamydia you can first see: Obstetrics & Gynecology or Urology or Infectious Diseases. If you are not sure, a family doctor can refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
- Often no symptoms
- Burning when passing urine
- In women: discharge, bleeding between periods or after sex
- In men: clear discharge, testicular pain
- Lower abdominal pain
What causes chlamydia?
The most common causes are listed below. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
- 1Chlamydia trachomatis transmitted through unprotected sex
- 2Mother-to-baby transmission at birth (eye and lung infection)
When is it an emergency? Call 112 now
- Is there fever and severe lower abdominal pain
- Is a pregnancy test positive with one-sided lower abdominal pain
- Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up
- Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg
- Are you struggling to breathe even at rest
What you can do at home
- Avoid sex until treatment is finished and your partner has been treated.
- Tell your partner(s).
- Do not start antibiotics on your own.
What not to do
- Do not skip partner treatment because there are no symptoms; you will be reinfected.
See a doctor if
- For burning urine, discharge or bleeding after sex
- For testing after a new partner
- If your partner has been diagnosed with chlamydia
How long does it last and how is it treated?
It clears within a week with antibiotics; repeat testing after a few months may be advised.
Who gets chlamydia?
- Sexually active people under 25
- People with new or multiple partners
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosed with a molecular test (PCR) on urine or a vaginal-cervical swab.
Can it be prevented?
- Condom use and regular testing during risky periods.
Find a gynecologist in your city
Gynecologists in Turkish cities who can help with chlamydia.
People also describe it as
- “I need an STI test after a holiday fling”
Frequently asked questions
Which doctor should I see for chlamydia?
For chlamydia you can first see: Obstetrics & Gynecology or Urology or Infectious Diseases. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.
What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
Common symptoms: often no symptoms; burning when passing urine; in women: discharge, bleeding between periods or after sex; in men: clear discharge, testicular pain; lower abdominal pain. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.
What should you not do with chlamydia?
Do not skip partner treatment because there are no symptoms; you will be reinfected.
What causes chlamydia?
The most common causes: chlamydia trachomatis transmitted through unprotected sex; mother-to-baby transmission at birth (eye and lung infection). Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
How long does chlamydia last and how is it treated?
It clears within a week with antibiotics; repeat testing after a few months may be advised.
Who gets chlamydia?
It is more common in: sexually active people under 25; people with new or multiple partners.
How is chlamydia diagnosed?
Diagnosed with a molecular test (PCR) on urine or a vaginal-cervical swab.
Can chlamydia be prevented?
Condom use and regular testing during risky periods.
Where can I get an STI test in Turkey?
Urology, gynaecology, dermatology and infectious disease clinics in hospitals can test for STIs; results are confidential.
When is chlamydia an emergency?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Is there fever and severe lower abdominal pain?” “Is a pregnancy test positive with one-sided lower abdominal pain?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”
When should I see a doctor for chlamydia?
See a doctor: for burning urine, discharge or bleeding after sex; for testing after a new partner; if your partner has been diagnosed with chlamydia.
Similar complaints
Emergency numbers in Turkey
112: ambulance, emergency (free, 24/7, from any phone). 114: National Poison Information Centre. 182: appointment line for public hospitals (MHRS). Pharmacies on night duty (nöbetçi eczane) are posted on the door of every pharmacy.
Sources
This page is based on current information published by the official and independent bodies below and on our editorial principles. Last updated: . To report an error: contact us.
This page does not provide a medical diagnosis and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you think it is an emergency, call 112 (Turkey’s free emergency number). For poisoning, call the National Poison Information Centre on 114.