How to prepare for a video visit about Chlamydia (Suspected) - Testing & Treatment Pathway

Audience: adult

If you think you might have chlamydia, a common sexually transmitted infection (STI), a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand your symptoms and discuss testing and treatment options. During the visit, your provider will ask about your symptoms, sexual history, and any recent exposures. They may recommend testing, which usually involves a urine sample or swab. If diagnosed, chlamydia is often treated with antibiotics. Preparing for your video visit can help make the appointment smooth and effective. Remember, telemedicine can guide you through testing and treatment options, but it cannot replace in-person care when urgent or complex issues arise. Always seek emergency care if you experience severe symptoms.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pelvic or abdominal pain — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever or chills accompanying symptoms — get urgent in-person evaluation.
• Heavy vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge with a foul smell — contact healthcare urgently.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of symptoms related to suspected chlamydia.
• Providing guidance on testing methods and locations.
• Prescribing antibiotics for uncomplicated chlamydia cases.
• Offering education on prevention and safe sexual practices.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Managing severe or complicated infections requiring physical examination.
• Treating pelvic inflammatory disease or related complications.
• Handling emergencies such as severe pain or heavy bleeding.
• Performing physical exams or collecting certain diagnostic samples in person.

What is Chlamydia and Why Testing Matters

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that spreads through sexual contact. Many people do not have symptoms but can still spread the infection. Untreated chlamydia can lead to serious health problems, including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Testing helps confirm if you have the infection so you can get proper treatment.

What to Expect During Your Video Visit

During the video visit, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, sexual activity, and any previous STI history. They may guide you on how to collect a urine sample or swab for testing, which might be done at home or at a local lab. Your provider will discuss treatment options if chlamydia is suspected or confirmed.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, find a private, quiet space with good internet connection. Have a list of your symptoms, recent sexual partners, and any questions ready. If you have previous medical records or test results related to STIs, keep them accessible. Avoid sexual activity until you have completed treatment and your provider advises it is safe.

Treatment and Follow-Up

Chlamydia is typically treated with antibiotics, which your provider may prescribe during or after the visit. It is important to take all medication as directed, even if symptoms improve quickly. Avoid sexual contact until treatment is complete and your provider confirms it is safe. Follow-up testing may be recommended to ensure the infection is cleared.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you experience severe pelvic pain, fever, heavy bleeding, or symptoms worsening rapidly, seek immediate in-person medical care. Telemedicine cannot replace emergency or complex care needs. Your provider can help determine if you need to visit a clinic or hospital.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a private, quiet place with good internet for your video visit.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms and any recent sexual partners.
• Have any previous STI test results or medical records ready.
• Be ready to discuss your sexual history openly and honestly.
• Avoid sexual activity before your visit and until treatment is complete.

After your tele-visit

• Take all prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed by your provider.
• Avoid sexual contact until your provider confirms it is safe.
• Monitor your symptoms and report any worsening or new symptoms.
• Consider notifying recent sexual partners so they can get tested and treated.
• Schedule follow-up testing if recommended by your healthcare provider.

FAQs

How is chlamydia tested during a telemedicine visit?

Your provider may guide you to collect a urine sample or a swab from the genital area, which you can do at home or at a local lab. These samples are then tested for the infection.

Can chlamydia be cured with antibiotics?

Yes, chlamydia is usually cured with a course of antibiotics. It is important to take all medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before finishing the treatment.

Should I inform my sexual partners if I have chlamydia?

Yes, informing recent sexual partners is important so they can get tested and treated to prevent spreading the infection further.

Can I have sex during treatment?

It is best to avoid sexual activity until you have completed treatment and your healthcare provider confirms it is safe to resume.

What if I have no symptoms but think I was exposed?

Chlamydia can often have no symptoms. If you think you were exposed, it is important to get tested even without symptoms to prevent complications and transmission.

Sources

1. Chlamydia - MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2021 — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Chlamydia Infection — Mayo Clinic.
4. Chlamydia — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or emergencies, seek immediate medical attention. Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider.