What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Chlamydia (Suspected) - Testing & Treatment Pathway

Audience: adult

If you have a telemedicine visit because you suspect you might have chlamydia, the healthcare provider will guide you through what to do next. Usually, this involves getting tested to confirm if you have the infection. Testing often requires a urine sample or a swab from the affected area, which you may need to do at a local clinic or lab. If the test confirms chlamydia, treatment with antibiotics is typically prescribed. It's important to take all medication as directed and avoid sexual contact until treatment is complete and you have been cleared by a healthcare provider. Your provider may also recommend that your recent sexual partners get tested and treated to prevent spreading the infection. Follow-up testing may be advised to ensure the infection is fully cleared. If you experience symptoms like severe pain, fever, or unusual discharge, seek in-person care promptly. Telemedicine can help with education, initial assessment, and treatment planning but cannot replace necessary physical exams or urgent care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pelvic or lower abdominal pain — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) with chills — get urgent medical attention.
• Heavy or foul-smelling vaginal or penile discharge, especially with bleeding — see a healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial consultation and symptom assessment for suspected chlamydia.
• Providing education about chlamydia infection, testing, and prevention.
• Prescribing antibiotics if appropriate based on assessment and guidelines.
• Guidance on notifying sexual partners and safe sexual practices.
• Follow-up advice and answering questions after treatment.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations that require in-person assessment.
• Collecting laboratory samples that must be done in a clinic or lab.
• Managing severe symptoms or complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Emergency care for severe pain, bleeding, or systemic infection signs.
• Providing injections or treatments that require direct healthcare provider administration.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, your provider will likely recommend testing to confirm if you have chlamydia. This usually involves providing a urine sample or a swab from the genital area. You may be directed to a nearby clinic or lab for this testing. Results typically take a few days. Meanwhile, your provider may start treatment based on your symptoms and risk factors.

Testing for Chlamydia

Chlamydia testing is important because many people do not have symptoms. Testing methods include urine tests or swabs from the cervix, urethra, throat, or rectum, depending on your sexual practices. Accurate testing helps ensure you get the right treatment and avoid complications.

Treatment and Medication

If your test is positive, your provider will prescribe antibiotics. Common medications include azithromycin or doxycycline. It's important to take the full course as directed, even if symptoms improve quickly. Avoid sexual activity until you and your partners have completed treatment to prevent reinfection.

Partner Notification and Testing

Chlamydia can easily spread to sexual partners. Your provider may advise you to inform recent partners so they can get tested and treated. This helps stop the infection from spreading and reduces the chance of getting reinfected.

Follow-Up Care

Your provider may recommend a follow-up test about three months after treatment to make sure the infection is gone. If symptoms persist or return, seek further medical advice. Regular screening is important if you have ongoing risk factors.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you experience severe pelvic or abdominal pain, fever, heavy or unusual vaginal or penile discharge, bleeding between periods, or pain during urination, seek in-person medical care promptly. These may be signs of complications that require urgent treatment.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your symptoms ready, including when they started.
• Know your recent sexual history to discuss with your provider.
• Prepare a quiet, private space for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a list of any medications or allergies to share.
• Be ready to discuss your general health and any previous sexually transmitted infections.

After your tele-visit

• Complete any laboratory testing as directed by your provider.
• Take all prescribed antibiotics exactly as instructed.
• Avoid sexual contact until treatment is finished and you are cleared by your provider.
• Notify recent sexual partners so they can get tested and treated if needed.
• Schedule or attend any recommended follow-up testing or visits.
• Watch for any new or worsening symptoms and seek care if needed.

FAQs

How soon will I get my test results after a telemedicine visit?

Test results usually take a few days to a week, depending on the lab. Your healthcare provider will inform you how and when you will receive your results.

Can chlamydia go away without treatment?

Chlamydia often does not go away on its own and can cause serious complications if untreated. Antibiotic treatment is necessary to clear the infection.

Is it safe to have sex during treatment?

No. You should avoid sexual activity until you and your partners have completed treatment and your provider confirms the infection is cleared to prevent spreading or getting reinfected.

What happens if my partner refuses to get tested or treated?

It's important to protect your health by avoiding sexual contact until both you and your partner(s) are treated. Discuss concerns with your healthcare provider for advice and support.

Can I get tested for other sexually transmitted infections during this process?

Yes. Your provider may recommend testing for other infections like gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis, as these can occur alongside chlamydia.

Sources

1. Chlamydia - CDC Fact Sheet — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Chlamydia Infection — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) — World Health Organization (WHO).
4. Chlamydia: Overview — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or have concerns about your health, seek care from a healthcare professional in person promptly.