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Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

If you think you have a sexually transmitted illness, such as chlamydia, make an appointment to see your family doctor.

What you can do
Before your appointment, you might want to write a list of answers to the following questions:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • Does anything make them better or worse?
  • What medications and supplements do you take regularly?

You also might want to prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor. Sample questions include:

  • Should I be tested for other sexually transmitted illnesses?
  • Should my partner be tested or treated for chlamydia infection?
  • Should I abstain from sexual activity during treatment? How long should I wait?
  • How can I prevent chlamydia infection in the future?

What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:

  • Do you have a new sexual partner or multiple partners?
  • Do you use condoms?
  • Are you experiencing any pelvic pain?
  • Do you have any pain while urinating?
  • Do you have any sores or unusual discharge?
References
  1. Chlamydia: CDC fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia.htm. Accessed Feb. 28, 2011.
  2. Chlamydia: Frequently asked questions. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://womenshealth.gov/faq/chlamydia.cfm. Accessed Feb. 28, 2011.
  3. Zenilman JM. Genital chlamydia trachomatis infections in women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 28, 2011.
  4. Zenilman JM. Genital chlamydia trachomatis infections in men. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 28, 2011.
  5. Brunham RC. Chlamydial diseases. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191371208-2/0/1492/0.html#. Accessed Feb. 28, 2011.
  6. Marrazzo J. Treatment of chlamydia trachomatis infection. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 28, 2011.
  7. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): CDC fact sheet. http://www.cdc.gov/std/pid/stdfact-pid.htm. Accessed Feb. 28, 2011.
  8. Rohren CH (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 3, 2011.
DS00173 April 29, 2011

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