Talking to Your Doctor About Chlamydia
by
Ricker Polsdorfer, MD
You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors and/or experience with chlamydia. By talking openly and regularly with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.
General Tips for Gathering Information
Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your doctor:
- Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and help think of questions to ask your doctor.
- Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.
- Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.
Specific Questions to Ask Your Doctor
About Chlamydia
- What is my diagnosis?
- How serious is my condition?
- Do I have other conditions that might interact unfavorably with this condition?
About Your Risk of Developing Chlamydia
- Based on my medical history and lifestyle, am I at risk for chlamydial infections?
- How can I prevent them?
About Treatment Options
- What medications are available to help me?
- What are the benefits/side effects of these medications?
- Will these medications interact with other medications, over-the-counter products, or dietary or herbal supplements I am already taking for other conditions?
- What time of day should I take my medications?
- Is timing of meals relevant to my mediation?
- What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
- Are there any alternative or complementary therapies that I should consider?
About Lifestyle Changes
- Just how risky is my lifestyle?
- By how much will I reduce my risk by using condoms?
- Are there any other risk reduction measures I can take besides abstinence?
About Your Treatment Goals
- Will the treatment cure me, or will there be residual effects?
- How do I know if I am cured?
- How often should I be rechecked by a doctor?
REFERENCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2010.
MMWR
2010;59(No. RR-12):1-110.
Chlamydia fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/default.htm
. Updated Feburaray 8, 2012. Accessed October 6, 2012.
Chlamydia genital infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php
. Updated September 7, 2012. Accessed October 6, 2012.
Chlamydia.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases website. Available at:
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/chlamydia/
. Updated August 20, 2010. Accessed October 6, 2012.
Chlamydia. National Women's Health Organization website. Available at:
http://www.womenshealth.gov/
. Updated July 8, 2011. Accessed October 6, 2012.
Last reviewed September 2012 by Brian Randall, MD
Last Updated: 09/30/2012