Talking to Your Doctor About Chlamydia
General Tips for Gathering Information
- 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
- What is my diagnosis?
- How serious is my condition?
- Do I have other conditions that might interact unfavorably with this condition?
- Based on my medical history and lifestyle, am I at risk for chlamydial infections?
- How can I prevent them?
- What medications are available to help me?
- How long do I have to take medications?
- 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 medication?
- What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
- Just how risky is my lifestyle?
- By how much will I reduce my risk by using condoms?
- How do I know if I'm using a condom properly?
- Is abstinence the only way I can protect myself?
- What is the best way to go about talking to my partners about exposure?
- 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?
Chlamydia—CDC fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/STDFact-chlamydia-detailed.htm. Updated January 7, 2014. Accessed July 31, 2014.
Chlamydia genital infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated June 30, 2014. Accessed July 31, 2014.
Mishori R, McClaskey, EL, et al. Chlamydia trachomatis infections: Screening, diagnosis, and management. Am Fam Physician. 2012;86(12):1127-1132.
Tips for talking to your doctor. American Academy of Family Physicians Family Doctor website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/healthcare-management/working-with-your-doctor/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor.html. Updated May 2014. Accessed July 31, 2014.
Workowski KA, Berman S, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2010. MMWR. 2010;59(No. RR-12):1-110.
- Reviewer: David Horn, MD
- Review Date: 05/2014 -
- Update Date: 07/31/2014 -
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
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