If doxycycline fails to eradicate your chlamydia infection, you may experience persistent symptoms. These could include continued pain during urination, abnormal vaginal discharge, or unusual bleeding. In men, persistent symptoms might include pain in the testicles or discharge from the penis.
Untreated or inadequately treated chlamydia can lead to serious complications. In women, this can result in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes and lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy. Men may develop epididymitis, an inflammation of the tube that carries sperm.
Both men and women risk developing reactive arthritis, a type of joint inflammation, if chlamydia remains untreated. In rare cases, chlamydia can spread to the rectum causing proctitis, resulting in rectal pain and bleeding.
If you experience persistent symptoms or suspect treatment failure, you need immediate medical attention. Your doctor might conduct further testing to confirm the persistence of the infection and prescribe alternative antibiotics, such as azithromycin. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are key to avoiding long-term health issues.
| Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) | Lower abdominal pain, fever, vaginal discharge |
| Epididymitis | Swollen and painful testicle |
| Reactive Arthritis | Joint pain, swelling, stiffness |
| Proctitis | Rectal pain, bleeding, discharge |
Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, complete the entire course of antibiotics, and schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure the infection is cleared. Open communication with your healthcare provider is crucial for successful treatment and to address any concerns you may have.
