Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Most women have no symptoms, so it is found by testing a vaginal swab or urine sample with a PCR test. It is curable with a short course of antibiotics, but untreated chlamydia can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes and affect fertility.
- Cause
- Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria
- Symptoms
- Often none
- Test
- Vaginal swab or urine PCR
- Treatment
- Antibiotics, usually 7 days
- No sex
- Until treatment complete + 7 days
- Retest
- About 3 months later
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection passed on through vaginal, anal or oral sex, or genital contact. In women it most often infects the cervix, and it can also affect the urethra, rectum or throat. It is one of the most frequently diagnosed STIs worldwide, especially in people under 25.
Because it is so often silent, many women only find out through routine testing or when a partner is diagnosed.
Symptoms of chlamydia in women
Most women have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:
- Increased or changed vaginal discharge
- Bleeding after sex or between periods
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain, or pain during sex
How chlamydia testing works
- Private consultation Your doctor discusses symptoms, partners and the timing of possible exposure in English.
- Sample A vaginal swab (often self-collected or taken during an exam) or a first-catch urine sample is collected. Throat or rectal swabs are added if relevant.
- PCR (NAAT) test This highly sensitive test detects the bacteria's genetic material. Testing is most reliable from about 1–2 weeks after exposure.
- Combined testing Gonorrhea is usually tested from the same sample, and other STIs can be added — see the STD test panel.
- Results in English PCR results typically return in about 2–4 days and are shared confidentially.
Treatment and what to do afterwards
Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. International guidelines most often recommend doxycycline for 7 days; a single-dose or alternative antibiotic may be used in pregnancy or when doxycycline is not suitable. Your doctor will choose the right option for you.
| Step | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Take all medication | Finish the full course | Ensures the infection clears |
| Avoid sex | Until 7 days after treatment ends and partners are treated | Prevents reinfection |
| Tell partners | Recent partners (usually last 60 days) should be tested and treated | Stops the cycle of infection |
| Retest | About 3 months after treatment | Reinfection is common |
| Test of cure | Advised in pregnancy or if symptoms persist | Confirms clearance |
Chlamydia infects the cervix and, if untreated, can spread up into the uterus and fallopian tubes.
After a full course of antibiotics the infection clears, lowering the risk of tubal damage.
Complications of untreated chlamydia
Without treatment, chlamydia can travel upward and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can scar the fallopian tubes, increasing the risk of long-term pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. In pregnancy, chlamydia can be passed to the baby at birth. Prompt testing and treatment greatly reduce these risks. If you are planning pregnancy, STI screening is part of preconception counseling.
Cost and insurance for international patients
At Yoonho Women's Hospital in Apgujeong, chlamydia testing is usually part of an STD panel. As a general guide, a basic panel is about ₩100,000–200,000; a written estimate is given after consultation. Treatment of a diagnosed infection may be covered for residents with National Health Insurance — see insurance for foreigners. English results and receipts are available on request.
Why international patients choose Yoonho
Frequently asked questions
How long after sex can chlamydia be detected?
PCR tests are generally reliable from about 1–2 weeks after exposure. If you test earlier, your doctor may suggest a repeat test.
Can chlamydia go away without treatment?
It sometimes clears on its own over time, but it can also persist silently and cause complications, so treatment is always recommended once diagnosed.
Do I need to tell my partner?
Yes, recent partners should be tested and treated to avoid passing the infection back and forth. Your doctor can help you plan how to tell them discreetly.
Can I get chlamydia again?
Yes. Having had chlamydia does not make you immune, which is why retesting about 3 months after treatment is recommended.
Can foreigners get chlamydia treatment in Korea without insurance?
Yes. You can be tested and treated at Yoonho with your passport, paying out of pocket, and request English documents for your insurer.
OB-GYN Specialist · Director of OB-GYN
M.D., Ewha Womans University College of Medicine · Former Clinical Instructor, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital · Member, Korean Society of Menopause
Last reviewed: . This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person consultation.
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Yoonho Hospital · 304 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00, Sat 9:00–13:00 · Walk-ins welcome.