Pain After Chlamydia Testing: Is It Normal?

Chlamydia testing

Hello, Dr.
Huang.
I recently want to get pregnant and went to the obstetrics and gynecology department for an examination.
The gynecologist also performed a chlamydia test.
I felt a lot of pain during the sampling.
I experienced pain while urinating on the same day of the test, and it continued the next day as well.
It feels like there is a wound inside my cervix.
However, I have not experienced any bleeding, and my period is still 10 days away.
There were no abnormalities before the examination.
Is this pain a normal phenomenon? I look forward to your clarification, doctor.

Meizi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/26

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Recently, I wanted to get pregnant, so I went to the obstetrics and gynecology department for an examination.
The gynecologist also performed a chlamydia test.
I felt a lot of pain during the sampling.
After the test, I experienced pain while urinating on the same day, and it continued the next day as well.
It feels like there is a wound inside my cervix.
However, I have not experienced any bleeding, and my period is still 10 days away.
There were no abnormalities before the examination.
Is this pain a normal phenomenon? Answer: This should be clarified by the attending physician.

Reply Date: 2017/05/26

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your question regarding the pain you experienced after a Chlamydia test. It’s understandable to be concerned about any discomfort following a medical procedure, especially when it involves sensitive areas of the body.

Firstly, it’s important to note that some discomfort after a Chlamydia test can be considered normal. The test typically involves taking a sample from the cervix or urethra, which can cause temporary discomfort or pain. This is particularly true if the area is sensitive or if there was any manipulation during the sampling process. Many patients report mild to moderate discomfort during and after the procedure, which usually resolves within a short period.

However, the pain you are experiencing during urination, especially if it persists beyond the initial testing period, warrants further attention. Pain during urination can be indicative of several conditions, including:
1. Irritation or Inflammation: The sampling process may have caused some irritation to the urethra or cervix, leading to discomfort during urination. This is often temporary and should improve as the area heals.

2. Infection: While the test is meant to check for Chlamydia, it’s possible to develop a urinary tract infection (UTI) or another type of infection following any procedure that involves the genital area. Symptoms of a UTI include burning during urination, frequent urge to urinate, and sometimes lower abdominal pain.

3. Cervical Trauma: Although you mentioned no bleeding, it’s possible that the cervix was slightly traumatized during the sampling, leading to discomfort. This can sometimes feel like a sharp pain or pressure in the pelvic area.

4. Other Conditions: Conditions such as vulvodynia or vaginismus can also cause pain during urination or after gynecological procedures. These conditions are often related to muscle tension or nerve sensitivity in the pelvic area.

Given that you are trying to conceive and have experienced pain that is not resolving, it would be prudent to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may want to conduct a physical examination to rule out any complications, such as an infection or significant trauma. Additionally, they might consider performing a urinalysis to check for signs of infection or other abnormalities.

In the meantime, here are a few self-care tips that may help alleviate your discomfort:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help dilute your urine, which may reduce irritation during urination.

- Avoid Irritants: Stay away from potential irritants such as scented soaps, bubble baths, or feminine hygiene sprays that could exacerbate discomfort.

- Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the lower abdomen may help soothe any cramping or discomfort.

- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain, but consult your doctor before taking any medication, especially if you are trying to conceive.

In conclusion, while some discomfort after a Chlamydia test can be normal, persistent pain during urination is not typical and should be evaluated by your healthcare provider. They can provide a thorough assessment and appropriate treatment to ensure your reproductive health is maintained as you pursue pregnancy. Thank you for reaching out, and I wish you the best of luck on your journey to conception!

Similar Q&A

Understanding Chlamydia Test Results: Do You Need Treatment?

Hello, doctor... I would like to ask you about a Chlamydia infection. About five weeks ago, I had sexual intercourse with my ex-girlfriend. Later, I found out she was seeing someone else, and we broke up. Recently, I have noticed some unusual sensations at the tip of my urethra, ...

Dr. Chen Zhihong reply Urology
Currently, the detection methods for Chlamydia include pathogen culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which are the most accurate. The reliability of other antibody response tests is not high, so you do not need to be concerned about them.

Understanding Infections After Unprotected Oral Sex: A Urology Perspective

Hello Doctor, I previously asked you some questions, and I have some follow-up issues regarding my examination. Let me briefly describe the complete situation: 12 weeks ago, I had an encounter with a sex worker, during which I received unprotected oral sex and had protected vagin...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Some infections may be easy to identify, but the specific type of infection can be difficult to diagnose. The medications you are using are aimed at treating the infection, and theoretically, they should effectively resolve it. If you have not engaged in sexual activity af...

Understanding Chlamydia Infections: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

On November 15, I had sexual intercourse with a condom. On November 25, I experienced urethral itching and tested for Chlamydia IgA, which was 0.71; the lab indicated that a result of <0.8 is considered negative. On December 15, I had prostate pain and blood tests showed an Ig...

Dr. Xu Wencang reply Urology
It is not necessarily a Chlamydia infection; a urine test for Chlamydia antigens is required for accurate diagnosis. Aseptic chronic prostatitis or pelvic pain is generally more difficult to treat and may require physical therapy or lifestyle modifications. If there is no improve...

Understanding Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Testing After Urinary Symptoms

Hello doctor, two weeks after sexual intercourse, I went to the hospital for a urinalysis and urine culture because one night during that two-week period, I experienced a burning sensation in my urethra and severe lower abdominal pain while urinating. I felt the urge to urinate b...

Dr. Cai Zhuorong reply Urology
The symptoms of male gonorrhea and chlamydial urethritis primarily include urethral discharge. There is a possibility of false negatives in testing, so it is recommended that you continue to monitor your condition.