Table 2.

The following may be used as guidance for counselling a patient with Chlamydia infection

1. What is C.trachomatis and how it is transmitted

a. It is a common infection in sexually active individuals

b. It is primarily sexually transmitted, but may not be always so

c. If asymptomatic there is evidence that it could have persisted for months or years

2. The diagnosis of C.trachomatis:

a. It is often asymptomatic in both men and women

b. Whilst tests are accurate, no test is absolutely so

3. The complications of untreated C.trachomatis

4. Side effects and importance of complying fully with treatment and what to do if a dose is missed.

5. The importance of their sexual partner(s) being evaluated and treated.

6. Advised to abstain from sexual intercourse until they and their partner(s) have completed therapy (and waited seven days if treated with azithromycin).