STD Clinic

Should I retest after chlamydia treatment? STD clinic in Seoul, Korea

The short answer

A retest is advised if symptoms continue, if you are pregnant, or if there is a chance your partner was not treated. Many guidelines also suggest retesting about three months later, because re-infection is common. Testing too soon after treatment can detect dead bacterial DNA and give a false positive.

PCR tests detect genetic material, which can linger for a few weeks after the bacteria are killed. That is why an immediate retest is not useful unless your doctor advises it.

Retest if

  • Symptoms persist after treatment
  • You are pregnant
  • Your partner was not treated or you had sex during treatment
  • Around three months later, to check for re-infection

Your doctor will advise the right timing for you. See chlamydia.

Answered by Dami Women's Clinic (다미산부인과의원), Yeouido, Seoul · Dr. Ko Sang-hyun, OB/GYN. General information, not a diagnosis. Emergencies in Korea: call 119. Medical disclaimer · International Patient Center