What Chlamydia Treatment Is Available
Fortunately treating chlamydia is quick and easy. It involves a short course of antibiotics.
The two most commonly prescribed chlamydia treatments are Azithromycin and Doxycycline. They are an effective treatment for chlamydia, and if taken correctly cure more than 95 out of every 100 cases of chlamydia.
How Long Will The Antibiotics Take To Work
Chlamydia antibiotics, Azithromycin or Doxycycline, usually clear symptoms quickly. Pain on passing urine and discharge normally clear within a week.
However pelvic pain or testicular pain can take two weeks to pass. Menstrual irregularities should improve by the next cycle.
Any symptoms that persist may be an indicator of failed treatment. If this occurs then you should see your doctor or local sexual health clinic for further treatment.
If the course of chlamydia treatment is taken correctly then there will be no need for re-testing to check the chlamydia has gone. A follow-up test is only advised if any of the following applies:
- You didnt take the medication as instructed
- Your symptoms remain
- Your symptoms have come back
- You had sex before you and your partner had completed treatment
There are many reasons why you may be experiencing persistent symptoms. For example, due to antibiotic resistance, sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia are becoming more difficult to treat.
Here are some other reasons why your chlamydia symptoms might not be clearing up :
In the case of failed treatment or unresolved symptoms, you should see your GP or visit your local GUM clinic.
When Should I Get Chlamydia Testing
As most people infected with chlamydia do not experience symptoms, doctors rely on screening to detect most cases of chlamydia. Screening guidelines vary based on many factors, including a persons anatomy, health, and sexual practices. Regular screening for chlamydia is recommended for several groups:
Certain factors increase the risk of contracting chlamydia and may affect how often a person should be screened. Risk factors include having:
- Sex with a new partner
- More than one sexual partner or a partner who has sex with mutiple people
- A sex partner diagnosed with an STD
Testing for chlamydia is more frequently conducted in asymptomatic people in settings where infection rates are high, which often includes correctional facilities, adolescent health clinics, the military, and sexual health clinics.
Diagnostic chlamydia testing is recommended for anyone with signs or symptoms of this infection. When symptoms do occur, they may not appear until a few weeks after exposure. Signs and symptoms of chlamydia can vary based on the site of infection but may include:
- Burning during urination
- Abnormal discharge from the vagina, penis, or rectum
- Vaginal bleeding after sex or pain during intercourse
- Pain, tenderness, or swelling in the testicles or scrotum
- Rectal pain
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Can You Get Chlamydia More Than Once
Yes, you can get the infection even if youve successfully treated it already.
A sexual partner who has chlamydia can transmit it to you again, even if youve already had it and treated it.
You can also get chlamydia again if it wasnt fully treated the first time. This can happen if you stop taking the necessary treatment. Its important to complete the antibiotics youve been given, even if your symptoms get better.
The CDC recommends getting tested 3 months after treatment of your initial infection to ensure the infection is cleared.
Drug Treatment Of Common Stds: Part I Herpes Syphilis Urethritis Chlamydia And Gonorrhea
CAROL WOODWARD, PHARM.D., West Virginia University Hospitals, Morgantown, West Virginia
MELANIE A. FISHER, M.D., M.SC., West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
Am Fam Physician. 1999 Oct 1 60:1387-1394.
This is Part I of a two-part article on drug treatment of common sexually transmitted diseases. Part II, Vaginal Infections, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and Genital Warts, will appear in the next issue of AFP.
Several advances have been made in the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases . These advances have been incorporated into the 1998 Guidelines for the Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .1
Highly effective single-dose oral therapies are now available for most common curable STDs. Single-dose regimens may be used for the treatment of chancroid, nongonococcal urethritis, uncomplicated gonococcal infections, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, candidal vaginitis and chlamydial infections.
Improved therapies are now available for the treatment of genital herpes and human papillomavirus infections. New regimens have been approved for the use of acyclovir in the treatment of genital herpes. In addition, two new antiviral agents, valacyclovir and famciclovir , have been labeled for the treatment of genital herpes. Patient-applied therapies are now recommended for management of HPV.
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Key Sources Of Uncertainty
There is uncertainty in the probability of PID in the absence of treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea. We applied a 20% probability, which is in the lower portion of the often-cited range of 10% to 40% . Nonetheless, it is possible that this 20% value overstates the probability of developing PID . In light of the uncertainty in the probability of developing PID, we applied a cost per case of PID that falls in the lower end of the range of plausible values .
The average sequelae costs averted by syphilis treatment are not known with precision. To account for this uncertainty, we assumed that people with syphilis not treated by the STI program might seek treatment for syphilis elsewhere, or receive treatment inadvertently through antibiotics administered for an unrelated condition. This assumption reduced the expected sequelae costs of untreated syphilis by more than half, thereby making the estimates of the costs averted by syphilis treatment more conservative.
The formula for estimating the value of the interruption of STI transmission in the population applies an assumption that each case treated prevents 0.5 cases of that STI in the population. This assumption, though somewhat arbitrary, is likely conservative, because STI rates would decline if each new STI infection caused less than one more new infection . In reality, reported rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and P& S syphilis in the US increased slightly in 2005 .
What Do I Need To Know If I Get Treated For Chlamydia
If youre getting treated for chlamydia:
- Take all of your medicine the way your nurse or doctor tells you to, even if any symptoms you may be having go away sooner. The infection stays in your body until you finish the antibiotics.
- Your partner should also get treated for chlamydia so you dont re-infect each other or anyone else.
- Dont have sex for 7 days. If you only have 1 dose of medication, wait for 7 days after you take it before having sex. If youre taking medicine for 7 days, dont have sex until youve finished all of your pills.
- Get tested again in 3-4 months to make sure your infection is gone.
- Dont share your medicine with anyone. Your nurse or doctor may give you a separate dose of antibiotics for your partner. Make sure you both take all of the medicine you get.
- Even if you finish your treatment and the chlamydia is totally gone, its possible to get a new chlamydia infection again if youre exposed in the future. Chlamydia isnt a one-time-only deal. So use condoms and get tested regularly.
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Cost Of Partner Notification And Screening
Costs were available from a recent audit in sufficient detail for seven primary care trusts that achieved high ratings in the Vital Signs Index, which measured a variety of indicators.716 We selected three of these as showing the range of partner notification strategies implemented within the National Chlamydia Screening Programme. These are defined as low, medium, and high intensity according to the level of provider resources invested in partner notification . The sites are not named, however, because evaluation of individual provider practice is beyond the scope of this study. We also sought data from the Health Protection Agency on partner notification efficacy for these sites, which was reported as between 0.2 and 0.3 partners confirmed treated per index . However, because of uncertainties in the quality of reporting data and discrepancies in the denominator population and in definitions of partner notification efficacy, we could not accurately map the numbers of partners reported as treated to the cost data. Instead, we used the reported range of partner notification efficacy across all sites in sensitivity analyses.
How To Clear Chlamydia Without Antibiotics
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. While we are unable to recommend any treatment not recommended by the CDC in the treatment of chlamydia there are some who have utilized alternative treatment to reduce infection but does not cure it. These remedies include garlic, turmeric, or dieting.
Read Also: Everything To Know About Chlamydia
Definition And Measurement Of Partner Notification
Monitoring the outcomes of partner notification was identified as a key difficulty for services, with confusion over definition of outcome measures of partner notification and over denominator populations. We have tried as far as possible to use internally consistent estimates of cost and efficacy at the level of the primary care trust and to include a broad range of values in sensitivity analysis. We have used the number of partners of an index with known treatment or test as a measure of efficacy which may be confirmed by patient, partner, or clinician. The advantage is that it is related directly to the number of index cases.
Fig 3 Care pathway for partner notification showing the interventions offered by model 1, model 2, and the complete pathway, model 3
Granuloma Inguinale And Lymphogranuloma Venereum
Granuloma inguinale and lymphogranuloma venereum are rare in the United States. Granuloma inguinale presents as a painless, highly vascular ulcer that is caused by Calymmatobacterium granulomatis. Patients with lymphogranuloma venereum present most often with regional lymphadenopathy it is often a diagnosis of exclusion. The disease is caused by L serogroup strains of Chlamydia trachomatis. The diagnosis is usually made clinically and serologically. Treatment regimens for these diseases are given in Table 1.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Chlamydia Treatment
While doxycycline is an effective treatment for chlamydia, some people may have side effects when taking this chlamydia treatment.
Some common doxycycline side effects may include:
- headaches
- increased sensitivity to light
- nausea or being sick
- palpitations
- stomach ulcers
- joint or muscle pain
If you have any side effects when taking doxycycline, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
The full list of doxycycline side effects and cautions can be found in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine package.
When taking doxycycline, you should avoid drinking alcohol as it reduces doxycyclines effectiveness. You should also avoid sunlight as increased sensitivity to light has been reported as a side effect of doxycycline.
You should stop taking doxycycline and seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following rare but severe side effects, or symptoms of an allergic reaction:
- Ringing in your ear
- Fever, swollen lymph nodes or skin rash
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain, swollen face, lips, mouth, hand or feet
Hiv Costs Averted By Hiv Counseling And Testing
HIV counseling and testing can reduce HIV incidence by reducing not only the probability that a person with HIV will transmit the virus , but also the probability that a person without HIV will become infected . One published decision analysis model suggested that HIV counseling and testing, when provided to a cohort of 10,000 people with 1.5% HIV seroprevalence, would avert 8 cases of HIV . Another published model suggested that roughly 1 case of HIV would be prevented per 10,000 people screened . We applied the average of these two estimates, thereby assuming that an expected 0.00045 cases of HIV are averted for each person counseled and tested. As described above, we applied an adjustment to account for partner overlap , and a further adjustment factor for MSM to account for sero-sorting in the absence of counseling and testing and for the possibility that HIV infections prevented are not forever averted but merely delayed. We also applied an additional adjustment factor to mitigate the double-counting of benefits in people seeking repeat counseling and testing .
As the incidence of HIV in populations served by counseling and testing programs can exceed 1% annually , only modest reductions in HIV risk behaviors would be needed to achieve the per-person reduction in HIV incidence we applied in this exercise.
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Is Treatment Always Necessary For Chlamydia
Yes, treatment is necessary for chlamydia, particularly in women of childbearing age, because it reduces the risk of chlamydia-associated ectopic pregnancy, fertility problems, and the transmission of chlamydia to neonates during birth. In women, of all ages, chlamydia treatment reduces the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease.
In men, treatment for chlamydia stops them from infecting or reinfecting sexual partners with the bacteria.
Treat any person testing positive for chlamydia with a recommended course of antibiotics promptly. Delays in treatment have been associated with complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease.
Go To Quest Diagnostics For The Urine Test
The test we order for chlamydia and gonorrhea is a urine test. Its the same urine test all doctors or nurse practitioners order and we get the test results as quick as you will anywhere else. The test will detect chlamydia and gonorrhea unless you caught them in the last two weeks. If you take a test before two weeks the test may not find chlamydia or gonorrhea even though you have them. The test wont detect chlamydia and gonorrhea in your throat or anus.
The lab test itself only costs you because weve negotiated great prices to keep your costs low.
LABS NEAR YOU
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Average Cost Of Chlamydia Treatment
Just how much does chlamydia treatment cost? There is no standard cost for treating STIs as it usually varies depending on the type of therapy and the length of the treatment process. Most treatments will cost something but make sure to ask your doctor or local pharmacy about cost options.
The average cost of chlamydia treatment including diagnosis typically requires $30 $130 for laboratory testing and $15 $50 for antibiotics.
According to a study published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases, the average cost for Chlamydia episode was $99 for doctor consultation, $44 for the diagnostic test and $36 for the medicine for a total of $179.
Std Testing Treatment And Prevention
There are a variety of STD tests, and a MedExpress health care professional can help evaluate your signs and symptoms and decide which one is right for you. Testing can include a physical test, urine test or a blood test. A sample of cells or discharge from the affected area may also be collected depending on the type of test.
While many STDs are treatable with medications, most viral STDs, like herpes and HIV, can be only managed, not completely cured. Treatment of an STD will depend on the specific diagnosis. Most of the time, youâll be prescribed an antibiotic or an antiviral . Itâs important to take these medications exactly as prescribed by your health care professional, and make sure to ask how long after treatment you should get retested.
Abstinence is the best way to prevent the spread of STDs, but there are other steps you can take to stay safe. If youâre sexually active, always use latex condoms. While not completely effective in preventing pregnancy or the spread of STDs, condoms are very effective if used correctly. Hormonal birth control methods like the pill, shot, patch or ring are not effective in preventing STDs. Finally, get tested regularly at least once a year or more depending on your level of sexual activity.
At MedExpress, you can trust us with your STD testing and treatment needs. Just walk in at a time thatâs right for you, and you can expect to receive fast, compassionate care from our friendly medical team.
References
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Chlamydia Treatment And Prevention
Milly DawsonSanjai Sinha, MDShutterstock
Chlamydia is easy to cure. If you test positive for chlamydia, basically you take an antibiotic, says Jill Rabin, MD, cochief in the division of ambulatory care for women’s health programs and prenatal care assistance program services for Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, New York.
Your partner must take an antibiotic, too, to keep them from reinfecting you, she says.
You have to have your partner treated, and if you have more than one partner, they should all be treated, says Dr. Rabin, regardless of your partners genders.
Even if you dont have chlamydia now, its wise to learn how to protect yourself so you wont develop this common infection in the first place. In women, chlamydia can create serious health problems, including infertility. Besides, no one ever wants to have a sexually transmitted disease and then have to tell other people about it.
Treatment For Gonorrhea Is Quick And Easy Too
The CDC currently recommends a shot of the antibiotic Rocephin and an oral dose of the antibiotic azithromycin, given at the same time, to treat gonorrhea.
Treatment recommendations for gonorrhea have changed over the years as the bacteria that causes gonorrhea, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, has become resistant to a growing number of antibiotics.
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How Long Does It Take For Chlamydia To Go Away After Treatment
Chlamydia infection usually clears after one week of completing your antibiotic treatment. During treatment, you should avoid drinking alcohol as this can reduce how effective the antibiotic is.
You should also avoid having sex during treatment as you could still pass on the infection to your partner. It is common for partners to pass chlamydia between one another if they continue to have sex without completing their treatment, causing repeated infections.