Is There An Over Counter Treatment For Chlamydia
No, the CDC recommended treatment for chlamydia requires a prescription, but you do not need to visit the doctor’s office in person to get a prescription. Technology has made doctor visits online quick and easy. Just complete an online consultation visit and a prescription can be sent to a local pharmacy.
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.
Where & How Do I Get Tested For Hiv
Under the Affordable Care Act, nobody can be denied health insurance due to a pre-existing condition. Most health insurance plans must cover certain recommended preventive services. This includes HIV testing for everyone between the ages 15 and 65 and for people of other ages at increased risk without additional cost-sharing, such as copays or deductibles.
Whether or not you have insurance, you can likely get an HIV test at the following locations:
- Local health clinic
- Primary care doctor
- Hospitals
If you donât have insurance, you can become a Mira member and get an STD test for just $50- results are private and fast.
There are other options for HIV testing if you donât have insurance.
- Health clinics or community health centers
- STD or sexual health clinics
- Your local health department
- Substance abuse prevention or treatment programs
Don’t Miss: How Fast Do Chlamydia Tests Come Back
How Do I Get Checked For Stds Without My Parents Knowing
Im 16. My parents dont know about my boyfriend and Im afraid to tell them because my culture is so strict. We have had sex twice, and I want to see a doctor to make sure everything is OK and I didnt catch an STD. But if I tell my parents, I will have to stop seeing my boyfriend and I will lose all my privileges. I know I should get checked. What should I do?Mira*
In a perfect world, we could talk to our parents about anything. Their life experience means parents can offer insight and advice on all sorts of situations. Its surprising how often having that awkward conversation turns out to be a positive experience for both you and your parent.
But, if you really cant talk to your folks, you still need to make your health a priority. That includes protecting yourself against STDs and unplanned pregnancy.
In most states, once you are 13, you can get checked and tested for STDs without a parents involvement. Many family doctors or pediatricians will agree to treat their teen patients confidentially. That means they wont tell parents or anyone else unless you say its OK. So you may be able to ask your own doctor if he or she will do so.
Some schools also run health clinics during school hours. Again, these are usually confidential ask first to be sure.
*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.
Hiv Costs Averted By Reducing Hiv Transmission Through Treatment Of Chlamydia Gonorrhea And P& S Syphilis
Because STIs can facilitate the acquisition and transmission of HIV , treatment of STIs can reduce the incidence of HIV . Thus, treatment of STIs offer the additional economic benefit of reducing HIV costs as well .
The average number of HIV cases attributable to each new case of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and P& S syphilis in heterosexuals has been estimated at 0.0011, 0.0007, and 0.02386, respectively . These estimates are based on the facilitative effects of the STI on HIV transmission and acquisition from the time of acquisition of the STI. We assumed that the treatment of the STI reduces the time frame in which an STI-attributable HIV transmission is possible by one-fourth. That is, in terms of preventing STI-attributable HIV cases, we assumed that treating an STI provided only one-fourth the potential benefit of preventing the STI altogether. Thus, the above-listed probabilities were multiplied by 0.25 in our application. The resulting estimate was then multiplied by 0.75 to account for overlap in sex partners of people treated by a given STI program.
In developing the formula for costs averted by preventing STI-attributable HIV infections, we excluded people treated for STIs as a result of partner notification, to reduce potential double-counting of the benefits of preventing STI-attributable HIV infections in partners of infected people treated for STIs.
We applied a lifetime direct medical cost per case of HIV of $198,471 for both men and women .
Recommended Reading: Can You Get Chlamydia After Taking Antibiotics
Interactions Between Azithromycin And Other Medications
Azithromycin may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with azithromycin . Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription medicine.
View More
Examples Of Averted Cost Calculations
To illustrate the use of the formulas, we examined the estimated costs averted by the treatment of 1,000 people with chlamydia, 500 people with gonorrhea, and 100 people with syphilis, assuming that everyone treated had a laboratory-confirmed infection. We also estimated the costs averted by HIV counseling and testing of 2,000 people. In all of these examples, we assumed that 60% of those served were men, and that 67% of the men were heterosexual.
Recommended Reading: Can You Get Chlamydia Naturally
How Much Does Std Test Cost Without Insurance
According to the 2015 fact sheet of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , there has been a substantial increase in the number of STD cases in the United States.
The highest number of reported cases in 2015 was chlamydia with more than 1.5 million cases a six percent increase since 2014. It was followed by gonorrhea with over 395,000 reported cases of the same year. Primary and secondary syphilis came in third with more than 23,000 reported cases, while congenital syphilis took the fourth spot with 487 reported cases.
In most reported cases, STDs have severely affected a lot of women and young individuals who practice unprotected sex. However, the rise of STD incidents in 2015 was also influenced by the increasing rates of all types of STDs among men.
Although the data can tell how prevalent and alarming STDs are, there is still so many STD cases that have not been reported, making it difficult to provide assistance and medical care to people who are suffering from such diseases.
Many cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis continue to go undiagnosed and unreported, and data on several additional STDs such as human papillomavirus, herpes simplex virus, and trichomoniasis are not routinely reported to CDC, as stated in the CDC Fact Sheet: Reported STDs in the United States. As a result, the annual surveillance report captures only a fraction of the true burden of STDs in America.
The Estimated Direct Medical Cost Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among American Youth 2000
CONTEXT
Each year, millions of U.S. youth acquire sexually transmitted diseases . Estimates of the economic burden of STDs can help to quantify the impact of STDs on the nation’s youth and on the payers of the cost of their medical care.
METHODS
We synthesized the existing literature on STD costs to estimate the lifetime medical cost per case of eight major STDsHIV, human papillomavirus , genital herpes simplex virus type 2, hepatitis B, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and syphilis. We then estimated the total burden of disease by multiplying these cost-per-case estimates by the approximate number of new cases of STDs acquired by youth aged 15-24.
RESULTS
The total estimated burden of the nine million new cases of these STDs that occurred among 15-24-year-olds in 2000 was $6.5 billion . Viral STDs accounted for 94% of the total burden , and nonviral STDs accounted for 6% of the total burden . HIV and HPV were by far the most costly STDs in terms of total estimated direct medical costs, accounting for 90% of the total burden .
The large number of infections acquired by persons aged 15-24 and the high cost per case of viral STDs, particularly HIV, create a substantial economic burden.
Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 2004, 36:11-19
Don’t Miss: Can Boric Acid Treat Chlamydia
What Is Being Tested
Chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted diseases in the United States and can cause serious complications if not treated. Chlamydia testing identifies the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis as the cause of your infection.
The preferred method for chlamydia testing is the nucleic acid amplification test that detects the genetic material of Chlamydia trachomatis. It is generally more sensitive and specific than other chlamydia tests and can be performed on a vaginal swab on women or urine from both men and women, which eliminates the need for a pelvic exam in women.
Screening for, diagnosing, and treating chlamydia is very important in preventing long-term complications and spread of the infection to others. Chlamydia infections are especially common among people 15 to 24 years of age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 2.86 million Americans are infected with chlamydia each year and notes that women are frequently re-infected if their partners don’t get treatment. The actual number of cases may be higher since many people do not experience any symptoms and do not get tested and diagnosed. Still, over one million new cases are reported each year.
Chlamydia is generally spread through sexual contact with an infected partner. Risk factors include having multiple sex partners, infection with another STD at the same time or previous STD infection, and not using a condom correctly and consistently.
Are Test Results Accurate
Although chlamydia testing is an important method of finding and treating this common STD, test results could be impacted by the following:
- The use of antibiotics within several days before testing
- Urinating within one hour of sample collection
- Vaginal douching within 24 hours of testing
- Improper sample collection
- Contamination of rectal samples with fecal matter
Also Check: How Do Males Know They Have Chlamydia
How Often Should I Get Tested
The CDC recommends that sexually active women younger than 25 years old get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. Women 25 years and older with a new partner, multiple partners, or a partner who has an STI should also get tested annually.
Sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea annually. In cases of frequent sexual encounters with multiple partners, the CDC recommends testing every 3 to 6 months.
If youre experiencing any symptoms of an STI, you should get tested immediately.
Can I Be Allergic To Treatment
If someone has a penicillin allergy, there is potential to have an adverse reaction to the antibiotic treatment for gonorrhea. Depending on personal health history, a physician will be able to prescribe an effective alternative for treating anyone with a penicillin allergy or who has a history of gonorrhea infection.
In general, side effects from gonorrhea treatment can include temporary itching, rash or redness, and pain or discomfort at the injection site , upset stomach, and yeast infections. If symptoms persist for longer than the treatment period, contact your physician immediately.
You May Like: How Can I Get Antibiotics For Chlamydia
How Is Gonorrhea Treated
Gonorrhea is a curable STD if treated correctly. The CDC recommends a dual therapy regime of a single dose of 250mg ceftriaxone, which is administered by injection, coupled with a 1g oral azithromycin tablet.
Treatment of gonorrhea has become a growing challenge for medical and pharmaceutical professionals. While the dual therapy regime, above, has been successful at treating and curing gonorrhea for several decades past, new antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhea are emerging. Drug resistance strains have evolved due to the increase in gonorrhea infections, as a whole, in addition to improper and late treatment, as well as the need for repeated treatment due to high rates of reinfection.
Getting Tested At An Urgent Care Center
Urgent care STD testing has many benefits. You can take care of your health immediately at a walk-in clinic. No appointments are necessary. Urgent care centers have early morning and extended evening hours and are open seven days a week. At American Family Care, its easy to schedule an appointment online or by calling.
You May Like: Can I Get Tested For Chlamydia A Week After Treatment
How Does The Nhs Provide Treatment For Chlamydia
Treatment is available on the NHS at either GP surgeries or sexual health clinics. Chlamydia is easily treated and cured with antibiotics like doxycycline . If you take your treatment correctly, it is over 95% effective for genital chlamydia.
Does it take long to get an appointment? it depends on how busy the clinics or surgeries are. Some clinics also have a walk-in service where you dont have to make an appointment before.
Do I need to pay for tests or treatment on the NHS? no, all tests and treatment are free through the NHS services and the National Chlamydia Screening Programme . You may have to pay a prescription charge fee if you need a prescription for treatment from your GP practice.
Once you take treatment you should notice an improvement in any symptoms quite quickly. Any discharge or pain when you urinate should disappear within a week and any pain in your pelvis or testicles should disappear within two weeks. If your symptoms do not improve despite treatment, then speak to your doctor. You may need further treatment or investigation about any possible cause.
What Is The Treatment For Chlamydia
Chlamydia can be easily cured with antibiotics. HIV-positive persons with chlamydia should receive the same treatment as those who are HIV-negative.
Persons with chlamydia should abstain from sexual activity for 7 days after single dose antibiotics or until completion of a 7-day course of antibiotics, to prevent spreading the infection to partners. It is important to take all of the medication prescribed to cure chlamydia. Medication for chlamydia should not be shared with anyone. Although medication will stop the infection, it will not repair any permanent damage done by the disease. If a persons symptoms continue for more than a few days after receiving treatment, he or she should return to a health care provider to be reevaluated.
Repeat infection with chlamydia is common. Women whose sex partners have not been appropriately treated are at high risk for re-infection. Having multiple chlamydial infections increases a womans risk of serious reproductive health complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy. Women and men with chlamydia should be retested about three months after treatment of an initial infection, regardless of whether they believe that their sex partners were successfully treated.
Infants infected with chlamydia may develop ophthalmia neonatorum and/or pneumonia. Chlamydial infection in infants can be treated with antibiotics.
Don’t Miss: Azithromycin Oral Suspension For Chlamydia
How Much Does The Test Cost
The cost of chlamydia testing varies based on many factors. Chlamydia testing may be paid for by health insurance when ordered by a doctor. Because health plans vary, its important for patients to discuss the cost of testing, including any copays or deductibles, with their health plan.
For patients without health insurance coverage, the cost of testing may include the cost of the office visit and sample collection as well as technician fees. Testing may also be available for free or at low cost through community-based organizations and local health departments.
There Are 6 Main Types Of Sti Tests
Blood test
Your doctor can test for the following by taking a blood sample from your finger or arm:
Generally, your doctor will wait until they have the results from all the STI tests performed to call you.
If you still havent heard back after a week, dont assume the test was negative. Give em a ring to learn your results.
Congrats! Youve made the decision to take control of your health and learn your current STI status. But where the heck should you go to get tested if youre on a budget or dont have health insurance?
Heres where to go and what to know.
Don’t Miss: Can Uti Meds Clear Up Chlamydia
What Are Oral Chlamydia Symptoms
Like most STDs, partners exposed to chlamydia may exhibit no symptoms. Similarly, in oral chlamydia, most people have no symptoms. When symptoms arise, some experience a sore throat. While others, may experience redness of the throat. In any situation, if you or a partner have been exposed to someone who has chlamydia, it is best to get treated as soon as possible to avoid complications.
Recommended Reading: What Gets Rid Of Chlamydia