Treatment Of Chlamydia Is There A Cure For Chlamydia
Chlamydia can be cured easily and effectively with simple antibiotics once it has been diagnosed. The treatment can consist of a single dose or last up to 2 weeks depending on the type of chlamydia. The infected person should not have penetrative sex until receiving a negative Chlamydia test at an after-treatment check-up. Both partners must be treated for chlamydia and undergo re-testing after 34 months.
Symptoms In The Throat
Chlamydia symptoms can sometimes appear in the throat, although this is uncommon. When it does occur, the time frame is likely to be similar to that of chlamydia infections of the genitals.
In people who experience symptoms, the main one is a persistent sore throat. A doctor may refer to a chlamydia infection in the throat as pharyngeal chlamydia.
Testing for chlamydia in the throat is not a common practice in STI testing, as it does not have approval from the Food and Drug Administration . However, if a person suspects that they have pharyngeal chlamydia, a doctor may take a swab from the throat.
A person can undergo testing for chlamydia at their:
- doctors office
- local health department
- local planned parenthood center
A person can also order a chlamydia test online, take it at home, and then send it off for testing.
If people are at high risk of chlamydia, they may need screening for all types of chlamydia every 36 months.
At risk groups include people who have:
- multiple or unknown sexual partners
- sex in combination with illegal drug use
- sexual partners who use illegal drugs or have multiple partners
7 days .
People should avoid having sex until their treatment is complete. If a person is experiencing symptoms even after the treatment, they should see a doctor.
People who menstruate should notice that their periods return to normal or that bleeding between periods stops by their next period.
Symptoms And Signs Of Chlamydia In Women
Chlamydia infects the cervix . Women often have no obvious signs of illness, especially soon after being infected. When symptoms do occur, common signs include a burning pain with urination, pain with intercourse, or an abnormal, smelly vaginal discharge.
Chlamydia can also cause rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding.
It’s possible for infected body fluids to enter a sex partner’s eye, causing the clear membrane protecting the outer layer of the eye to become inflamed. Chlamydia can infect the throat after unprotected oral sex, but it’s less common and usually doesn’t cause symptoms.
Since many women have no noticeable symptoms at all, they don’t seek treatment, and that can set the stage for serious health problems.
Untreated cases of chlamydia make women more susceptible to other STIs, including HIV. Chlamydia can also lead to a more serious condition called pelvic inflammatory disease . PID infects the reproductive organs. It can lead to an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. Women with PID may struggle with infertility. The condition can also cause long-term pelvic pain.
Chlamydia symptoms in women may include:
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Abnormal, smelly vaginal discharge
- Bleeding between periods or heavier periods
- Lower abdominal pain, nausea, or fever
- Eye redness, pain, swelling, irritation, or discharge
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Can Men Catch Chlamydia Through Anal Sex
Whether youre performing anal sex on a man or a woman there is still a risk of catching chlamydia if the person has a rectal chlamydia infection. Likewise if you receive anal sex from someone who is infected then you may catch rectal chlamydia.
The symptoms of rectal chlamydia are different from chlamydia affecting the penis. Symptoms may include discharge, bleeding and pain in the area. Its possible to have a chlamydia in both the penis and the anus at the same time.
You can find out more about chlamydia in our advice article on the STI or visit our chlamydia landing page to see more information about our range of tests.
Dr Bani
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Pathogenesis Genotypes And Clinical Manifestation
Chlamydia are obligate intracellular bacteria characterized by some unique properties associated with the intracellular lifestyle and the replication in host cells . Whereas intracellular reticulate bodies represent the replicative form, extracellular elementary bodies act as infectious particles that target host cells via interaction of bacterial outer membrane proteins with host cell receptors, like heparan sulfate proteoglycans, mannose-6-phosphat-receptor and growth-factor receptors. After internalization, EBs are located in membrane-bound inclusion bodies expressing bacterial inclusion proteins that prevent fusion with lysosomes. Inclusion bodies were transported along microtubules to microtubule organizing centers , where they differentiate into RBs. RBs replicate by binary fission and re-differentiate into EBs that will be liberated from inclusion bodies by cell lysis or extrusion and may infect other host cells .
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How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Getting Chlamydia
The only way to completely avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
If you are sexually active, the following things can lower your chances of getting chlamydia:
- Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and does not have chlamydia and
- Using condoms the right way every time you have sex.
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.
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Nucleic Acid Amplification Test
The most common test for chlamydia, this is a simple, non-invasive test during which you collect a swab or urine sample yourself . A doctor can assist in taking a swab if you prefer.
The sample is then sent to be tested to see if there is genetic material that indicates the presence of chlamydia bacteria. Results come back quicker than the traditional culture test.
What Does Chlamydia Look Like On A Man
Early-stage chlamydia typically shows very few noticeable signs or symptoms. In saying that, when they do occur it can include painful urination and testicular pain. You may also notice an unusual discharge from the penis. This discharge is usually white, cloudy, or watery but it can also be thick or more yellow in color.
If chlamydia is left untreated, it can cause complications in men, these include the inflammation of the urethra or the swelling of the epididymis and the testicles.
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How Common Is Chlamydia
CDC estimates that there were four million chlamydial infections in 2018.3 Chlamydia is also the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the United States.4 It is difficult to account for many cases of chlamydia. Most people with the infection have no symptoms and do not seek testing. Chlamydia is most common among young people. Two-thirds of new chlamydial infections occur among youth aged 15-24 years.3 Estimates show that 1 in 20 sexually active young women aged 14-24 years has chlamydia.5
Disparities persist among racial and ethnic minority groups. In 2020, chlamydia rates for African Americans/Blacks were six times that of Whites.4 Chlamydia is also common among MSM. Among MSM screened for rectal chlamydial infection, positivity ranges from 3.0% to 10.5%.6,7 Among MSM screened for pharyngeal chlamydial infection, positivity has ranges from 0.5% to 2.3%.7.8
Symptoms Of Oral Chlamydia
Most of the time, people with oral chlamydia do not have any symptoms. The only major one they may have is a sore throat, which can be confused with any number of other conditions from allergies and colds to strep throat and acid reflux.
When symptoms of oral chlamydia do develop, they often include:
- Sore throat
- Mild fever
- Fatigue
Chlamydia can take anywhere from one to three weeks after sexual contact to develop, which is another reason why many don’t make the connection between their symptoms and this infection.
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Testing For Chlamydia In Men
Diagnosing chlamydia in men involves getting a sample from every area at risk of infectionthis will depend on the type of sex you engage in or the symptoms you are experiencing. In men, this usually means a urine sample. Healthcare providers often specify that this should be a first catch sample to indicate that urine from the beginning of the stream should be evaluated in the chlamydia test.
If you have engaged in oral sex or receptive anal sex, you can ask your provider to check a throat swab or rectal swab, respectively.
Screening can help detect chlamydia, especially since most people dont develop chlamydia symptoms. Men who have sex with men should be screened as frequently as every 36 months. However, the United States Preventive Services Task Force states that there isnt enough evidence to support or reject screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in other sexually active men .
If you are interested in getting screened, talk to your healthcare provider. In the meantime, staying aware of the symptoms of chlamydia and how it spreads is an excellent step for your sexual health.
How Is Chlamydia Treated In Men
Both men and women are treated for chlamydia in the same way. This includes an antibiotic treatment which is taken orally, usually in one sitting. The most common treatments are azithromycin or doxycycline. To avoid reinfection its best that your partner also has treatment at the same time. You should abstain from sex for one week following treatment as you can still pass chlamydia on during this time.
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What Can Happen If Chlamydia Isnt Treated
Untreated chlamydia can put your health at risk. Make an appointment with your provider immediately if you notice any symptoms of chlamydia, and get regular STI screenings to avoid complications later.
Complications of chlamydia for people with vaginas
Untreated chlamydia can cause:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease . PID is a serious condition that requires hospitalization. It can occur when an untreated STI, like chlamydia, damages your reproductive organs. PID can lead to infertility and chronic pelvic pain. It can also cause an ectopic pregnancy,which is life-threatening for the fetus and potentially deadly for the mother or gestational parent, too.
- Pregnancy complications. An untreated infection can lead to pre-term delivery. Also, if youre pregnant and have chlamydia, you can pass the infection on to your newborn. Babies born with chlamydia may have pneumonia or conjunctivitis that could lead to blindness if not treated.
Complications of chlamydia for people with penises
Untreated chlamydia can cause:
- Epididymitis. Infection can spread to the testicles and the tube that carries sperm to your testicles , causing symptoms like pain, swelling and tenderness in your testicles.
- Reduced fertility. Chlamydia can harm your sperm, negatively impacting your ability to conceive.
Complications of chlamydia that can affect all genders
Untreated chlamydia can:
When To See Your Healthcare Provider
If you suspect that you have chlamydia or if you have a sex partner recently diagnosed with chlamydia , talk to your healthcare provider. You may need testing not only for chlamydia but also for other STIs, like gonorrhea, that may be spread along with chlamydia. Also, if you are being treated for an STI and your symptoms are not improving, seek medical advice. Your healthcare provider will work with you to make sure you take care of your sexual health.
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Can Chlamydia Be Cured
Yes, chlamydia can be cured with the right treatment. It is important that you take all of the medication your doctor prescribes to cure your infection. When taken properly it will stop the infection and could decrease your chances of having complications later on. You should not share medication for chlamydia with anyone.
Repeat infection with chlamydia is common. You should be tested again about three months after you are treated, even if your sex partner was treated.
How To Prepare For The Test
You may be asked to avoid taking antibiotics for 24 hours before testing. If you have a vagina, your healthcare professional may recommend you stop using douches or vaginal creams for 24 hours before your test. If youre taking a urine test, try not to urinate for at least 1 hour before the test.
If you think you may have chlamydia, avoid sexual intercourse until you get your test results.
has found that home tests may be as effective for diagnosing chlamydia as swabs collected at your doctors office.
However, its important to note that home testing kits can sometimes return false-negative results. A 2017 study asked men to self-collect a sample for chlamydia testing both at a clinic and at home using a mail-in kit. Researchers found that over one-third of the mail-in samples missed a positive result that was detected in the samples collected at the clinic.
The researchers note that its possible that the collection technique when using a home test may affect the quality of the sample and therefore affect your result. Because of this, be sure to follow all sample collection instructions carefully if you choose to do a home test for chlamydia.
If you receive a positive result from a home testing kit, you will need to go immediately to a doctor to receive treatment. Until you have completed treatment, you can give chlamydia to your sexual partners.
You can get a chlamydia test from:
- your primary care doctor
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Chlamydia Test: Medlineplus Medical Test
A chlamydia test looks for the presence of chlamydia bacteria in your body, Tests include: A urine test, But a blood test is not as accurate as a culture.Through chlamydia testing, This can be done during a routine Pap test.Chlamydia Blood Test: Fast & ConfidentialUp to30%cash back · If youre interested in getting tested to diagnose a chlamydia infection of the urogenital area, but the body creates antibodies to respond to various diseases and infections, This screening should occur with or without symptoms and may be performed at routine annual, Chlamydia/GC STD PanelIt can also take awhile to get back your test results, other tests, you should get tested.Screening and diagnosis of chlamydia is relatively simple, Other names: Chlamydia NAAT or NAT
What Other Problems Can Chlamydia Cause
In women, an untreated infection can spread to your uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease . PID can cause permanent damage to your reproductive system. This can lead to long-term pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. Women who have had chlamydia infections more than once are at higher risk of serious reproductive health complications.
Men often don’t have health problems from chlamydia. Sometimes it can infect the epididymis . This can cause pain, fever, and, rarely, infertility.
Both men and women can develop reactive arthritis because of a chlamydia infection. Reactive arthritis is a type of arthritis that happens as a “reaction” to an infection in the body.
Babies born to infected mothers can get eye infections and pneumonia from chlamydia. It may also make it more likely for your baby to be born too early.
Untreated chlamydia may also increase your chances of getting or giving HIV/AIDS.
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Getting A Medical Diagnosis
Am I At Risk For Chlamydia
Sexually active people can get chlamydia through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom with a partner who has chlamydia.
Sexually active young people are at a higher risk of getting chlamydia. This is due to behaviors and biological factors common among young people. Gay and bisexual men are also at risk since chlamydia can spread through oral and anal sex.
If you are sexually active, have an honest and open talk with your healthcare provider. Ask them if you should get tested for chlamydia or other STDs. Gay or bisexual men and pregnant people should also get tested for chlamydia. If you are a sexually active woman, you should get tested for chlamydia every year if you are:
- Younger than 25 years old.
- 25 years and older with risk factors, such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection.
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