Diagnosis And Treatment Of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection
KARL E. MILLER, M.D., University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Am Fam Physician. 2006 Apr 15 73:1411-1416.
Chlamydia trachomatis infection most commonly affects the urogenital tract. In men, the infection usually is symptomatic, with dysuria and a discharge from the penis. Untreated chlamydial infection in men can spread to the epididymis. Most women with chlamydial infection have minimal or no symptoms, but some develop pelvic inflammatory disease. Chlamydial infection in newborns can cause ophthalmia neonatorum. Chlamydial pneumonia can occur at one to three months of age, manifesting as a protracted onset of staccato cough, usually without wheezing or fever. Treatment options for uncomplicated urogenital infections include a single 1-g dose of azithromycin orally, or doxycycline at a dosage of 100 mg orally twice per day for seven days. The recommended treatment during pregnancy is erythromycin base or amoxicillin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend screening for chlamydial infection in women at increased risk of infection and in all women younger than 25 years.
SORT: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Azithromycin or doxycycline is recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated genitourinary chlamydial infection.
SORT: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Azithromycin or doxycycline is recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated genitourinary chlamydial infection.
What Is A Chlamydia Infection
Chlamydia genital infection is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. In fact, C. trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection in the world. Interestingly, about 70% of genital infections are associated with few or no symptoms at all.
Chlamydial infections in women are more likely to remain asymptomatic than in men . However, women are more likely to develop long-term complications.
What Antibiotics Do You Get For Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs. It can be treated easily if caught early. Some of the most recommended antibiotics used to treat chlamydia are azithromycin and doxycycline. Azithromycin is typically given as 2 tablets one time while doxycycline is given as 2 capsules a day for 7 days. These antibiotics are most effective if both partners have received treatment and have taken their prescription as directed.
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Whats The Treatment For Chlamydia
Chlamydia is usually easy to get rid of. Your nurse or doctor will get you antibiotics to treat the infection. Sometimes you only have to take one dose of medication. Another chlamydia treatment lasts for 7 days. Your doctor will help you figure out which treatment is best for you.
If youre treated for chlamydia, its really important for your sexual partners to get treated also. Otherwise, you can keep passing the infection back and forth, or to other people. Sometimes your doctor will give you medicine for both you and your partner.
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.
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Chlamydia Symptoms + 5 Natural Treatments
Its the most common sexually transmitted disease that can be cured. Chlamydia infects both men and women across the globe. And the challenge with treatment, and keeping it from spreading, is that most people do not experience chlamydia symptoms. But, not having symptoms doesnt mean you shouldnt be concerned.
In fact, chlamydia can cause serious and permanent damage to the reproductive system. It may even make it extremely tough, or even impossible, to get pregnant. Sadly, it can also cause an ectopic pregnancy, which is a life-threatening condition.
Also, when a woman has chlamydia while pregnant, it is possible to infect the baby during childbirth. This can result in premature birth, a severe eye infection, or even pneumonia. Because of these and other dangers, it is important that sexually active people get tested regularly. Its critical that you always continue chlamydia treatments until the infection goes away.
Ophthalmia Neonatorum Caused By C Trachomatis
A chlamydial etiology should be considered for all infants aged 30 days who experience conjunctivitis, especially if the mother has a history of chlamydial infection. These infants should receive evaluation and age-appropriate care and treatment.
Preventing Ophthalmia Neonatorum Caused by C. trachomatis
Neonatal ocular prophylaxis with erythromycin, the only agent available in the United States for this purpose, is ineffective against chlamydial ophthalmia neonatorum . As an alternative, prevention efforts should focus on prenatal screening for C. trachomatis, including
Neonates born to mothers for whom prenatal chlamydia screening has been confirmed and the results are negative are not at high risk for infection.
Diagnostic Considerations
Treatment
Erythromycin base or ethylsuccinate 50 mg/kg body weight/day orally, divided into 4 doses daily for 14 days*
* An association between oral erythromycin and azithromycin and infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis has been reported among infants aged < 6 weeks. Infants treated with either of these antimicrobials should be followed for IHPS signs and symptoms.
Although data regarding use of azithromycin for treating neonatal chlamydial infection are limited, available data demonstrate that a short therapy course might be effective . Topical antibiotic therapy alone is inadequate for treating ophthalmia neonatorum caused by chlamydia and is unnecessary when systemic treatment is administered.
Follow-Up
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Will Any Antibiotic Get Rid Of Chlamydia
If you are diagnosed with chlamydia, your doctor will prescribe oral antibiotics. A single dose of azithromycin or taking doxycycline twice daily for 7 to 14 days are the most common treatments and are the same for those with or without HIV. With treatment, the infection should clear up in about a week.
Does The Treatment Work
Usually, yes. You can infect another sex partner as soon as you get chlamydia. Most women and some men do not have early signs of the disease.
A pregnant women can also pass on the infection to her baby as it is being born. This can lead to infection of the eyes and lungs in the infant. It is important to inform people you have had sex with during the past 3 months because they may have the disease and not know they need treatment. Your public health nurse will contact your partner if you prefer. Your name will be kept confidential.
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What Is The Best Chlamydia Treatment
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The best antibiotic to treat chlamydia is doxycycline. If doxycycline cannot be taken, the second line choice of medication to treat chlamydia is azithromycin. Both treatments are over 90% effective and should only be taken if you, or a recent sexual partner, has tested positive for chlamydia.
Practicing Safe Sex Methods
It is extremely important to practice safe sex methods in order for you to stop the spread or possible contraction of chlamydia. Abstaining from sex is the only 100% sure way to prevent spreading or contracting any sexually transmitted diseases, but there are other methods you can use to keep your chances of contracting or spreading chlamydia quite low. Safe sex methods you should seek to practice are:
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How Is Chlamydia Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask you questions about your past health and your sexual history, such as how many partners you have. You may also have a physical examination to look for signs of infection.
Several types of tests can be used to diagnose chlamydia. Most use a sample of urine or a swab from the cervix, vagina, or urethra.
Since chlamydia can cause serious problems but may not cause symptoms, it’s a good idea to get tested once a year if you are sexually active and in your mid-20s or younger. Your doctor, local health units, and sexual health centres usually offer testing.
Summary Of The Evidence
There is no evidence relating to patient values and preferences but the Guideline Development Group agreed that there is probably no variability in the values people place on the outcomes. Research related to other conditions indicates that adherence may be improved with simpler medication regimens. The GDG therefore agreed that azithromycin may be more acceptable to patients since it is a single dose regimen . There is little to no evidence for equity issues and feasibility. Resistance in other infections that often co-occur with chlamydia may restrict the use of some medicines, such as ofloxacin. For many of these medicines, costs may differ between countries in places with high incidence of chlamydia, the cost differences between azithromycin and doxycycline may be large due to greater numbers of people requiring treatment.
In summary, there was moderate quality evidence for trivial differences in benefits and harms between azithromycin and doxycycline, and although the cost of azithromycin is higher, the single dose may make it more convenient to use than doxycycline. While the differences are also trivial with the other medicines, the evidence is low quality and these are therefore provided as alternatives, with the exception of delayed-release doxycycline, which is currently expensive.
See for list of references of reviewed evidence, and for details of the evidence reviewed, including evidence profiles and evidence-to-decision frameworks .
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Chlamydia Antibiotics: Azithromycin Vs Doxycline
A test was conducted on data between 1975 and 2001 to find and compare the efficacy and differences between Azithromycin and Doxycycline. The patients were randomly given dosages of either Azithromycin or Doxycycline in the prescribed quantities of one 1g dosage of Azithroymycin and two dosages of 100mg twice a day for a week with no patient getting both. The tests were conducted on 1543 patients for checking the microbial efficacy of the drugs and on 1717 patients for checking any adverse effects of the drug. Cure rates of about 98% were found out for both the Chlamydia Antibiotics proving the efficacy of both as equally compelling.
However, azithromycin is more convinent as it is just 1 dose antibiotic. Overall one dosage of Azithromycin has proved to be very impactful in comparison to the multiple dosages of Doxycycline.
Signs & Symptoms
Chlamydia is known to be a silent or asymptomatic disease and about 50% of infected men and 60% of infected women dont show any signs or symptoms initially.
Women are prone to be more asymptomatic than men. This means women generally show no symptoms and act as carriers of the diseases.
However women are at greater risk from long term complications and hence it is important to get treated.
Chlamydia in Women
Chlamydia in Men
Again 25-50% men show little or no symptoms. Symptoms when they show up include painful urination, discharge from the tip of the penis and testicular inflammation and pain.
References:
Best Antibiotics To Treat It
These commonly used antibiotics for Chlamydia:
- Amoxicillin its a larger spectrum form of penicillin, amoxicillin is used for women who are breast-feeding, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant. And it can be used for those who have allergies to other medicines.
- Azithromycin Azithromycin is not related to penicillin, it is common Chlamydia medication. It is producing gastrointestinal side effects for those who related penicillin family. Azithromycin for Chlamydia is given as 2 or 4 tablets in one dose. But with Doxycycline this medicine cures up to 95% of cases of Chlamydia.
- Doxycycline This is the second most common antibiotic for Chlamydia, but its not for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Its generally given as two tablets a day for a week.
- Erythromycin This antibiotic is only used as medicine for Chlamydia for babies who have contracted the STD during birth from an infected mother.
- Levofloxacin or Ofloxacin Both of these antibiotics not for women who are planning to become pregnant. These antibiotics are usually only used as medication for Chlamydia when someone is interrupted or allergic to other forms.
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How To Get Rid Of Chlamydia In Males
Chlamydia in males is caused by a bacterial infection. This infection is mostly treated with oral antibiotics. The most effective and recommended treatment for chlamydia is the prescribing of Azithromycin or Doxycycline. After treatment, usually the infection will clear in 7 to 14 days. The recommended dosage should be finished for infection to be completely cleared. For treatment to be most effective, it is recommended that both partner complete treatment and abstain from any sexual contact for at least 7 days after completing their treatment.
Natural Treatments For Chlamydia
1. Goldenseal
According to an article in Alternative Medicine Review, the plant alkaloid berberine found in goldenseal demonstrates significant antimicrobial activity against viruses and bacteria, including chlamydia. Also, in a small clinical study, chlamydia of the eye resulted in no relapses, even one year after treatment with eye drops made from berberine. While the results of this trial are positive, it shows promise that goldenseal may be an effective treatment for chlamydia.
Goldenseal is a natural antibiotic used as an immune system stimulant. Researchers believe it limits clinical symptoms during an infection. When fighting an infection such as chlamydia, goldenseal pills or extracts can help. Four to 6 grams per day in tablet or capsule form is the typical recommendation, or 2 milliliters of an extract, 35 times per day. Do not use goldenseal for more than three consecutive weeks.
2. Echinacea
Widely used by generations as a remedy for snake bites, sore throats, colds, coughs, pain, and intestinal upset, Echinacea has also been found to be highly effective against STDs, including gonorrhea and chlamydia. To stimulate the immune system, the United States Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service states that recent research recommends doses of 10 mg per kilogram of body weight over 10 days.
3. Garlic
4. Oil of Oregano
5. Probiotics
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Who Should Take An At
Before you start worrying about amoxicillin, you should first get a proper diagnosis. For cases in which chlamydia orgonorrhea symptoms are present, these are the signs to watch out for:
- More frequent urination or the urge to urinate
- Painful sensation when urinating
- Red and swollen penis near the urinary meatus
- Abnormal discharge or fluid from the penis or vaginal area
- Sore throat that wont go away
- Fever
- Testicular pain and swelling in men
- Lower abdominal pain in women
- Heavier period or excessive spotting in women
If you notice any of these symptoms, its in your best interest to purchase an at-home STD kit to test for gonorrhea and chlamydia right away.
Dont assume that you dont need to get tested simply because you arent experiencing any symptoms. In many cases, gonorrhea and chlamydia may not show any visible signs of infection at all. For this reason, every sexually active person should be tested regularly for all common sexually transmitted infections.
In general, the CDC recommends that every sexually active adult get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea at least once a year.But if you engage in certain sexual activities, you may need to get tested more frequently.This is especially true for people who meet one or more of the following conditions:
Will I Need To Go Back To The Clinic
If you take your antibiotics correctly, you may not need to return to the clinic.
However, you will be advised to go back for another chlamydia test if:
- you had sex before you and your partner finished treatment
- you forgot to take your medication or didn’t take it properly
- your symptoms don’t go away
- you’re pregnant
If you’re under 25 years of age, you should be offered a repeat test for chlamydia 3 to 6 months after finishing your treatment because you’re at a higher risk of catching it again.
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How Can You Test For Gonorrhea And Chlamydia At Home
You dont need to visit a lab, clinic, or doctors office to test for STDs. You can take this test in the comfort of your own home thanks to myLAB Box. Simply follow these steps:
- Order your STD panel kit online on the myLAB box website. Dont worry, we even include free shipping! We offer discreet shipping, which means your neighbors wont know you are receiving an STD test in the mail.
- Test yourself at any time and from any place using the easy-to-follow instructions. Your testing kit will include everything you need to complete the test. This part only takes five minutes!
- Send your samples back to the lab with the pre-paid return envelope that comes with your kit.
- Get results online in a matter of days. Results are typically sent within 2-5 days. Once you receive our email, you can log into a secure portal for your private results.
- If you test positive for gonorrhea or chlamydia, you have the option of scheduling a phone consultation with a medical professional to discuss your results. The physician will answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you understand what steps you need to take next.
Bonus!