What Do Doctors Prescribe For Chlamydia

Why Should I Have Treatment If I Have No Symptoms

If you are infected with chlamydia, it is essential that you take treatment even if you do not have any symptoms of chlamydial infection. Reasons for this include:

• The infection may spread and cause serious complications . This can be months or years after you are first infected.
• You can still pass on the infection to your sexual partner even if you do not have symptoms.

How Does Chlamydia Treatment Work

Chlamydia treatment works by stopping the bacteria that causes chlamydia from producing an important protein which it needs to multiply. This stops the bacteria from growing and replicating, so your symptoms should improve as your body is cleared of chlamydia.

The first line treatment for chlamydia in the UK is doxycycline. The usual dose is one tablet to be taken twice daily for 7 days. You can swallow doxycycline tablets whole with water and take them with or without food. You should sit up for about 30 minutes after each dose to prevent symptoms of throat irritation or stomach upset.

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What Are The Signs Of Chlamydia Or Gonorrhea

Many people who have chlamydia or gonorrhea dont have any signs or symptoms. When there are symptoms, chlamydia and gonorrhea cause very similar things.

Women with symptoms may have:

• Abnormal discharge from the vagina
• Burning when they urinate

Men with symptoms may have:

• Abnormal discharge from the penis
• Burning when they urinate

A test for chlamydia is done to:

• See whether symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection are caused by a chlamydia infection.
• Check people who are at high risk for being infected with chlamydia. A chlamydia infection does not always cause symptoms. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends checking for chlamydia for:
• All sexually active women age 25 or younger.
• Women and men with high-risk sexual behaviours.
• All pregnant women in the first trimester and again in the third trimester if high-risk sexual behaviours are reported. Treating a pregnant woman who has a chlamydia infection can prevent an infection in her newborn.

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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.

• References

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.

When Do You Start On Antibiotics For Chlamydia

You may be started on antibiotics once test results have confirmed you have chlamydia. But if its very likely you have the infection, you might be started on treatment before you get your results. The two most commonly prescribed antibiotics for chlamydia are: azithromycin given as 2 or 4 tablets at once.

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Letting Partners Know You Have Chlamydia

Sexual partners may be infected too. If you have chlamydia, anyone you have had sex with from the last 6 months needs to be informed, tested and treated.

If they dont know, they could reinfect you or infect someone else if they are not treated. dont receive treatment.

Most people will appreciate being told they may have an infection and it is an important step in preventing further infection in the community.

Your local GP and sexual health centre can help you inform your partners and let them know that they need a test. This process is called partner notification. It can be done anonymously, and your confidentiality is always respected.

You can also anonymously notify your sexual partners of the need to get tested and treated for chlamydia via the Let Them Know website if you feel unable to speak to them personally.

There are also nurses who can help you anonymously notify your partners. They can be contacted on .

How Usual Is Chlamydia

In 2017, more than 1.7 million situations of chlamydia were reported to the Centers for Illness Control and also Avoidance . However, many cases go unreported, so the genuine variety of chlamydia infections each year might be closer to 3 million.

Males and female can both get the infection, however extra cases in ladies are reported.

Infection rates are highest amongst younger females, with the highest possible prices of infection happening in females in between ages 15 and 24.

The CDC recommends that all sexually energetic ladies ages 25 years and younger get evaluated for chlamydia each year, along with older ladies with danger variables like several or brand-new companions.

Statistically, a person is more probable to get an STI if theyve had sex with greater than a single person. Various other threat variables include having had an STI in the past, or currently have an infection since this could lower resistance.

Prices for chlamydia and also various other STIs have actually been climbing up in the last few years.

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Frequently Asked Questionsexpand All

• What is a sexually transmitted infection ?

  A sexually transmitted infection is an infection spread by sexual contact. There are many STIs. This FAQ focuses on chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. These STIs can cause long-term health problems and problems during pregnancy. Having an STI also increases the risk of getting human immunodeficiency virus if you are exposed to it.

• What is chlamydia?

  Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STI in the United States. Chlamydia is caused by a type of bacteria, which can be passed from person to person during vaginal sex, oral sex, or anal sex. Infections can occur in the mouth, reproductive organs, urethra, and rectum. In women, the most common place for infection is the cervix .

• What are the risk factors for chlamydia?

  The following factors increase the risk of getting chlamydia:

• Having a new sex partner

• Having more than one sex partner

• Having a sex partner who has more than one sex partner

• Having sex with someone who has an STI

• Having an STI now or in the past

• Not using condoms consistently when not in a mutually monogamous relationship

• Exchanging sex for money or drugs

Infant Pneumonia Caused By C Trachomatis

Chlamydial pneumonia among infants typically occurs at age 13 months and is a subacute pneumonia. Characteristic signs of chlamydial pneumonia among infants include a repetitive staccato cough with tachypnea and hyperinflation and bilateral diffuse infiltrates on a chest radiograph. In addition, peripheral eosinophilia occurs frequently. Because clinical presentations differ, all infants aged 13 months suspected of having pneumonia, especially those whose mothers have a history of, are at risk for , or suspected of having a chlamydial infection should be tested for C. trachomatis and treated if infected.

Diagnostic Considerations

Specimens for chlamydial testing should be collected from the nasopharynx. Tissue culture is the definitive standard diagnostic test for chlamydial pneumonia. Nonculture tests can be used. DFA is the only nonculture FDA-cleared test for detecting C. trachomatis from nasopharyngeal specimens however, DFA of nasopharyngeal specimens has a lower sensitivity and specificity than culture. NAATs are not cleared by FDA for detecting chlamydia from nasopharyngeal specimens, and clinical laboratories should verify the procedure according to CLIA regulations . Tracheal aspirates and lung biopsy specimens, if collected, should be tested for C. trachomatis.

Treatment

Erythromycin base or ethylsuccinate 50 mg/kg body weight/day orally divided into 4 doses daily for 14 days

Azithromycin suspension20 mg/kg body weight/day orally, 1 dose daily for 3 days

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Can You Get Antibiotics For Chlamydia Over The Counter

No, you cannot get antibiotics for chlamydia treatment over the counter.

The first line of treatment for chlamydia is a prescription antibiotic called azithromycin. Those who are allergic to azithromycin will likely be prescribed another common antibiotic called doxycycline.

Azithromycin and doxycycline are both prescription medications and are not available over the counter. Because they have side effects and certain contraindications with other medications and medical conditions it is crucial that you meet with a doctor to ensure they are safe for you to take.

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.

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How Do You Prevent Chlamydia

Using a new male or female condom or dental dam every time you have sex is the best way to protect against chlamydia.

Chlamydia can be passed on by sharing sex toys. Always cover sex toys with a new condom and wash them after use to reduce your risk of getting chlamydia and other STIs.

Its important to regularly test for chlamydia, even if you dont have any symptoms, especially if youve had multiple sexual partners.

The contraceptive pill and other types of contraception wont prevent you getting chlamydia, and neither will PrEP.

How Do I Test For Chlamydia

You can get tested for chlamydia even if you dont have any symptoms.

Getting tested for chlamydia is easy and doesnt hurt. A healthcare professional will ask for a urine sample and/or take a swab from the area that might be infected. This is usually the lower part of the womb or the vagina for women, and the tip of the penis for men. If youve had anal or oral sex, you may have a swab taken from your anus or throat.

In some countries you can get a self-testing kit to do at home.

If you test positive for chlamydia, its important to tell any recent sexual partner/s so they can also get tested, and treated if necessary. If you need advice about how to do this, speak to your healthcare professional. You should also test for other STIs.

Recommended Reading: What Is The Test For Gonorrhea And Chlamydia

How To Cope With Side Effects

What to do about:

• headaches make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Everyday painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, are safe to take with doxycycline.
• feeling or being sick stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. It might help to take your doxycycline after a meal or snack but avoid dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt. Dairy products can stop your body absorbing your medicine properly. If you are being sick, drink plenty of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having strong-smelling pee. Do not take any medicines to treat vomiting without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
• sensitivity to sunlight when you go outside, wear sunglasses and clothes that cover you up. Put sunscreen or sunblock on your skin with a sun protection factor of at least 15 . Also use a sunscreen product for your lips. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds. If you get sunburn, there are things you can do to treat your symptoms.

How To Prevent Chlamydia

Below are some ways to prevent chlamydia

• Use condoms every time you have sex
• Discuss testing for sexually transmitted infections with your doctor or nurse
• Ask if you are due for your annual chlamydia screening
• See your doctor or nurse if you have any symptoms of chlamydia or another infection
• Do not have sex if you or your sexual partner has abnormal discharge, burning with urination, or a genital rash or sore

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What Do The Results Mean

A positive result means you have been infected with chlamydia. The infection requires treatment with antibiotics. Your health care provider will give you instructions on how to take your medicine. Be sure to take all the required doses. In addition, let your sexual partner know you tested positive for chlamydia, so he or she can be tested and treated promptly.

Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.

Chlamydia Symptoms In Women:

• testicular pain and/or swelling
• swollen skin around the anus

Depending on the localization of the infection, women, men and children may experience inflamed rectum, urethra or eyelids. The symptoms of mouth and throat infections are rare although a person can suffer a sore throat. Eyes infected with chlamydia can be itchy, swelled, cause painful sensations or produce discharge similar to conjunctivitis. Infection in the rectum results in bleeding, chlamydia discharge and pain.

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What Will Happen If Chlamydia Infections Is Ignored So Long

Trachoma of the eye. Progression of trachoma. Trachoma, an infection of the eye caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Trachoma is a bacterial infection that affects your eyes

If you are thinking hard to know about how is chlamydia transmitted then the only answer is via sexual contact. Unfortunately, the side effects of Chlamydia over male infertility are generally underestimated. But it is observed that this infection can damage sperm and may also lead to some serious or non curable reproductive disorder like permanent infertility.

Males that are suffering with Chlamydia use to have DNA level 3 times higher than its normal amount in DNA. It clearly means that the genetic material is not perfectly packed inside and it is more susceptible to breakage.

Structure of Mycoplasma cell. the bacterium is the causative agent of sexually transmitted diseases, pneumoniae, atypical pneumonia and other respiratory disorders. unaffected by many antibiotics.

Mycoplasma is also similar kind of disease and it is also transferred with sexual contact both these diseases can have direct effect on sperm production in male body. Once a person gets infected with Chlamydia then his rate of abnormal sperm reproduction gets increased up to 80% and it has about 10% lesser mobility inside body when compared with normal peers.

Other than this, male Chlamydia patients are observed to experience urethritis, conjunctivitis and rheumatological conditions along with reactive arthritis issues.

What Are The Symptoms Of Chlamydia

It is not easy to tell if you are infected with chlamydia because the symptoms are so vague and are shared with a number of other infections. For some people symptoms can appear a few weeks after unprotected sex. For others, the symptoms develop months later, or in some cases symptoms can disappear after a few days even though they still have the infection.

70% of infected females and 50% of males will not have any obvious symptoms of chlamydia. However, there are some common symptoms to be aware of.

The most common symptoms for women include:

• Burning sensation/discomfort when urinating.

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This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.

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Always follow the directions from your doctor or pharmacist for taking azithromycin.

Azithromycin is taken as a single dose, one time.

It should be taken as soon as you receive the prescription. Azithromycin can be taken with or without food, however, the extended-release form is typically taken on an empty stomach.

If you take the liquid form, shake it well before using and use a dosing spoon to measure an accurate dose. If you are prescribed the powder, mix it with water according to directions.

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