Chlamydia Treatment
A diagnosed case or one showing classic chlamydia symptoms is easy to treat. Asymptomatic cases will remain undetected and may cause severe complications. Of note, early diagnosis and prompt treatment not only decrease the infectivity period of the infection but also help prevent complications.
Medication
Antibiotics are usually effective in treating Chlamydia. If people take their antibiotics correctly, more than 95 percent of them will be cured. As soon as chlamydia has been confirmed, you will likely be prescribed antibiotics. However, if you are likely to have the infection, treatment might be started before you receive your results. (10)
Your doctor will prescribe oral antibiotics if you have been diagnosed with chlamydia. Two of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for chlamydia are:
- Doxycycline – One tablet a day for a week
- Azithromycin – The first dose is 1g, followed by 500mg once a day for two days
Always follow your provider’s instructions for taking antibiotics, and take all medications until they’re gone, regardless of whether your symptoms improve. If you have an allergy or are pregnant or breastfeeding, a healthcare professional may prescribe other antibiotics like amoxicillin or erythromycin. If chlamydia complications are a concern, your doctor may recommend a longer course of antibiotics. To make sure your infection is completely cleared up, follow the instructions carefully for each antibiotic prescribed. Even with single-dose medications, it can take up to two weeks.
The infection should clear up within a week with treatment. After taking your antibiotics, refrain from having sex for at least 7 days, and do not stop taking them even if you feel better. If you have an infected partner, your doctor may also recommend treating him or her to prevent reinfection.
If you have a serious infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, you may need to take more antibiotics or be hospitalized for intravenous antibiotics. Surgical treatment may be necessary for severe pelvic infections. You should get yourself tested again after three to six months to make sure the infection has cleared away. You should still do this even if your partner has been treated and appears to be infection-free. While some people experience side effects, they tend to be mild. Stomach ache, diarrhea, feeling sick, and thrush are among the most common side effects.