What is The Best Chlamydia Treatment?

Table of Contents

• What is Chlamydia?
• Common Symptons of Chlamydia 
• Treatment for Chlamydia
• Doxycycline Antibiotics to Treat Chlamydia
• Azithromycin Antibiotics to Treat Chlamydia
• How do I Know If I Have Chlamydia?
• How Do I Know Which Chlamydia Treatment to Take?
• Best Practices to Prevent Chlamydia Infection
• Importance of Prompt Action and Regular Screening

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is spread by having unprotected sex with someone who is infected. It is also possible to contract chlamydia by engaging in oral sex with someone who is carrying the bacterial infection. It is one of the most common STI’s in the UK, with over 180,000 new cases each year. Chlamydia symptoms are not always present, with only 3 in 10 women and 5 in 10 men experiencing symptoms as a result of chlamydia. This is the reason it is so common, as people do not know they have the infection and spread it unknowingly. If you change sexual partners on a regular basis, or you have a new sexual partner, you should take a chlamydia test. Chlamydia infections are curable and can be treated with a short course of antibiotics. It will not go away on its own, as the immune system is unable to deal with it. Untreated chlamydia can cause infertility, and lead to other conditions such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, and reactive arthritis.

Common Symptons of Chlamydia 

Many people who have chlamydia are asymptomatic, meaning they do not present any symptoms, but if they do appear, they can show up anywhere from one week to several months after exposure. 

Symptoms in Men

Chlamydia symptoms in those with penises may include:

• A cloudy, white, or watery discharge from the tip of the penis
• Itching or burning around the genital area
• Swelling or pain in the testicles
• Painful urination

Untreated chlamydia in men may lead to sexually acquired reactive arthritis (SARA), causing inflammation in joints, eyes, and the urethra, which can make urination painful. SARA is more prevalent in men and cannot be cured, but symptoms can be managed with NSAIDs like ibuprofen.

Symptoms in Women 

For those with vaginas, chlamydia can cause:

• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Pain or a burning sensation when urinating
• Discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen

Untreated chlamydia in women can lead to severe health issues, including infection of the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries(Pelvic Inflammatory Disease), which may cause infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and ectopic pregnancies. Pregnant women also risk transmitting the infection to their baby, potentially resulting in eye infections in the newborn.

Treatment for Chlamydia

Treatment of chlamydia can be easily achieved with antibiotics. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing complications and ensuring a full recovery. This section outlines the most effective recommendations for treatment and additional steps you can take for managing the infection and preventing its spread.

Doxycycline Antibiotics to Treat Chlamydia

Doxycycline is the preferred choice for chlamydia treatment. It was previously a single dose of Azithromycin, but guidelines have since changed. Doxycycline is an antibiotic that works by damaging the structure of bacteria, known as Chlamydia Trachomatis, eliminating it from the body. The dose that is needed to cure chlamydia is one capsule, twice a day for 7 days. It is important to complete the course to ensure that the bacteria responsible for causing chlamydia is completely eradicated. You should also avoid taking any indigestions remedies two hours before or after taking the capsule, as this can interfere with the absorption of the medication, reducing its effectiveness. 

If you vomit shortly after taking a capsule, you should take another one and let your doctor or pharmacist know, so that a replacement capsule can be provided. If you forget to take a capsule, you should take it when you remember, unless it is time for your next dose, in which case you should skip the forgotten dose.

Doxycycline is not suitable for those that are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those that have a high exposure to sunlight. There are also certain drugs that it can interact with, and you should make your doctor aware of any medications you are taking.

You should avoid unprotected sexual contact for 7 days after completing treatment, as there may still be traces of bacteria in your system. There isn’t any need to get retested after a course of antibiotics, as clinical trials have proven doxycycline to be extremely effective. However, if you have missed multiple doses, it is recommended to take an STD test at least one week after completing the treatment course. Common side-effects of doxycycline include headaches, stomach aches, nausea and sensitivity to sunlight.

Azithromycin Antibiotics to Treat Chlamydia

Azithromycin is the second treatment option for chlamydia. It works by stopping the bacteria from producing proteins that are required for it to survive. The bacteria eventually die, and with the help of the immune system, leaves the body. Previously, the required dose of azithromycin required to treat chlamydia was 1g as a single dose. Due to antibiotic resistance, this has now changed. The updated guidelines state that azithromycin should be taken over a 3-day period. 1g should be taken on day 1, 500mg on day 2 and 500mg on day 3. It is important to complete the course in order to ensure that the infection is completely cleared from your system.

Azithromycin should be used by patients who are unable to take doxycycline, for example, those that are pregnant or breastfeeding, those with a high exposure to sun or ultraviolet rays, those that are unlikely to complete a one week course of doxycycline, those with allergies, those taking any medication that may interact with doxycycline, and those with pre-existing medical conditions where doxycycline may not be suitable to take.

Clinical trials have shown that azithromycin has a success rate of 96%. Due to its effectiveness, it is not necessary to screen for chlamydia once treatment has been completed, unless you have not finished the course, or you have engaged in unprotected sexual activity whilst taking the tablets, or within 7 days of having completed treatment. Common side-effects of azithromycin include headache, stomach upset and nausea.

How do I Know If I Have Chlamydia?

The only way to know if you have the infection is to get tested for chlamydia. This involves providing a urine sample that is analysed in a laboratory. Most of the time, chlamydia doesn’t present any symptoms, which is why it is important to get tested regularly, especially if you have a new sexual partner. Chlamydia symptoms can include pain when having sex, pain whilst urinating, lower stomach pain, genital discharge, tender and swollen testicles for men and bleeding in between periods for women. Only 30% of women, and 50% of men will display symptoms. It is the most common STI as it is spread unknowingly, which is why it is important to take a chlamydia test if you have a new sexual partner. If a recent sexual partner has tested positive, there is no need to get tested, and you should start treatment straight away.

How Do I Know Which Chlamydia Treatment to Take?

Current guidance from both the National Institute of Clinical Excellence and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, state that doxycycline is the preferred and first-line treatment for chlamydia. This is due to antibiotic resistance, as research has shown that chlamydia responds better to doxycycline. Azithromycin should be used where doxycycline is not safe to be prescribed, and for patients who may experience difficulty in sticking to a one-week regime. To find out more information, you can visit our chlamydia FAQ’s.

Best Practices to Prevent Chlamydia Infection

To safeguard yourself from chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it is advised to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Use of Condoms: Always use a condom during vaginal, oral and anal sex. This barrier method is your first line of defense against chlamydia.
• Practice Safe Handling of Sex Toys: Do not share sex toys. If sharing is unavoidable, thoroughly wash them after each use or cover them with a new condom each time they are used.

Importance of Prompt Action and Regular Screening

If you suspect potential exposure to chlamydia or experience any related symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice. Early detection and treatment not only improve your health outcomes but also helps to prevent the spread of the infection to others. For convenience and confidentiality, Chemist Click offers a complimentary online consultation service.

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.