Chlamydia is treated effectively with antibiotics. The most common treatment options include:
- Doxycycline: 100 mg orally twice a day for 7 days. This is often considered the most effective treatment, especially for rectal infections
- Azithromycin: A single oral dose of 1 gram. This is a convenient one-time treatment but may be less effective than doxycycline for some infections
- Other antibiotics: Levofloxacin, erythromycin, tetracycline, or ofloxacin may also be prescribed depending on the case
Treatment typically clears the infection within 1 to 2 weeks
. It is crucial to take the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria
. Additional important points for treatment and management:
- Avoid vaginal, anal, or oral sex until at least 7 days after starting treatment and until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and are confirmed clear of infection
- Sexual partners should also be tested and treated to prevent reinfection and further spread. Patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) may be an option where you can provide antibiotics to your partner(s) without them needing to see a doctor immediately
- Retesting is recommended about 3 months after treatment to ensure the infection has not recurred or been reacquired
- Untreated chlamydia can lead to serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, epididymitis, prostatitis, and in newborns, eye infections and pneumonia
In summary, chlamydia treatment involves a prescribed course of antibiotics (commonly doxycycline or azithromycin), abstaining from sex during treatment, testing and treating sexual partners, and follow-up testing to confirm cure
