Chlamydia -Testing,Treatment and Advice

Chlamydia

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Chlamydia - one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the UK. It's passed on from one person to another through unprotected sex (sex without a condom).

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection of the uterus, vagina, cervix, urethra and the rectum. Sometimes the throat and eyes can also be infected.

How can chlamydia be passed on?

Chlamydia is usually passed from one person to another through sexual contact. It is most commonly spread through unprotected vaginal or anal sex.

What are the signs and symptoms of chlamydia?

Most people who are infected won't have any obvious signs or symptoms. Typically symptoms can appear 1-3 weeks after coming into contact with a person carrying the infection.

Symptoms can vary between men and women and as such it is very important you consult a healthcare professional should you have any concerns.

What is the treatment for chlamydia?

Currently the advised treatment in accordance with national guidelines is a course of antibiotics. This can vary depending on whether or not this is your first treatment or if you have had a positive sensitivity test conducted already. Typically the first choice treatment is an antibiotic called Doxycycline 100mg which is taken twice daily for 7 days. Azithromycin at a dose of 1g on the first day followed by 500mg daily for 2 days is an alternative treatment.

It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional should you be unsure which treatment you require.

You can purchase treatment discreetly and efficiently through our online service.

Oxford Online Pharmacy can also provide test kits which you can carry out in the comfort of your own home. (please note, testing to confirm cure should not be carried out until at least 3 weeks have elapsed from completion of treatment)

What you need to know about Chlamydia

Q: What is Chlamydia?

A: Chlamydia is a bacterial infection and the most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK.

Q: How would I get Chlamydia?

A: The most common way to contract Chlamydia is by contact with infected sexual fluids – typically via penetrative sexual intercourse (anal, oral or vaginal).

Q: How would I know if I had Chlamydia?

A: Most people who have Chlamydia don’t show any symptoms. The only definitive way to determine an active infection is by getting yourself tested. You can purchase a test kit from Oxford Online Pharmacy and complete this in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Results are sent to you via post or email and you can then arrange treatment via our online GP.

If you develop symtoms of chlamydia, you may experience:

- Pain when urinating, unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or rectum (back passage).

- In women, pain in the tummy, bleeding during or after sex and bleeding between periods.

- In men, pain and swelling in the testicles.

Q: What if I don’t get treatment?

A: For women, failure to treat Chlamydia can result in the infection spreading and infecting other parts of the reproductive system – particularly the fallopian tubes and uterus. This can then progress to a condition called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – one of the most common causes of infertility in women.

Men who choose not to get their chlamydia infection treated risk a condition called Epididymitis. This is an infection of the tubes where sperm mature in the testicles. Just like in females, this will ultimately lead to infertility.

Q: Can I contract Chlamydia again?

A: It is possible to contract multiple cases of Chlamydia which is why it is important to practice safe sexual intercourse. The more infections a person has (despite effective diagnosis and treatment) the greater the risk of complications, such as infertility, later in life.

Q: How is Chlamydia treated?

A: As Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, it can be treated with specific antibiotics which will be prescribed by our online GP. The most common type is Azithromycin – this is typically taken as a single dose and is sufficient to treat an infection. However, it is important to note the only way to ensure the infection has cleared is to retest following treatment. Other antibiotics are available which treat Chlamydia including Doxycycline which is typically taken longer than a couple of days.

Q: What is Azithromycin?

A: Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat many different infections including Chlamydia and NSU (non-specific urethritis).

Q: How much Azithromycin do I need to take to treat chlamydia?

A: The usual recommended dose for adults is: 1000mg (two 500mg tablets) taken as a single dose followed by 500mg daily for two days

Q: What is the meaning of a single dose?

A: A single dose means you take BOTH tablets (500mg) together as the same time.

Q: What is the difference between a single dose and 500mg?

A: The single dose is 1000mg (2 x 500mg tablets) taken at the same time whereas 500mg is the amount of drug in just one tablet

Q: Should I take two Azithromycin tablets?

A: Yes, you take BOTH Azithromycin tablets (500mg) together at the same time.

Q: How do I know whether to take one tablet or two?

A: You should follow the instructions given by your doctor but the usual recommended dose for adults is: 1000mg (two 500mg tablets) taken as a single dose followed by 500mg daily for two days

Q: How do I take Azithromycin?

A: Azithromycin is taken orally, in tablet form.

Q: Is Azithromycin always pink?

A: The colour of the tablets dispensed to you may vary depending on the manufacturer – if in doubt please contact your pharmacist for further advice.

Q: How do I know the Azithromycin has worked?

A: Your symptoms should improve within 2-3 days of taking the tablets – if this does not happen within seven days please contact your pharmacist or doctor.

Q: What is Zithromax?

A: Zithromax is the “branded” version of Azithromycin 500mg tablets.

Links for sexual health advice:

http://www.fpa.org.uk/sites/default/files/chlamydia-information-and-advice.pdf

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/PIL.30244.latest.pdf

http://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Sexual-health-services/LocationSearch/1847