Chlamydia

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

Azithromycin is taken orally, in tablet form.

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

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.

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