Chlamydia

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:

FPA sexual health charity information on Chlamydia

Azithromycin 500mg tablets Patient Information Leaflet

Find a Sexual Health Clinic via NHS Choices

Authored by Stuart Gale, on 12 March 2019. Reviewed by Robert Bradshaw, on 20 March 2019.