How to Treat a Chlamydia Infection

Chlamydia is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex and can infect people of any gender.

In women, chlamydia most commonly infects the cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat.
In men, it typically affects the urethra, rectum, or throat.

How Does Chlamydia Spread?

Chlamydia is primarily spread through unprotected sexual contact, including oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Barrier protection, such as condoms, significantly reduces the risk of transmission. Other forms of birth control (like pills or IUDs) do not protect against chlamydia.

Chlamydia can also be passed from a pregnant person to a baby during childbirth, potentially causing eye infections or pneumonia in newborns.

Risk Factors and Complications

Chlamydia is curable, but untreated infections can lead to long-term health problems, especially in people with repeated or prolonged infections.

Potential complications include:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

• Chronic pelvic pain

• Ectopic pregnancy

• Infertility

• Epididymitis in men

• Increased risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV

Because complications can occur even without symptoms, routine testing is essential.  

Most chlamydia infections are asymptomatic, which is why many people unknowingly transmit the infection.

When symptoms do occur, they may include:

In women:

• Pain or burning with urination

• Abnormal vaginal discharge

• Bleeding between periods or after sex

• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain

• Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding (if rectal infection)

In men:

• Discharge from the penis

• Burning or pain with urination

• Testicular pain or swelling

• Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding (if rectal infection)

If the infection spreads, symptoms may include fever, nausea, or worsening abdominal pain.

Testing

Routine screening is recommended for:

• Sexually active women under age 25

• Anyone with new or multiple sexual partners

• People with symptoms or known exposure

Testing is done using urine samples or swabs and is quick and highly accurate.

Treatment (Updated Guidelines)

According to the CDC, the first-line treatment for uncomplicated chlamydia is:

• Doxycycline 100 mg by mouth twice daily for 7 days

Alternative option (when doxycycline is not appropriate):

• Azithromycin 1 g by mouth as a single dose

Most people are cured when antibiotics are taken exactly as prescribed.

Important treatment instructions:

• Avoid sexual activity until 7 days after completing treatment

• Sexual partners from the past 60 days should also be treated

• Retesting is recommended 3 months after treatment to check for reinfection

If you think you may have chlamydia or have already tested positive, Call-On-Doc offers fast, private, and affordable online care. Our licensed providers can:

• Review symptoms and test results

• Order lab testing or at-home test kits with oral swabs available

• Prescribe CDC-recommended treatment

• Provide partner treatment guidance

Get treated quickly—without waiting rooms or stigma.

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