Treatment of Chlamydia
Treatment of chlamydia is simple and highly effective. Once diagnosed, a short course of antibiotics usually clears the infection completely. With early treatment of chlamydia, most people recover quickly and without lasting effects.
1. First-Line Antibiotics
Current treatment guidelines recommend:
- Doxycycline 100 mg, taken twice a day for 7 days
This is considered the most effective option and is preferred in most cases, including rectal infections.
2. Alternatives | Treatment of Chlamydia
If doxycycline is not suitable — such as during pregnancy — alternatives include:
- Azithromycin 1g as a single dose (less commonly used now due to resistance)
- Amoxicillin in some pregnant individuals
- Consultation with a doctor is essential to select the safest and most effective option
3. Abstain From Sex
Patients should avoid all sexual contact for at least 7 days after starting treatment — and until their partners have completed treatment — to prevent reinfection or spreading the infection.
4. Partner Treatment
It is crucial that all recent sexual partners are also treated. Reinfection is common if only one partner is treated. Clinics often offer expedited partner therapy to assist with this process.
5. Follow-Up Testing
- Routine follow-up is not necessary if treatment is completed and symptoms resolve
- Test of cure may be advised for pregnant individuals or if symptoms persist
- Repeat testing is recommended after 3 months due to high reinfection rates
6. Managing Complications | Treatment of Chlamydia
If complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are present, a longer course of antibiotics and hospital care may be required.
Treatment of chlamydia is quick, affordable, and highly effective — but only if the infection is caught in time and partners are managed appropriately.
[Next: Complications and Recovery from Chlamydia →]
