“How is chlamydia usually treated?”
I have been diagnosed with a chlamydia infection. The doctor said it's minor and put me on antibiotics. Is there anything else can I do to promote good health during this treatment or to prevent antibiotics from doing any damage?
10 Answers
OB-GYN(Obstetrician-Gynecologist)Chlamydia
Hi,
Your question addresses one of the most important issues in women's reproductive health in general. Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most common sexually
transmitted disease. It can have serious consequences on the reproductive health, especially in women who are desirous of having children. The most serious consequences of a chlamydial infection are pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), tubal factor infertility, ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the tubes), chronic pelvic pain, pregnancy loss, and, finally, as our own research showed, abnormal uterine bleeding (uterine bleeding other than a menses).
The CDC estimates that there are about 2.8 million cases of chlamydia infections in the U.S. every year, but a large number of cases are not reported because the disease often doesn't produce any symptoms. It is very important that one in 20 sexually active young women aged 14-24 years has chlamydia, but only 10% of men, and 5%-30% of women with laboratory-confirmed chlamydial infection develop symptoms. Furthermore, 10%-15% of women with an untreated infection will develop symptomatic pelvic
inflammatory disease or an upper genital tract infection (PID). Chlamydia can also cause a subclinical inflammation of the upper genital tract (subclinical PID). Both the above mentioned acute and the subclinical PID can cause permanent damage to the upper genital tract and lead to tubal obstruction. This latter is called "tubal factor
infertility." This explains why many women first find out about their infertility due to a chlamydial infection after several years of unsuccessfully trying to conceive and finally making a trip to a fertility specialist. How easy it would have been to thoughtfully get tested and treated at the beginning of every new sexual relationship with an untested partner when there was no barrier protection (condom) used for sex.
The most important issue is to be aware of the nature and prevention of this disease. Timely antibiotic treatment is mandatory if the laboratory diagnosis is made and a "test of cure" follow-up culture is mandatory in a few weeks after treatment. Testing the sex partner is mandatory. If testing is not available or refused, he should be treated as well. Barrier protection (condom) is a MUST with each and every new sexual partner, even if you are already on birth control. The most important advice I can give you is: Being protected from getting pregnant and being protected from a sexually transmitted infection are two entirely different, but very important issues in every woman's life.
Warm regards,
Dr. Toth
Your question addresses one of the most important issues in women's reproductive health in general. Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most common sexually
transmitted disease. It can have serious consequences on the reproductive health, especially in women who are desirous of having children. The most serious consequences of a chlamydial infection are pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), tubal factor infertility, ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the tubes), chronic pelvic pain, pregnancy loss, and, finally, as our own research showed, abnormal uterine bleeding (uterine bleeding other than a menses).
The CDC estimates that there are about 2.8 million cases of chlamydia infections in the U.S. every year, but a large number of cases are not reported because the disease often doesn't produce any symptoms. It is very important that one in 20 sexually active young women aged 14-24 years has chlamydia, but only 10% of men, and 5%-30% of women with laboratory-confirmed chlamydial infection develop symptoms. Furthermore, 10%-15% of women with an untreated infection will develop symptomatic pelvic
inflammatory disease or an upper genital tract infection (PID). Chlamydia can also cause a subclinical inflammation of the upper genital tract (subclinical PID). Both the above mentioned acute and the subclinical PID can cause permanent damage to the upper genital tract and lead to tubal obstruction. This latter is called "tubal factor
infertility." This explains why many women first find out about their infertility due to a chlamydial infection after several years of unsuccessfully trying to conceive and finally making a trip to a fertility specialist. How easy it would have been to thoughtfully get tested and treated at the beginning of every new sexual relationship with an untested partner when there was no barrier protection (condom) used for sex.
The most important issue is to be aware of the nature and prevention of this disease. Timely antibiotic treatment is mandatory if the laboratory diagnosis is made and a "test of cure" follow-up culture is mandatory in a few weeks after treatment. Testing the sex partner is mandatory. If testing is not available or refused, he should be treated as well. Barrier protection (condom) is a MUST with each and every new sexual partner, even if you are already on birth control. The most important advice I can give you is: Being protected from getting pregnant and being protected from a sexually transmitted infection are two entirely different, but very important issues in every woman's life.
Warm regards,
Dr. Toth
Antibiotics for chlamydia are quite safe, much safer than the infection which, if left untreated, can cause permanent damage to pelvic organs. You should always use condoms to help avoid sexually transmitted infections.
Antibiotic therapy is the primary treatment usually with either tetracycline or erythromycin. Some other newer antibiotics may be used. Correct treatment and prevention is the key. Have your partner checked and treated as the male, especially if uncircumcised, can keep re-infecting you.
Chunjai P. Clarkson
OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist)
It is important to complete the course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Chlamydia can cause longterm damage to your fallopian tubes or develop into a more serious pelvic infection referred to as PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) if untreated. Untreated infection can lead to fertility problems and pain. Treatment of your partner is necessary as well with re-testing in a month or two to make sure the infection has cleared. Unfortunately, our healthy gut flora also referred to as microbiome suffers when we take antibiotics. I recommend taking probiotics to offset this effect on the beneficial colon flora. There are many brands of probiotics available. Choose one with multiple bacterial strains of lactobacillus and bifidobacteria with at least 5 to 10 billion cells per dose. It’s also important to consume a diet that supports the growth of healthy colon flora, one that is rich in organic vegetables, and to avoid or limit the things that harm the microbiome such as soda and alcohol. Best of luck!
Good morning,
I believe it is of vital importance to understand that Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that is transmitted through exchange of bodily fluids (semen/sperm, vaginal fluids, blood, etc.) Therefore, if you have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection it is important to inform your sexual partner(s) that you have had contact with over the last 6 months to ensure that this person(s) are evaluated and treated. Chlamydia is treated with 1000mg (usually 2 tabs of azithromycin each 500mg). Some providers treat with a 5 day course of doxycycline. It is extremely important that you complete your antibiotic course and follow-up with your provider or local health department in 2-3 weeks to ensure that the infection has been resolved. Please reference/search the CDC website regarding this sexually transmitted infection to learn more.
Thank you and have a blessed day.
I believe it is of vital importance to understand that Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that is transmitted through exchange of bodily fluids (semen/sperm, vaginal fluids, blood, etc.) Therefore, if you have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection it is important to inform your sexual partner(s) that you have had contact with over the last 6 months to ensure that this person(s) are evaluated and treated. Chlamydia is treated with 1000mg (usually 2 tabs of azithromycin each 500mg). Some providers treat with a 5 day course of doxycycline. It is extremely important that you complete your antibiotic course and follow-up with your provider or local health department in 2-3 weeks to ensure that the infection has been resolved. Please reference/search the CDC website regarding this sexually transmitted infection to learn more.
Thank you and have a blessed day.
Yes, you can buy vaginal probiotic tablets and take daily; furthermore, eat yogurt daily in order to improve normal vaginal flora.
Make sure your partner is treated and use condom
Begin a probiotic. This this will ensure good vaginal health. It is actually not a bad idea to take a probiotic daily anyway!
Feel free to take a probiotic to protect your gut health
Do not worry, the best thing you can do is practice safe sex and also make sure your partner is also treated, and always use condoms during sexual activity.
