Did you know? In 2020, WHO estimated that out of the 374 million Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) acquired worldwide, 129 million are solely due to chlamydia.1 These STIs can have a serious impact on the sexual and reproductive health of an infected person.1 However, timely intervention and appropriate treatment can help many infected individuals overcome chlamydia infection.2
But, are you aware of how long it takes for the infection to go away? Or, the chances of its recurrence? Read this article on “treatment for chlamydia in a nutshell” and unlock the answers to all these questions!
The first and foremost thing you should know about is that, ANTIBIOTICS CAN EASILY CURE CHLAMYDIA! It has been estimated that, 95% of people can get cured if they take their antibiotics correctly.2
Patients who are being treated with a single-dose antibiotic must abstain from sexual activity for a week. While patients with a 7-day antibiotic course should avoid sexual activity until the course is complete and the symptoms are gone. This will help prevent the infection from spreading to their partners. However, if the symptoms persist even after the treatment, one should be re-evaluated by the doctor. 3
For pregnant or breastfeeding women, the healthcare provider may prescribe different antibiotic treatments. The same course might also be recommended if you have an allergy.2
ALWAYS CONSULT your healthcare provider for the course of treatment as it may differ from person to person.
There is also a chance that some people might experience certain side effects during the treatment such as diarrhea, stomach ache, and thrush (yeast infection) in women.2
Yes, repeat infection with chlamydia is common! Women are at a higher risk if their partners haven’t been treated properly for the infection. Also, multiple chlamydial infections in a woman might increase the risk of developing health complications such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (infection of the reproductive organs) and ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg attaches outside the uterus).3
However, individuals who got infected for the first time should get retested 3 months after they’ve taken the treatment for chlamydia. This should be done regardless of the fact that their partners were treated successfully for the infection.3
Although the right treatment of chlamydia can cure the infection, it is still important to stay protected. To reduce the transmission of chlamydia, make sure you use condoms consistently. And, if you or your partner is infected, it is advised to avoid physical contact until the course of your treatment for chlamydia is completed.
To safeguard both you and your partner, GET SCREENED! Speak to your doctor about your sexual health and ask whether you should be tested for STIs. If you aren’t comfortable doing so, you can opt for a confidential and convenient way i.e. an at-home test kit.
Along with getting tested right from the comfort of your home, how about you also get personalised recommendations based on your report?
So, here’s where LifeCell’s Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Test - Male and Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Test - Female comes into the picture! This kit will help you monitor your sexual health status and also offer expert recommendations so that you can take the next steps sooner.