Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can infect both men and women and is spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Many people with chlamydia don't experience symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis, burning sensation during urination, pain during sex, or pain in the lower abdomen. In women, symptoms might include bleeding between periods or after sex.

How is chlamydia diagnosed?

Chlamydia is diagnosed through laboratory tests that can be performed on urine samples or swab samples taken from the penis, cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat. These tests detect the presence of the bacteria that cause chlamydia.

How is chlamydia treated?

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics, typically azithromycin or doxycycline. It's important to take all medication as prescribed, even if symptoms disappear. You should also avoid sexual contact until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment.

Can chlamydia be cured?

Yes, chlamydia can be cured with the right antibiotics. However, reinfection is possible if you are exposed to the bacteria again, even if you've been treated before.

What happens if chlamydia is not treated?

If left untreated, chlamydia can cause serious health problems. In women, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and ectopic pregnancy. In men, it can cause epididymitis, a painful condition of the ducts attached to the testicles that may lead to infertility if left untreated.

How can I prevent chlamydia?

You can reduce your risk of getting chlamydia by using condoms correctly every time you have sex, limiting your number of sex partners, and getting regular STI screenings if you are sexually active, especially if you have new or multiple partners.

Should my partner(s) get tested if I have chlamydia?

Yes, if you are diagnosed with chlamydia, all of your sexual partners from the past 60 days should be notified, tested, and treated to prevent reinfection and further spread of the disease.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Chlamydia Treatment: Effective Options and Recovery

Learn about antibiotic treatments, recovery time, and follow-up care for chlamydia infections.

Medically reviewed by healthcare professionals

Last updated: April 2025

Treatment Overview

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can be effectively treated with antibiotics. When taken correctly, antibiotics are highly effective at eliminating the infection. The key to successful treatment is:

Taking all medication exactly as prescribed
Abstaining from sexual activity until treatment is complete
Ensuring all sexual partners are also tested and treated
Getting retested if symptoms persist or return

Treatment Success Rate

When taken properly, antibiotic treatment for chlamydia has a success rate of more than 95%. However, reinfection is common if partners aren't treated or if treatment isn't completed.

Antibiotic Options for Chlamydia

Healthcare providers typically prescribe one of the following antibiotics to treat chlamydia:

Azithromycin

Dosage: Usually given as a single dose (1 gram)

How it works: Azithromycin works by stopping the growth of bacteria by preventing the bacteria from making proteins that are essential for their survival.

Advantages: Convenient single-dose treatment, which can improve compliance since you only need to take it once.

Potential side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain

Doxycycline

Dosage: Typically prescribed as 100 mg taken twice daily for 7 days

How it works: Doxycycline prevents bacteria from producing proteins necessary for their growth and reproduction.

Advantages: Highly effective and may be preferred for certain types of chlamydial infections.

Potential side effects: Sun sensitivity (photosensitivity), upset stomach, diarrhea, heartburn

Important: Doxycycline should not be used by pregnant women or children under 8 years old.

Alternative antibiotics that may be prescribed in certain situations include:

Erythromycin - Often used during pregnancy if azithromycin is not suitable
Levofloxacin - May be used if other antibiotics are not suitable
Ofloxacin - An alternative option for those who cannot take first-line treatments

Special Treatment Considerations

Treatment During Pregnancy

Pregnant women with chlamydia require treatment to prevent transmission to the baby during birth. Safe options include:

Azithromycin - Generally considered safe during pregnancy
Erythromycin - Alternative when azithromycin is not suitable
Amoxicillin - May be prescribed in some cases

Doxycycline and fluoroquinolones (like levofloxacin) are not recommended during pregnancy.

Treatment for HIV-Positive Patients

People with HIV and chlamydia typically receive the same treatment as those who are HIV-negative. However, they may require more careful monitoring and follow-up testing.

Treatment for Complicated Infections

More complicated infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or epididymitis, may require:

Longer courses of antibiotics
Different combinations of medications
Possible hospitalization for severe cases

During and After Treatment

Recovery Timeline

Symptoms should improve within 1-2 weeks of starting treatment.
The infection is usually cleared within 7 days of completing the full course of antibiotics.
You should abstain from sexual activity for 7 days after completing treatment (single-dose azithromycin) or until completing the full course of antibiotics (doxycycline).

Important Guidelines During Treatment

Take all medication exactly as prescribed, even if symptoms disappear
Abstain from sexual intercourse until treatment is complete
Inform all sexual partners from the past 60 days that they should get tested and treated
Follow up with your healthcare provider if symptoms persist after treatment

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Contact your healthcare provider if:

Symptoms don't improve within 1-2 weeks of starting treatment
Symptoms return after treatment is complete
You experience severe side effects from medication
You vomit shortly after taking a single-dose treatment (it may not have been absorbed)

Partner Notification and Treatment

Partner notification and treatment are crucial aspects of chlamydia management. Without treating partners, reinfection is likely.

Guidelines for Partner Notification:

All sexual partners from the past 60 days should be notified, tested, and treated
Some healthcare providers offer expedited partner therapy (EPT), where they provide treatment for partners without examination
Anonymous notification services are available in many areas if you're uncomfortable notifying partners yourself

Preventing Reinfection

Many people get reinfected with chlamydia from an untreated partner. Ensuring all partners are treated is the best way to prevent reinfection.

Follow-up Testing

For most uncomplicated chlamydia infections, follow-up testing (called a "test of cure") is not required if treatment is completed as prescribed and symptoms resolve.

However, retesting is recommended in the following situations:

3 months after treatment for all patients (due to the high risk of reinfection)
If symptoms persist or recur after treatment
If you suspect your partner hasn't been treated
If you didn't complete the treatment as prescribed
If you are pregnant (test of cure 3-4 weeks after treatment)

Learn More About Chlamydia

Symptoms

Recognize the signs and symptoms of chlamydia infection.

Prevention

Discover strategies to protect yourself and partners.

FAQ

Find answers to common questions about chlamydia.

View FAQs

Sources & References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 70(4), 1-187.

2. World Health Organization. (2022). Guidelines for the management of symptomatic sexually transmitted infections.

3. British Association for Sexual Health and HIV. (2018). UK National Guideline for the Management of Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis.

4. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Pregnant Women.

5. Mayo Clinic. (2022). Chlamydia trachomatis - Diagnosis and Treatment.