Chlamydia Treatment with Antibiotics

Chlamydia, a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and is mostly transmitted through sexual activities. Chlamydia is contracted by a person when the bacteria get into the body and infects the cells in the vaginal or urinary canal. Once the bacteria get into the cell, it feeds on the cell’s nutrients to multiply until the infected cell dies. There are a lot of symptoms and discomfort associated with Chlamydia; however, it is possible for an infected person not to show any symptoms at all. The human body is strong enough to fight against chlamydia infection, but this is risky because the disease will eventually spread into the reproductive organs. If this happens, it could lead to chronic pelvic inflammation or, even worse, infertility. This is why getting treated as early as possible is advised after diagnosis. Chlamydia is best treated using antibiotics.

When Should An Infected Person Start Treatment?

If you suspect that you have been infected with chlamydia or you are seeing symptoms that make you think you have the infection, contact your doctor immediately. You will need to give your doctor some information like your symptoms, your sexual history, and medical history. If your symptoms are classic, you will start treatment right away, but if you have not seen any symptoms, you will have to undergo a Chlamydia test before beginning treatment.

Antibiotics for Treating Chlamydia

Two major types of antibiotics are recommended for treating chlamydia;

  1. Doxycycline to be used for seven days and;
  2. Azithromycin (Disposable dose).

DOXYCYCLINE

This antibiotic has a bacteriostatic effect, which means that it puts a stop to the production of the bacterial toxin in the body, thereby making it hard for the toxin to multiply. It gives the body’s immune system an advantage over the infection. Doxycycline is to be used over seven days (one week) two times per day. During this period, you should stay away from any sexual activity, so you do not infect other people. After completing the antibiotic and your symptoms persist, or you suspect that you have been infected again, you will have to take another chlamydia test after about 4 to 6 weeks.

AZITHROMYCIN

This is a potent antibiotic that works in a bactericidal mode. It does not stop the growth of bacteria like Doxycycline does; it kills the bacteria outright. This is usually prescribed as a last resort if a patient’s infection cannot be treated using doxycycline. In a case like that, a patient only needs to take one dose of Azithromycin, and all the traces of chlamydia bacteria will be wiped off after taking the dose.

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia-detailed.htm

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chlamydia/symptoms/