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If you have tested positive for chlamydia, treatment is straightforward and it matters that you get it promptly. Complete a short confidential assessment and a UK-registered prescriber will review your answers and decide whether treatment is suitable for you. Treatment arrives in plain packaging with nothing on the outside to say what is inside. We will also ask for your GP details, and talk to you about testing and treating recent partners, because that is what stops the infection coming back.
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Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and is the most common type seen in the UK. It affects both men and women and if left untreated, can lead to more serious long-term issues. Examples such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women, and fertility issues are common long-term problems.
Our clinicians may recommend one of the treatment options below, depending on your symptoms, medical history, and whether the treatment is appropriate for you.
Chlamydia is treated with a short course of antibiotics, and there is more than one way of taking it.
A week-long course is taken as capsules once or twice a day, and is the usual first choice for uncomplicated infection in men and women.
A single-dose course is taken all at once. It is used where the week-long course is not suitable for you, or where a single dose is clinically preferred.
Which one you are offered is a clinical decision made after your assessment, and UK rules do not allow us to name prescription medicines to the public. Whichever you are given, finish the course, avoid sex until treatment is complete, and make sure recent partners are tested and treated.
Complete a short consultation so our clinicians can understand your chlamydia treatments treatment needs.
A prescriber checks whether treatment is clinically safe and appropriate for you.
If approved, your treatment is dispensed and delivered in plain packaging.
Speak to a clinician if your symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting your quality of life.
Despite being the most common STI in the UK, chlamydia is surrounded by misconceptions. Here we set the record straight.
FACT: Around 50% of men and 70–80% of women with chlamydia have no symptoms at all. Regular STI testing is the only reliable way to know your status, especially if you have had a new or unprotected sexual encounter.
FACT: Chlamydia can affect anyone who is sexually active, regardless of age or number of partners. A single unprotected sexual encounter is enough to transmit the infection. Condoms reduce risk but do not eliminate it entirely.
FACT: Successfully treating chlamydia does not provide immunity. You can be reinfected immediately after treatment if you have unprotected sex with an infected partner. Your partner should also be tested and treated at the same time to prevent passing the infection back.
Getting a positive chlamydia result can feel worrying, but chlamydia is easily treated with a short course of antibiotics. Here is what to do next.
Start your antibiotic course immediately and complete the full course even if you feel fine. Avoid sexual intercourse — including oral sex — until you and your partner(s) have finished treatment and been re-tested after 3–4 weeks. Inform any recent sexual partners so they can also get tested; your local sexual health clinic can do this anonymously if you prefer. Do not share your antibiotics with your partner — they need their own prescription at the correct dose. Avoid alcohol while taking certain antibiotics such as metronidazole, as it can cause severe reactions. If your symptoms persist after completing treatment, contact a clinician as you may need a different antibiotic.
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Read guideFind clear answers to common questions about chlamydia symptoms, treatment options, and how to get tested or treated discreetly with Access Doctor.
One of the most common STDs worldwide, Chlamydia mostly affects sexually active adolescents and young adults. However, the risk of infection is high for anyone, regardless of age, who engages in sexual activity without protection. Chlamydia is especially challenging because of its often-silent nature. Known as the "silent infection” due to a lack of symptoms, makes it such an infectious disease.
Abnormal symptoms include bleeding between periods, lower abdominal pain, pain during sexual activity, vaginal discharge, and burning when urinating. Men, on the other hand, could observe discharge from the penis, discomfort during urination, and though less common, swollen or painful testicles. If the rectum becomes infected with chlamydia, both sexes can experience discomfort, discharge, or even rectal bleeding. Oral sex can also lead to chlamydia infections being transmitted into the throat. It is crucial to get a Chlamydia diagnosis and start treatment right away. The infection could progress into more serious health issues if not treated. Untreated Chlamydia in women can potentially lead to severe complications, such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID can have serious health repercussions, including the risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancies, Pelvic pain and persistent pelvic discomfort. Men can develop another condition called Epididymitis because of contracting chlamydia. This condition may result in discomfort, fever, and in more severe cases, may jeopardise fertility. The best defence against Chlamydia is, of course, prevention. The use of condoms on a regular and consistent basis reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases by an order of magnitude. Regular STI screening is recommended for anyone with multiple sexual partners or who frequently do not use condoms.
Chlamydia, a prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI), is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. The responsible bacterium is known as Chlamydia trachomatis, which can be transmitted through various forms of intimate contact, including genital, oral, and vaginal interactions. Bacterial infections are especially contagious because bacteria can live on the surface of the cells that line the affected body part and spread from person to person simply through physical contact. A variety of factors contribute to Chlamydia's widespread distribution. Chlamydia is notable in part because, in the early stages, it frequently causes few or no symptoms. As a result, infected people may unintentionally spread the disease to their sexual partners. Because Chlamydia is so common because it rarely causes symptoms, it's critical that all sexually active people, especially those who have frequent sexual partners or don't use barrier contraception, have routine screenings. Inappropriate use of protection during sexual activities also contributes to Chlamydia spread. Barrier method techniques such as using condoms and dental dams can help to prevent the spread of chlamydia as well as other sexually transmitted diseases. Sexual contact with a Chlamydia-infected person can also reinfect those who have previously been treated. The possibility of reinfection can contribute to the bacterium's persistence in populations where sexual activity is common without protection.
Because chlamydia may not cause any symptoms at first, it is sometimes referred to as a "silent" disease. As a result, an infected person may spread the disease without realising it. If left untreated, Chlamydia can cause chronic and debilitating health problems. It has been linked to pelvic inflammatory disease and can cause irreversible damage to a woman's reproductive system, including infertility. In men, Chlamydia can cause less common but serious complications, such as inflammation of the prostate gland or epididymis, which can affect fertility. It is also worth remembering that Chlamydia infections increases the risk of contracting other STIs, such as HIV. It is the most commonly seen sexually transmitted disease in the UK, and most people who get chlamydia don't have symptoms (asymptomatic) or even know that they have it. It is most commonly seen in men and women between the ages of 16- 25. Around 10% of men and 20-30% of women who have a lab test that confirms the disease even go on to develop symptoms, and only about 30% of these women develop serious complications such as damage to the fallopian tubes (the tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus) caused by pelvic inflammatory disease and may result in infertility. If chlamydia is left untreated during pregnancy, it may result in premature childbirth. The infection can be passed on to an unborn child and cause serious complications such as pneumonia or conjunctivitis (an inflammation of membranes in the eye that may lead to blindness). Pregnant women are screened because it is so common to be without symptoms, and the consequences for the foetus/infant can be serious.
You can get a free chlamydia test at a sexual health clinic, your local GP surgery, or a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. To ensure you're taking care of your health, regular testing for sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia is crucial. It's typically done through a simple urine sample or a swab of the affected area - such as the vagina, anus, or throat, depending on your sexual practices. The sample is then analysed in a lab. It's recommended to get tested if you're sexually active and have multiple partners, if you've been with a partner who has tested positive, or if you’re displaying any possible symptoms. Don't hesitate to consult your healthcare provider about getting tested - it's a vital step in maintaining your health. The test kit will typically involve a swab, taken from the vagina or urethra. Doctors can also check for chlamydia by testing a urine sample. If you or your partner thinks that you have any symptoms of chlamydia, then visit a doctor, or get a free, instant chlamydia test as soon as possible. If it is detected and diagnosed early, you can treat the infection straight away, reducing the risk of any further complications.
With a short course of antibiotics, which clears the infection in the great majority of cases. Some treatments are taken as a single dose, others over seven days, and which is appropriate depends on your assessment: whether you are pregnant, any allergies, other medicines you take, and where the infection is. That choice is the prescriber's, and UK rules do not allow us to name prescription medicines to the public, so you will see the suitable option once your assessment has been reviewed. Whichever you are given, finish the full course, avoid sex until treatment is complete, and make sure recent partners are tested and treated.
Any person who is sexually active has a risk of contracting chlamydia, however it can be completely preventable by following the steps below: Using a latex condom during sexual intercourse Washing before and after sex Avoid sharing sex toys Regular screening with GP/nurse or GUM clinic to test for sexually transmitted infections Limiting the number of sexual partners Preventing Chlamydia isn't about fear; it's about empowering yourself with knowledge and taking proactive steps. The most effective way to prevent Chlamydia is by practicing safe sex. This includes using condoms correctly every time you have sex, limiting your number of sexual partners, and getting regularly tested. Also, having open and honest conversations about STIs with your partner can significantly reduce the risk. If you've been treated for Chlamydia, remember that you can get re-infected if exposed again, so continuous prevention methods are essential. In conclusion, while Chlamydia poses serious risks, understanding these risks and taking the appropriate steps can help ensure your sexual health remains in check. Regular testing, appropriate treatment, and preventive practices can all contribute to a healthier, safer you. Always remember, you're not alone in this. Healthcare professionals are there to guide and support you every step of the way.
If you have tested positive for chlamydia and need to buy medication, please complete our online consultation to determine which prescription treatment is right for you to purchase. One of our doctors will then assess your condition and recommend which treatments are best suited for you. Once you've selected your medication, a prescription will be sent to our pharmacy team to prepare and dispatched for free on a next day delivery.
If you suspect you may have chlamydia, it's important to seek medical help from a sexual health clinic as soon as possible. Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection that can be easily treated with a single dose of antibiotics. Early detection is crucial, as symptoms of chlamydia may not always be apparent, particularly in women. However, some common indicators include unusual discharge, rectal pain, and genital infections. Testing and treatment for chlamydia are vital, especially for pregnant women, as the infection can be passed on to the baby during childbirth. It's also crucial to inform your recent sex partners, as they may also need to get tested and treated if necessary. Remember, prompt action can help prevent further complications and protect the sexual health of both you and others.
Some antibiotics used for chlamydia are not safe in pregnancy, so treatment in pregnancy needs to be arranged through your GP, midwife or a sexual health clinic rather than online. An alternative antibiotic that is safe in pregnancy is used instead, and you will need a follow-up test to confirm the infection has cleared. It does need treating: untreated chlamydia in pregnancy is linked to premature birth, low birth weight and eye or chest infections in the newborn. Tell us if you are pregnant, think you might be, or are breastfeeding, and we will point you to the right service.
Yes. Treatment clears the infection you have now, but it does not protect you from catching it again, and reinfection is common. It usually happens when a partner has not been treated, or with a new partner. That is why partners need testing and treatment, why you should avoid sex until you and your partner have finished treatment, and why re-testing is advised. If symptoms come back, or you have a new partner, get tested again.
Symptoms such as unusual discharge or pain when passing urine usually begin to settle within a few days and have often gone within one to two weeks. The infection is not cleared the moment symptoms stop, so finish the whole course and avoid sex until treatment is complete, including seven days after a single-dose treatment. See a clinician if symptoms are no better after two weeks, or if you develop pain low in your abdomen, pain or swelling in a testicle, a fever, or bleeding between periods.
Yes. Anyone you have had sex with in the last six months, or your most recent partner if that is longer ago, should be tested and treated even if they feel completely well, because most people with chlamydia have no symptoms. Treating you but not your partner is the most common reason the infection comes straight back. Each person needs their own consultation, as we cannot prescribe for someone who has not been assessed. If you would rather not have that conversation yourself, a sexual health clinic can contact partners for you without naming you.
Oral sex can pass chlamydia on, and it can infect the throat. Anal sex can infect the rectum, and the infection can also be passed by genital contact without penetration or by sharing sex toys. Kissing does not spread chlamydia. Throat and rectal infections usually cause no symptoms at all, so tell whoever arranges your test if you have had oral or anal sex, because it changes where the swab needs to be taken from.
Untreated infection can spread beyond where it started. In women it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to long-term pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy and reduced fertility. In men it can cause epididymo-orchitis, a painful swelling of the testicle. Either sex can develop reactive arthritis, and infection during pregnancy carries risks for the baby. Many people have no symptoms the whole time they are infected, which is why a positive test should be treated even when you feel completely well.
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