Chlamydia genital infection is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted disease in the United States and one of the most commonly reported in the world. It is typically transmitted through unprotected sex.
Arguably the best way to avoid contracting chlamydia is through sexual abstinence. This is not considered to be a reasonable option by many people, so the sexually active must take steps to prevent contracting STDs like chlamydia, and the best known way to do that is to practice safe sex.
Symptoms are not common in chlamydia. The majority of people with the infection may not be aware that they have it because symptoms are often mild or even non-existent. If someone suspects they may have had sex with an infected partner, they are urged to undergo testing whether they feel great or not.
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection. Unlike viral infections such as HIV and Herpes, which reside in the body forever, chlamydia is a curable disease, provided the patient seek the appropriate treatment and they do so in a timely manner.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta publishes a set of chlamydia treatment guidelines that have been proven to both relieve any symptoms the patient might be having as well as cure the infection.
Getting treatment for chlamydia helps to prevent the infected from transmitting the disease to other sex partners and therefore helps prevent reinfection of many others not directly associated with the person seeking treatment. Treating pregnant women usually prevents transmission to their child during childbirth. Delays in treatment are not recommended, as complications can develop in both men and women, especially in women, that can create lifelong health issues.
The CDC offers the following treatment recommendations for chlamydia, both of which are anti-biotic regimens:
Option 1: Azithromycin, 1 g orally in a single dose.
Option 2: Doxycycline 100 mg orally twice a day for 7 days.
Both of these options are believed to be equally as effective in eradicating the infection.
The CDC also has four alternate treatment options for treating chlamydia.
Alternate option 1: Erythromycin base 500 mg orally four times a day for 7 days.
Alternate option 2: Erythromycin ethylsuccinate 800 mg orally four times a day for 7 days.
Alternate option 3: Levofloxacin 500 mg orally once daily for 7 days
Alternate option 4: Ofloxacin 300 mg orally twice a day for 7 days
The treatment option that is best for each patient must be determined by the doctor or health care professional who is admininstering the treatment.
The important thing is to seek a diagnostic test to determine whether you are infected, and if so, to seek treatment without delay. Such a course of action will do the most to ensure one's health in the short and long term, as well as the health and safety of their future sexual partners.
The information provided on Contracept.org is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational purposes and does not constitute the practice of medicine. We encourage all visitors to see a licensed physician or nutritionist if they have any concerns regarding health issues related to diet, personal image and any other topics discussed on this site. Neither the owners or employees of Contracept.org nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Please see our Legal Statement for further information.
