If I have chlamydia, how is it treated?
The common treatment for chlamydia is a course of antibiotics. The two most commonly prescribed treatments are:
How quickly will treatment work?
You should notice improvements quite quickly if you had any signs or symptoms. If the symptoms do not improve, please seek advice as you may have a different STI and require further tests and different antibiotics. If you have pelvic pain or pain when having sex that doesn’t improve, see your doctor or nurse. It may be necessary to have some further treatment or investigations for other possible causes of the pain.
Will I need to revisit the clinic?
Not if you have taken your treatment as instructed. However, you may need to return for a repeat test if:
When can I have sex again?
Do not have any sex (oral, vaginal, anal or use sex toys) with your partner(s) until seven days after you have both completed
your treatment.
Do I need to tell my sexual partner that I have chlamydia?
Yes! Chlamydia is spread through unprotected sex (not using a condom). So if you have chlamydia it is important that you let your sexual partners know, as they may have it too. If you test positive for chlamydia, it is very important that your current sexual partner and any other recent partners are also tested and treated. The staff at the clinic or general practice will discuss with you which of your sexual partners may need to be tested.
You may be given a ‘contact slip’ to send or give to your partner(s). Alternatively, with your permission, the clinic can do this for you. The slip explains that they may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and suggests that they go for a check-up. It may or may not say what the infection is. The slip will not have your name on it, so your confidentiality is protected. This is called partner notification. You are strongly advised to tell your partner(s), but it isn’t compulsory.
How can I know if chlamydia has affected my fertility?
If you have had chlamydia you will not normally be offered any routine tests to see if you are fertile unless you or your partner are having difficulty in getting pregnant. If you are concerned, you should talk to your doctor or practice nurse.
Many women who have had chlamydia will not become infertile or have an ectopic pregnancy.
What if I am really upset that I have chlamydia?
For some people finding out that they have chlamydia can be upsetting. In this case it’s important to remember that chlamydia is a very common bacterial infection that can affect anybody who has ever had unprotected sex and that it is easily treated with antibiotics.
If you are upset about having chlamydia or have any questions please talk to your nurse or doctor.
If my test is negative, what happens next?
Great news! But remember to always protect yourself from chlamydia in the future.
The common treatment for chlamydia is a course of antibiotics. The two most commonly prescribed treatments are:
Azithromycin (single dose).
Doxycycline (longer course).
How quickly will treatment work?
You should notice improvements quite quickly if you had any signs or symptoms. If the symptoms do not improve, please seek advice as you may have a different STI and require further tests and different antibiotics. If you have pelvic pain or pain when having sex that doesn’t improve, see your doctor or nurse. It may be necessary to have some further treatment or investigations for other possible causes of the pain.
Will I need to revisit the clinic?
Not if you have taken your treatment as instructed. However, you may need to return for a repeat test if:
you think you have come into contact with chlamydia again.
you had unprotected sex with your partner before the treatment was finished.
you did not complete the treatment or did not take it
according to the instructions.
the signs and symptoms don’t go away.
your test was negative, but you develop signs and
symptoms of chlamydia.
When can I have sex again?
Do not have any sex (oral, vaginal, anal or use sex toys) with your partner(s) until seven days after you have both completed
your treatment.
Do I need to tell my sexual partner that I have chlamydia?
Yes! Chlamydia is spread through unprotected sex (not using a condom). So if you have chlamydia it is important that you let your sexual partners know, as they may have it too. If you test positive for chlamydia, it is very important that your current sexual partner and any other recent partners are also tested and treated. The staff at the clinic or general practice will discuss with you which of your sexual partners may need to be tested.
You may be given a ‘contact slip’ to send or give to your partner(s). Alternatively, with your permission, the clinic can do this for you. The slip explains that they may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and suggests that they go for a check-up. It may or may not say what the infection is. The slip will not have your name on it, so your confidentiality is protected. This is called partner notification. You are strongly advised to tell your partner(s), but it isn’t compulsory.
How can I know if chlamydia has affected my fertility?
If you have had chlamydia you will not normally be offered any routine tests to see if you are fertile unless you or your partner are having difficulty in getting pregnant. If you are concerned, you should talk to your doctor or practice nurse.
Many women who have had chlamydia will not become infertile or have an ectopic pregnancy.
What if I am really upset that I have chlamydia?
For some people finding out that they have chlamydia can be upsetting. In this case it’s important to remember that chlamydia is a very common bacterial infection that can affect anybody who has ever had unprotected sex and that it is easily treated with antibiotics.
If you are upset about having chlamydia or have any questions please talk to your nurse or doctor.
If my test is negative, what happens next?
Great news! But remember to always protect yourself from chlamydia in the future.
Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK; affecting both men and women. Most people who have it will have no symptoms, without a test you will probably not know anything is wrong. If you or your sexual partner are left untreated it can cause infertility (not being able to have children) and long term pelvic pain. If you are sexually active and under 25 you should be tested for chlamydia annually.
The test for chlamydia is simple – just one quick and painless test that you do yourself. You do NOT need to be examined!
To find your local chlamydia screening services enter your post code or select your region on the map.
The test for chlamydia is simple – just one quick and painless test that you do yourself. You do NOT need to be examined!
To find your local chlamydia screening services enter your post code or select your region on the map.
