Treatment and Prevention
Chlamydia can be cured easily and quickly, often with a single pill. Despite the ease of treatment, thousands of people suffer serious complications each year (e.g., infertility and chronic pain) because they either had no symptoms or failed to recognize them until it was too late. Don't wait for symptoms to develop - have routine checkups. Be aware that the risk of acquiring chlamydia increases with the number of sexual partners.
Since chlamydia infection can occur without symptoms, it's possible to unknowingly transmit this infection to others, or to get it from someone who doesn't know they have it. Women are more likely to be unaware they have chlamydia. Condoms help decrease the chance of transmission and should be used from the beginning to the end of sex.
Chlamydia in men, women, and babies is treated with various antibiotics. The exact choice depends on the patient and the extent of infection.
Even if symptoms aren't obvious, or if they disappear quickly, you should finish any course of antibiotics for the full length of time prescribed. If symptoms don't go away within 1 to 2 weeks of completing treatment, see your doctor again. 3 to 4 weeks following the end of treatment, your doctor may want to see you again to make sure the infection is cured even if you are feeling well.
While undergoing treatment, and for at least 1 week after your last dose, you should avoid having sex.
At birth, infants are given an antibiotic ointment to prevent chlamydia eye infections. Even with this precaution, however, some exposed infants will become infected.
Jeffrey Heit, MD, Internist with special emphasis on preventive health, fitness and nutrition, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.