Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a bacterial STI that affects approximately 200,000 in the UK every year according to the NHS. It may also be referred to as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) although the term 'infection' is medically correct. As it is bacterial, in most cases it can be cured completely with the correct antibiotics.

Chlamydia is very often asymptomatic meaning it can go completely unnoticed but can cause complications in the long-term if left so it is recommended to go for periodic STI testing if you have unprotected sex, which all test for chlamydia as well as other common sexually transmitted infections.

Chlamydia is caused by a particular bacterium known as chlamydia trachomatis. This bacteria can live inside the penis, vagina and rectum. It is spread through unprotected sexual activity of any kind including vaginal, oral and anal sex. It can also be transferred through objects such as sex toys, although this is rare.

People who have multiple sexual partners and frequently engage in unprotected sex have an increased risk of contracting this and other sexually transmitted infections, however it does only take one time with an infected partner, making it highly contagious and the most commonly contracted STI in the UK.

The vast majority of people infected with chlamydia do not realise as it can have no symptoms at all (also known as asymptomatic). In many cases, the only way to know if you have chlamydia, as well as a number of other sexually transmitted infections, is to go to the sexual health clinic or GUM clinic for a test. This is free of charge in the UK. If you do happen to be experiencing symptoms, they can differ between men and women to include the following:

Symptoms in women

• Burning sensation when urinating
• An abnormal vaginal discharge
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Blood in the urine
• Feeling an urgent need to urinate

Symptoms in men

• Small amounts of discharge from the tip of the penis
• Painful urination
• Burning and itching around the opening of the penis
• Pain and swelling around the testicles

Both sexes can also include pain during intercourse.

Long term effects of chlamydia

While chlamydia can be treated easily by using the right antibiotics, it can stay unrecognised for lengthy periods of time; this can sometimes be years and can lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which can lead to fertility issues. This is also a possibility for men as chlamydia can negatively affect sperm production, and also lead to Epididymitis (swelling and pain in the testicles).

If you have taken a test and it has come back with a positive result confirming you have the chlamydia, there isn't anything to worry about as there are things that can help straight away. The most important thing when treating a bacterial sexually transmitted infection is to start a course of medication as soon as possible. That way, you can clear the infection quickly, which means you stand less chance of experiencing symptoms and developing complications, as well as passing it on. You can take a look below and see what kind of treatment is most suitable for you.

Prescription medication for chlamydia

Prescription medication is the only treatment of chlamydia and recommended by doctors. The type of prescription treatment you receive will depend on the type of infection and status of treatment. You always need to take the full course of antibiotic treatment, even if the symptoms disappear before the treatment is finished.

Doxycycline is taken as first line treatment over a seven-day period with a dosage of 100 mg taken twice a day. Azithromycin is taken as second line treatment with a dosage of 1 gram taken once and a 500 mg dose once a day for days.

It is highly advised that all your sexual partners from the past six months also seek treatment, to prevent further spread of the STI to other people. If you don't want to contact them yourself, this can be done anonymously through your sexual health clinic.

Natural treatments and remedies for chlamydia

There are a number of claimed natural herbal remedies for chlamydia including the use of garlic, usnea and echinacea. However, there is no concrete evidence that proves their effectiveness in treating this sexually transmitted infection.

Chlamydia can be completely avoided if one takes certain preventative measures, including regular STI testing at your local GUM clinic or GP practice (double check your doctor's surgery beforehand as some don't offer a full comprehensive test, especially if you're above 25). Some of the other measures are listed below.

Using a latex condom - Using a condom doesn't just prevent chlamydia from being passed on, but other STIs as well. It's important for you a different condom each time you have sex.

Informing your past/present sexual partners - It's important you discuss your infection with your current partner(s), as they will require a course of treatment as well. This is also applies to any partner you've had sex with in the past 6 months.

Abstaining from sex until treatment is complete - By speaking to your doctor, you'll be able to find out when you can return to having sex if you're having treatment for chlamydia.

You can buy chlamydia treatment to clear up the infection within a week, posing limited disturbance to your life. Prescription treatment is the recommended method that is proven to be highly effective medication. If you have tested positive for chlamydia, you can receive your treatment the very next day when ordered with OnlineClinic. To buy chlamydia medication in the UK, you must complete a quick consultation to be issued a prescription. The doctor will be able to tell which treatment you need based on your test and symptoms, cutting out the face-to-face appointments. You can do this online for free with no obligation at OnlineClinic, and all of our treatments are packaged discreetly so you can get your package delivered anywhere that is convenient.