About chlamydia treatment

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. It is one of the most common STIs in the UK, affecting just under 200,000 people a year, and is particularly common in those aged 25 and under.

Chlamydia is transmitted via infected semen and/or vaginal fluid during sexual activity. These sexual activities include:

• vaginal, oral, and anal sex
• sharing sex toys without washing them and /using them without a condom
• genital-to-genital contact (this is not just limited to sex)
• getting semen or vaginal fluids in your eye

It cannot be spread via toilet seats, towels, or other surfaces.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

At least 50% of men and 70% of women display no symptoms when infected with chlamydia. This means it’s crucial to get tested after having unprotected sex with a new partner as this is sometimes the only way to know whether you have an infection.

Chlamydia symptoms in men

Symptoms in men include:

• pain in the testicles
• pain, burning, or itching from inside the penis
• abnormal discharge from the tip of the penis (this can be watery, cloudy and/or white)
• pain when urinating

➤ Check out our guide for more information on chlamydia symptoms in men.

Chlamydia symptoms in women

Women’s symptoms are different, and include:

• pain during and after sex
• pain in the lower abdomen
• bleeding in between periods or after sex
• pain when urinating
• abnormal vaginal discharge (it may be a different colour, consistency or have a strange smell)

➤ Check out our guide for more information on chlamydia symptoms in women.

Other symptoms

If you get chlamydia in the anus (back passage) or eyes, you may notice pain or discharge from the anus or pain, redness, and discharge from the eye.

Chlamydia may also be contracted via the throat during oral sex. A chlamydia throat infection does not often display symptoms, but you may experience pain and swelling in the throat.

If left untreated, chlamydia can stay in the body for weeks, months, or even years. This can lead to long-term complications including infertility in both men and women. Getting an infection diagnosed early and starting treatment as soon as possible is the best way to avoid this.

How is chlamydia diagnosed?

Chlamydia is diagnosed with a quick and simple test that involves taking a swab or a urine sample, depending on whether you have a penis or vagina and which area of the body you're testing for chlamydia.

It’s best to take a test:

• 2 weeks after unprotected sexual intercourse with a new partner (you did not use a condom)
• if you suspect a partner has chlamydia
• if you experience chlamydia symptoms
• at least once a year if you’re sexually active and under 25 years old (even if you do not have any symptoms)

2 main types of chlamydia test are used:

1. A swab test – a small cotton swab is wiped over the area and then sent to the lab. A swab can be used to take a sample from inside the vagina, anus, mouth or throat, or the tip of the penis.
2. A urine test – a sample of urine is collected for testing. Usually, this is the first bit of urine that comes out as it contains the most bacteria.

These tests can be conducted by a healthcare professional at a GP or sexual health clinic. Alternatively, you can test yourself at home with a testing kit using ZAVA’s discreet, trusted, and regulated service.

Home testing kits

ZAVA offers two different chlamydia home testing kits – urine tests for if you have a penis, and swab tests for if you have a vagina or if you think you may have contracted chlamydia via the anus. Swab tests are more likely to pick up on an infection than a urine test if you may have chlamydia in your vagina or anus.

To get the most accurate results, wait 2 weeks between having unprotected sex and taking a test.

Urine tests

1. Use the small bottle in the kit to catch the first bit of urine after you start urinating.
2. Try to fill it at least halfway.
3. Replace the lid.
4. Secure the bottle of urine inside the bigger bottle with the absorbent paper.
5. Seal the bottle in the airtight packaging provided and return using the prepaid envelope

Vaginal swabs

1. Break the seal of the swab.
2. Spread the skin of the vulva (the skin outside the vagina) and insert the swab into the vagina without letting it touch anything else.
3. Rotate the swab inside the vagina for 10 to 15 seconds.
4. Take it out carefully and put it straight into the tube.
5. Seal the tube in the airtight packaging provided and return using the prepaid envelope.

Your results will be sent within 1 to 3 working days of the lab receiving your test. If the result is positive, there’s a strong chance you have a chlamydia infection. You should either speak to your doctor or request chlamydia treatment using our online service. Only people with a positive test can receive chlamydia treatment.

Urine tests

Vaginal swabs

Results

Your results will be sent within 1 to 3 working days of the lab receiving your test. If the result is positive, there’s a strong chance you have a chlamydia infection. You should either speak to your doctor or request chlamydia treatment using our online service. Only people with a positive test can receive chlamydia treatment.

What is the best treatment for chlamydia?

Chlamydia is treated using antibiotics. Antibiotics kill the chlamydia trachomatis bacteria and prevent it from growing and spreading further. They are up to 95% effective if taken correctly.

Doxycycline is the most common antibiotic used to treat chlamydia. Your healthcare provider may prescribe you an alternative if you are allergic to doxycycline, are pregnant or have other health needs.

Another antibiotic called azithromycin used to be used to treat chlamydia, but, due to growing antibiotic resistance of azithromycin within the general population, this treatment is no longer commonly prescribed.

If you’re unsure whether doxycycline is the best chlamydia treatment for you, speak to our patient care team, or contact a doctor via your patient account before ordering your antibiotics.

How do I take treatment for chlamydia?

Doxycycline is administered in tablet form. It is recommended that you take 100mg, twice a day for 7 days. Always consult with your doctor or prescriber to ensure you’re taking an accurate dose.

Take doxycycline by:

• swallowing the tablet whole with a glass of water or take it with food if it upsets your stomach
• avoiding lying down for 30 minutes after taking doxycycline as this can irritate your oesophagus (gullet)

Doxycycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so try to avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds while taking the medication.

You must take the full course of doxycycline, even if your symptoms subside. You should avoid having sex until you’ve finished taking the full 7-day course of doxycycline to make sure your body is rid of the infection. If you have been prescribed an alternative medication, you need to follow the treatment instructions as prescribed by your doctor.

It’s important to tell any current sexual partners that you’ve tested positive for chlamydia so that they can also get tested. You can do this anonymously via text at your local sexual health clinic.

How long will I test positive for chlamydia after treatment?

Chlamydia treatment is very effective, clearing 95% of infections when taken as prescribed. In most cases, if your symptoms have cleared up, no further testing is necessary.

However, if you choose to retest, wait six weeks after finishing treatment as the test can remain positive during that period.

If you’re still feeling chlamydia symptoms after treatment, speak to your doctor, who can advise on symptom management while you wait to retest.

Reinfection is common, particularly among individuals under 25. If you’re in this age group, it’s recommended that you retest 3 to 6 months following diagnosis and treatment.

Can chlamydia go away without treatment?

Chlamydia does not go away on its own and can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.

Untreated chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in 16% of women, with approximately 1 in 5 of those women becoming infertile as a result.

In men, untreated chlamydia can cause epididymo-orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) and inflammation of the epididymis (the duct responsible for sperm transport), both of which can cause infertility.

If treated with antibiotics, 95% of chlamydia cases clear up completely, avoiding any long-term health issues.

Can I buy chlamydia treatment online?

Yes, you can buy chlamydia treatment online from ZAVA if you have recently tested positive for a chlamydia infection. If you’ve not taken a chlamydia test yet, you should order a home testing kit and obtain a result before requesting treatment.

If you test positive for chlamydia, you can order chlamydia treatment online easily from ZAVA. All you need to do is:

• fill in an online health questionnaire
• request your chlamydia treatment,
• enter your delivery details
• pay for your order

One of our doctors will review your health questionnaire and approve the chlamydia treatment if they assess you as suitable to receive it. If approved, your treatment will be delivered to your door discreetly in unmarked packaging using our rapid delivery service.

Can I get chlamydia treatment on the NHS?

Chlamydia treatment is only available with a prescription. You can get an NHS prescription from your local sexual health clinic, or your GP.

Can I get chlamydia treatment over the counter?

Chlamydia treatment is a prescription-only medication and is therefore unavailable over the counter from a pharmacy. To obtain a prescription for chlamydia treatment, you need a positive test result and to complete a consultation through your GP, local sexual health clinic or regulated online doctor services like ZAVA.

What are the side effects of chlamydia treatment?

As with any medication, you may experience side effects whilst taking doxycycline. Here is an overview of the typical symptoms you may get when on this treatment for chlamydia:

Doxycycline side effects

Doxycycline side effects
Common	nausea and vomiting headache pericarditis (inflammation of the heart) skin reactions sensitivity to light shortness of breath worsening of SLE (otherwise known as lupus)
Uncommon	vaginal infection indigestion
Rare	anxiety  skin reddening (flushing)  difficulty swallowing (soreness in mouth, or painful tongue)  inflammation of bowels  ringing or buzzing noise in ear  soreness and itching of the rectal or genital area  bulging top of head on infants  increased pressure in the skull (severe headache, change in vision)  inflammation or damage to liver discolouration of thyroid tissue loosening of nail bed  increased levels of urea in blood yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)  inflammation of pancreas upset stomach, loss of appetite  diarrhoea  stomach pain

Managing side effects

Mild side effects such as headaches and nausea can be managed at home by staying hydrated and taking painkillers if needed.

Side effects should subside a few days after you stop taking doxycycline, but if they persist, contact your doctor or speak to our patient care team.

A severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis can occur in some cases, although this is rare. Call 999 immediately if you or someone else taking doxycycline experiences:

• facial/airway swelling
• wheezing
• has difficulty breathing
• becomes confused or loses consciousness

If you experience any other serious side effects of doxycycline listed below, see a doctor or go to a hospital immediately:

• upset stomach, loss of appetite, severe or persistent bloody diarrhoea after your last dose of doxycycline
• fever, swollen lymph nodes, or skin rash
• severe headache with double vision or loss of vision
• blistering of skin, mouth, eyes, and genitals
• low blood pressure
• increased heart rate

More information can be found in the patient information leaflet that accompanies your medication pack. Doxycycline should only be taken as prescribed.

If you experience any side effects when taking doxycycline, contact your doctor or our patient care team who will prescribe another treatment for chlamydia if needed.