Read up on Chlamydia treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Chlamydia

Key points about treatments

If you have chlamydia, treatment with antibiotics will get rid of the infection. You won't need any other treatment.

Antibiotics are drugs that kill

bacteria
Bacteria are tiny organisms. There are lots of different types. Some are harmful and can cause disease. But some bacteria live in your body without causing any harm.

bacteria. They can get rid of chlamydia in most people.
The antibiotics usually used to treat chlamydia are called azithromycin and doxycycline. Research shows they work well.
You take azithromycin as a single dose. So you may find this medication is the most convenient to use.
Some antibiotics may affect a baby in the womb. If you're pregnant and you have chlamydia, there are other antibiotics you can take.
It's important not to have sex until you and your partner have both been treated for chlamydia. That includes having oral sex and having sex using a condom. Otherwise you could pass the infection on again.
If you have chlamydia, anyone you've had sex with recently may also have it. Your doctor or nurse will want to make sure that your recent partner or partners also get treatment. You may be asked to contact your last partner and anyone else you've had sex with in the past few months. You'll be given advice about how you should do this, but many people still find it hard. You can ask your doctor or nurse for help.

This information was last updated on Jan 08, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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