Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria, with an estimated 128.5 million new infections globally among adults aged 15-49 in 2020. It is often referred to as a “silent infection” because a significant number of individuals, between 50% and 70%, may not experience noticeable symptoms. Despite its often asymptomatic nature, timely diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent potential health issues. If left unaddressed, chlamydia can lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which may result in infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
Seeking Care at Urgent Care
Urgent care centers can serve as a suitable option for chlamydia testing and treatment. These facilities offer immediate access to care, useful when a primary care physician is unavailable or for individuals experiencing acute symptoms. Their walk-in availability allows for prompt evaluation and management of STI concerns. They provide rapid, discreet, convenient, and confidential care, making them a practical alternative for routine or precautionary STI tests.
What Happens During a Visit
A visit for suspected chlamydia begins with registration and a consultation with a healthcare professional. During this consultation, individuals discuss their symptoms and any potential risk factors. Diagnostic testing involves collecting a urine sample, which is analyzed for the infection in both males and females. In some cases, a swab test may be performed from areas like the cervix, vagina, throat, or anus, depending on sexual history.
Once a positive test is confirmed, the provider discusses treatment. Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics, such as a single dose of azithromycin or a seven-day course of doxycycline. Complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve.
Alternative Healthcare Options
Other healthcare settings also offer chlamydia testing and treatment. Primary care physicians provide continuity of care and a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s health history. Local health departments and specialized STI clinics offer confidential testing and treatment. Community health centers provide accessible, sometimes free or low-cost, STI testing.
These alternatives offer different benefits; for instance, a primary care doctor’s familiarity with a patient’s medical background can be advantageous. However, urgent care’s immediate availability and walk-in convenience are advantages over scheduled appointments.
Important Considerations for Treatment
After receiving a chlamydia diagnosis and initiating treatment, several important considerations help ensure a successful outcome and prevent reinfection. Individuals are generally advised to abstain from all sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, for at least seven days after completing a single-dose treatment or until the completion of a seven-day regimen. This period allows the medication to clear the infection and reduces transmission risk.
Partner notification and treatment are also important to prevent reinfection and limit spread. Healthcare providers may offer expedited partner therapy (EPT), providing medication or a prescription for partners without an individual examination. Retesting approximately three months after initial treatment is recommended due to the high rates of reinfection, which can occur if partners are not treated or if new infections are acquired. Maintaining privacy and confidentiality throughout the testing and treatment process is a standard practice across healthcare settings.