Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Many individuals do not experience symptoms, making it easily transmissible if left undetected. Despite its prevalence, chlamydia is a treatable and curable infection, typically with antibiotics.
How Antibiotics Combat Chlamydia
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for chlamydia, targeting the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. The most common antibiotics prescribed include azithromycin, given as a single 1-gram dose, or doxycycline, taken as 100 milligrams twice daily for seven days. While these medications begin to work quickly, they require a specific duration to fully eradicate the infection. Some guidelines suggest doxycycline may be more effective for rectal or oropharyngeal chlamydia infections than azithromycin.
When You Are No Longer Contagious
Individuals can still transmit chlamydia during the initial period of antibiotic treatment. It is recommended to abstain from all sexual activity for at least seven days after completing a single dose of azithromycin. If a seven-day course of doxycycline is prescribed, avoid sexual activity until the entire regimen is finished and any symptoms have resolved. The improvement of symptoms does not mean the infection has cleared, and resuming sexual activity too soon can lead to continued transmission. Therefore, it is important to adhere to the full recommended waiting period to ensure the bacteria are fully eradicated.
Steps to Avoid Spreading Chlamydia
To prevent the spread of chlamydia, abstaining from all sexual activity is recommended throughout the treatment period and for the recommended waiting time afterward. This precaution is necessary because the antibiotics need time to fully clear the infection from the body. Informing all recent sexual partners from the last three months about the diagnosis is also important. This allows them to get tested and treated promptly, even without symptoms, which helps break the chain of transmission.
Completing Treatment and Preventing Re-infection
Completing the entire prescribed course of antibiotics is important, even if symptoms subside early. Failure to complete treatment can lead to persistent infection or antibiotic resistance. There is a risk of re-infection if sexual partners are not tested and treated. In certain situations, such as for pregnant individuals or if symptoms persist, a “test of cure” may be recommended four weeks after treatment to confirm the infection has been eliminated. Consistent condom use in future sexual encounters can further reduce the risk of re-infection and transmission.