Chlamydia trachomatis

Diagnosis

The CDC recommends chlamydia screening for the following groups:

• People with Symptoms: If you have chlamydia symptoms, screening is recommended.
• Women under 25: Chlamydia infection is common in this group. It’s advised to get screened every year, especially with new partners.
• Pregnant Women: Chlamydia testing is done during the first prenatal exam. If you’re at high risk (under 25, new partner), get tested again later in pregnancy.
• High-Risk Individuals: Consider more frequent screening if you have new/multiple partners, are a man who has sex with men, have other STIs, or possible exposure through an infected partner.

Chlamydia can be detected and diagnosed in a simple test. The tests may include:

• Urinalysis: To determine whether this infection is present, a urine sample is subjected to a laboratory study. This method is applicable for both males and females.
• Swab test: A swab is used to collect a sample from the cervix, vagina, throat, or anus for testing purposes. When collecting a sample from the cervix, a healthcare professional takes a swab of the cervix discharge during a routine Pap test. If a sample is needed from the vagina, either you or a doctor can perform the swab. In the case of both males and females, the doctor might take a swab from the throat or anus, depending on their sexual history.

It is recommended to have another chlamydia test about three months after obtaining therapy for the initial infection.

Treatment

Antibiotics can effectively treat Chlamydia within approximately one to two weeks. It’s important not to discontinue your medication solely based on symptom improvement. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the necessary follow-up to ensure complete resolution of the infection after finishing your prescribed medication. Chlamydia can potentially return.

Your treatment plan should involve refraining from sexual activities that might lead to re-infection and ensuring that any potentially infected sexual partners also receive treatment. Remember to:

• Pause Sexual Activity: Refrain from engaging in any sexual activity until your infection has completely cleared. Simply starting treatment does not indicate complete recovery. Adhere to your healthcare provider’s instructions diligently and avoid any sexual contact during this period.
• Inform Sexual Partners: Reach out to all your sexual partners. Notify anyone you’ve been sexually involved with over the last three months about your infection. This ensures they can undergo testing as well and take appropriate measures.
• Comprehensive STI Testing: Arrange for testing for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV/AIDS, syphilis, herpes, and gonorrhea. Since having multiple STIs is common, it’s essential to receive treatment tailored to each specific infection. This step ensures a comprehensive approach to your sexual health.

The primary antibiotics employed for treating chlamydia infections include:

• Doxycycline: Typically taken for a duration of seven days, this is the preferred option.
• Azithromycin: Generally taken as a single dose, it is suggested as the primary choice during pregnancy.

Remember to exclusively take antibiotics prescribed by your healthcare provider, and complete the entire course of medication, even if your symptoms alleviate.