Chlamydia treatment: what you need to know

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections – and the tricky part is: many people don’t even realize they have it, as it often causes no symptoms.
But even without symptoms, chlamydia can lead to serious health consequences, ranging from infertility to chronic inflammation. In this article, you’ll learn how to recognize signs of infection, why early testing is so important, and how chlamydia can be effectively treated. Because knowledge protects – including your health!

Table of Contents

• How do I know if I have chlamydia?
• Can chlamydia go away on its own without treatment?
• How can I test for chlamydia?
• How can I treat chlamydia and how long does treatment take?
• How can I make sure the chlamydia infection is fully cured?
• When can I have sex again after treatment?
• Summary

How do I know if I have chlamydia?

Chlamydia infections often have no symptoms, but they can cause different complaints in women and men. Common symptoms include:

In women:

• Unusual vaginal discharge (often yellowish or with an unpleasant smell)

• Pain or burning during urination

• Spotting or heavier menstrual bleeding

• Lower abdominal or pelvic pain

• Bleeding after sex

In men:

• White, cloudy, or watery discharge from the tip of the penis

• Pain or burning during urination

• Burning or itching around the penis or testicles

• Testicular pain and swelling

Other possible symptoms in all genders:

• Pain, bleeding, or discharge from the anus

• Sore throat

• Redness, pain, and discharge from the eyes

Source: NHS, 2024

Can chlamydia go away on its own without treatment?

Chlamydia infections typically do not go away on their own. If left untreated, they can lead to serious complications. In women, untreated chlamydia often causes pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancies. In men, it may cause epididymitis, which can also result in infertility. In all individuals, chronic inflammation—such as in joints or connective tissues—and a higher risk of additional infections may occur. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent these outcomes (WHO, 2024; Silveira, L. H. et al., 1993).

How can I test for chlamydia?

Chlamydia can be detected with specific tests that reliably confirm the presence of the bacteria. The most common methods include:

• Urine sample: A urine sample is analyzed in a lab for signs of infection.

• Swab sample: A sample is taken from the cervix, vagina, throat, or anus using a swab and then tested.

Source: Mayo Clinic, 2024

These tests are available at doctor’s offices, clinics, or public health services. Discreet at-home tests—such as the Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Test or the Chlamydia Test by Homed-IQ—are also reliable methods for detecting sexually transmitted infections. A home test can be ordered online, collected at home, and sent to an ISO-certified laboratory. The process is fast, private, and anonymous.

How can I treat chlamydia and how long does the treatment take?

A chlamydia infection can be treated. The most common method is taking antibiotics such as doxycycline or azithromycin. These must be taken over a prescribed period, and the infection usually clears up within a few days. Sexual partners should also be tested and treated to prevent reinfection. Sexual activity should be avoided during the treatment period. Speak to your doctor, who can also answer any additional questions (WHO, 2024).

How can I make sure the chlamydia infection has fully cleared?

To ensure a chlamydia infection has fully cleared, it is important to complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics. A follow-up test can be performed about 3 months later. Avoid unprotected sex until the infection has been confirmed as cured to protect your own health and that of your partner (CDC, 2024).

When can I have sex again after treatment?

After being treated for chlamydia, you should wait at least 7 days after starting antibiotic therapy before having sex again. Make sure both you and your sexual partner take the prescribed treatment to avoid reinfection (Los Angeles County Department of Public Health n.d.).

Summary

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and often causes no symptoms. However, women and men may experience specific symptoms such as unusual discharge, painful urination, or inflammation. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious complications such as infertility, chronic pain, or tissue damage. Diagnosis is made using specific tests, such as urine or swab samples, which are also available as home test kits. Treatment involves antibiotics, and partners should also be tested and treated to prevent reinfection. After treatment, unprotected sex should be avoided, and a follow-up test after about 3 months can help confirm that the infection has completely cleared.