Explaining Chlamydial Infection and Treatment

Operating in Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, Real Alternatives provides expectant mothers with helpful resources and pregnancy support. The Real Alternatives website helps visitors understand sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) and points to chlamydia as the most common STD in the United States.

According to a 2015 report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chlamydia affects approximately 1.5 million people every year. A bacterial STD, chlamydia affects both men and women and is often symptomless. However, if left untreated, it can cause a burning sensation during urination and abnormal genital discharge in both genders. Further, women may experience pelvic inflammatory disease, which is a leading cause of infertility and ectopic pregnancies.

Happily, chlamydia can usually be completely cured through a program of antibiotics. The most common antibiotics for chlamydia treatment are doxycycline and azithromycin. When treated with azithromycin patients take a one time dose of 1000 mg whereas those treated with doxycycline complete a course of treatment that requires taking 100 mg twice a day for one week. Sexual partners should also be treated to prevent reinfection. Doxycycline should not be taken during pregnancy but azithromycin is safe during pregnancy.

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