There are no over-the-counter pills for chlamydia. Chlamydia requires a prescription antibiotic from a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider.
Why You Need a Doctor’s Visit
Self-treating chlamydia is extremely dangerous. Untreated chlamydia can lead to serious complications in both men and women, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. Accurate diagnosis requires testing, which your doctor will perform. They will also prescribe the correct antibiotic and dosage based on your specific situation.
Finding Treatment
Many clinics and healthcare providers offer confidential and affordable testing and treatment for STIs like chlamydia. You can contact your primary care physician, a local health clinic, or a Planned Parenthood location. Many offer testing options that provide rapid results.
Understanding Chlamydia Treatment
Typically, doctors prescribe antibiotics like azithromycin or doxycycline. It’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better before finishing all the pills. Failing to complete the treatment increases the risk of antibiotic resistance and treatment failure.
Important Considerations
| Partner Notification | Inform all sexual partners within the past 60 days. They need testing and treatment to prevent reinfection. |
| Follow-up Testing | Your doctor may recommend follow-up testing to ensure the infection has cleared. |
| Safe Sex Practices | Consistently using condoms significantly reduces the risk of contracting STIs. |
Symptoms and Testing
Chlamydia often presents with no noticeable symptoms, making regular testing, particularly if sexually active, very important. Symptoms, when present, can include abnormal vaginal discharge, painful urination, and abdominal pain in women and discharge from the penis in men. Testing is the only way to know for sure.
