Chlamydia
Available treatments
- azithromycin
- FREE secure consultation service
- Fast and effective treatment
- FREE tracked and signed delivery
Prices start from £11.99
- doxycycline
- FREE secure consultation service
- Fast and effective treatment
- FREE tracked and signed delivery
Prices start from £11.99
- VIBRAMYCIN
- FREE secure consultation service
- Fast and effective treatment
- FREE tracked and signed delivery
Prices start from £11.99
SAFE PRESCRIBING
Get started with the right treatment for you
Chlamydia key facts
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI) worldwide. It is caused by the bacteria known as Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia affects men and women. If it is not treated, Chlamydia may lead to serious complications. Here, we will take a look at the Chlamydia treatments available and their importance, and how to stop Chlamydia from spreading.
What is the impact of Chlamydia infections?
Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD). In 2020, there were almost 130 million new Chlamydia infections reported worldwide in adults aged between 15 to 49. The bacterial infection is more prevalent among young people, and if left untreated, can have serious consequences for your health.
Chlamydia affects the genital area but may also infect the eyes, throat and anus. Untreated Chlamydia may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which may lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancies. Also, during pregnancy, Chlamydia may be transmitted to newborns, leading to eye infections or even pneumonia. In men, the infection may cause epididymitis, characterised by pain in the testicles.
Symptoms of Chlamydia
Chlamydia often does not have any symptoms and people often do not realise they have an infection. This is why Chlamydia is so common and spreads so easily.
Symptoms, when they do occur, vary from person to person. Symptoms may include pain when peeing, an abnormal discharge, or feeling uncomfortable in the genital area. Also, symptoms of Chlamydia may be different for men and women. Symptoms in women include:
- Pain when peeing
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Bleeding between periods
- Pain during sex
- Abdominal pain
Symptoms in men include:
- A discharge from the penis
- Pain when peeing
- Pain and/or swelling in the testicles
Because not everyone will have symptoms or experience symptoms in the same way, regular testing is needed. This is particularly important for those who are sexually active or those who have multiple sex partners.
How do you get Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is mainly passed from person to person through sexual contact. Unprotected sex with someone who is infected, whether that be anal sex through the rectum, oral sex or sharing sex toys can result in the spread of the bacteria. Chlamydia can be passed from one person to the next, even if ejaculation or penetration has not occurred. Pregnant women can also transmit Chlamydia to newborn babies at childbirth, causing serious health problems.
Who is at risk?
Anyone sexually active, especially anyone with multiple sexual partners or individuals who engage in unprotected sex, are at risk of being infected. Young adults, between the age of 15 and 24, tend to be more prone to infection, due to a lack of awareness, increased sexual activity and a lack of access to essential healthcare services.
Diagnosis and screening for Chlamydia
Chlamydia testing is carried out using urine samples or swabs from the rectal, genital, or the mouth and throat. NAAT (nucleic acid amplification tests) are the most reliable and sensitive tests for the detection of Chlamydia. Swabs are taken from the cervix in women, while swabs are collected from the urethra in men. Self-collection test kits may also be used, allowing individuals to submit samples conveniently from the privacy of their own homes.
If you are diagnosed with Chlamydia, it is important to inform your sexual partner so they may also be tested and obtain treatment too. This will help stop the chances of reinfection and prevent the spread of Chlamydia to others. Your healthcare provider can help you contact recent sexual partners or support you with the tools to inform them. You are recommended to have a full sexual health check up, for other sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis, gonorrhoea and HIV, every year.
The importance of prompt treatment
To reduce the risk of infecting others with Chlamydia, you must be treated for Chlamydia as soon as possible. Treatment is normally with antibiotics as these are most effective for eradicating the infection. You must complete the course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms improve before you have finished the course of medication. You are in danger of antibiotic resistance, if you fail to complete the course.
Treatment options for Chlamydia
Antibiotics used to treat Chlamydia, include:
- Doxycycline: Taken orally for 1 week
- Azithromycin: Taken as a single dose followed by another short course of medication
Doxycycline and azithromycin, both kill the bacteria, however, alternative antibiotics may need to be prescribed if individuals are allergic to these medications or are pregnant.
You must follow the treatment plan and not engage in sexual activity until you and your sexual partner have both completed the full course of treatment. This will minimise the chance of reinfection and the risk of spreading the infection to others.
Managing treatment side effects
Antibiotics, like all medications, cause side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, an upset stomach and vaginal thrush. If you have more serious side effects, speak to your healthcare provider for medical advice.
Potential complications of Chlamydia
Chlamydia may cause complications if left untreated, especially in women. Serious complications include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which may cause damage to the ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes. This may lead to pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancies.
Chlamydia may lead to inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis) in men, which may result in pain and swelling in the testicles.
Preventing Chlamydial infections
Preventing sexually transmitted infections is key to maintaining your sexual health. Prevention includes:
- Using condoms correctly
- Regular screening, especially in sexually active women under 25, and for men under 25 who have unprotected sex with casual or new partners
- Limiting sexual partners
Follow-up testing and monitoring
Follow-up testing is recommended after treatment for Chlamydia is complete, to make sure the infection has been eradicated. This is most important for those with an increased risk for reinfection. Regular testing is essential to diagnose and treat new infections immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How common is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is very common throughout the world, with millions of new Chlamydia infections reported annually. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reported around 4 million cases in the U.S. alone in 2018. Infections are highest in young women, between the ages of 15 and 24. Regular screening is essential to detect and treat Chlamydia as early as possible.
What are common symptoms of Chlamydia?
Symptoms common in men include, a burning sensation when peeing, discharge from the penis, and pain in the testicles or lower abdomen. Symptoms common in women include, pain during sex, vaginal discharge, and cervical inflammation. These symptoms are also common of other STIs, enforcing the importance of prompt diagnosis and testing.
How do you get Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is transmitted through unprotected sex. You should be aware that ejaculation or penetration isn’t actually needed for Chlamydia to be transmitted. Contact between genitals is enough to spread the infection. Chlamydia may also be passed from a mother to her baby at childbirth, causing serious health problems for the newborn.
Risk factors for Chlamydia
- Unprotected sex
- Multiple sexual partners
- History of Chlamydia or other STIs
- Young women
- Men who have sex with other men
How do I know I have Chlamydia?
You will need to take vaginal swabs, urethral swabs or urine sample tests to test for Chlamydia. Nucleic acid amplification tests are the most accurate and will detect an infection of Chlamydia trachomatis. Because Chlamydia does not always show clear and obvious symptoms, you will need to have regular screening checks.
What treatments are there for Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics, such as azithromycin and doxycycline. These antibiotics will eradicate the bacteria. You must complete the full course of antibiotics as directed by your doctor. If you do not, you may run the risk of reinfection.
What happens if I don’t treat Chlamydia?
Not treating your infection may cause complications. In women, these include, pelvic inflammatory disease, which may cause damage to the reproductive organs. This may result in infertility, ectopic pregnancies, or chronic pelvic pain. Men may develop pain in the testicles. Also, Chlamydia may increase the risk of spreading HIV.
How do I stop getting Chlamydia?
Practice safe sex. Use condoms during sex to prevent infections. Go for regular screening, if you are sexually active, especially if you are in a high-risk category. Also, talk to your partner about safe sex, STI’s and their prevention.
Chlamydia in pregnancy
Chlamydia has risks for the mother and newborn baby. These may cause early delivery, conjunctivitis and potentially pneumonia in the baby. You are advised to have routine screening for Chlamydia during pregnancy. This will provide you with an early diagnosis, allowing you to get the appropriate treatment, in a timely manner.
How does Chlamydia affect HIV?
Untreated Chlamydia increases the risk of HIV transmission during sex. Those at risk of HIV or Chlamydia should undergo regular testing.
Final word
Chlamydia is a common STI, that can cause serious health problems if not treated. With the correct treatment however, Chlamydia can be cured. Regular screening, practising safe sex, and talking openly with your partner is important to prevent the transmission of Chlamydia.
Speak to a healthcare professional for medical attention if you think you have Chlamydia or may have been exposed to the infection. Early diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydia will protect you from other health complications. Practice safe sex, stay informed, and look after your sexual health.
Sources
Service Guide
Everything you need to know about Getting Treated Privately for Chlamydia
What does the Get Treated Privately service for Chlamydia do?
The Get Treated Privately service is a private prescribing service which is designed for adults aged 18 years and over, who are experiencing health issues and who would like to receive a fast-track assessment and if applicable, a treatment plan from a qualified prescribing clinician. Treatments for Chlamydia are dispensed and delivered to your home or workplace from our regulated online pharmacy.
Is this a safe Chlamydia prescribing service?
Yes. Our formulary of medications prescribed for Chlamydia are controlled, governed, and continuously risk-assessed by our Medical Director, Dr. Aseel Hamoud. Unlike other prescribing services which operate using faceless questionnaires, our Chlamydia prescribing service is conducted through remote video consultations, also known as synchronous consultations. This builds patient safety and prescribing appropriateness into our service, ensuring our prescribing clinicians can be satisfied with who and what they are treating. There is no guarantee of supply of medications, and any prescriptions supplied are at the sole discretion of our clinician prescriber. There is no charge for the Chlamydia consultation.
What is a prescribing clinician and is it safe for me to use them on the NowPatient platform?
Our prescribing clinicians are board-certified pharmacists, nurses, or doctors who can also prescribe any medicine for any medical condition, subject to accepted accreditation and good clinical practice. They are all registered with their respective regulatory bodies. For example, a pharmacist independent prescriber is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Each prescribing clinician undergoes an extensive background check including a disclosure and barring service check (DBS). In addition, they undergo a rigorous license verification process. When you book an appointment with our prescribing clinicians you will see their full name, license number, and any specialized credentials they have.
Is the service available worldwide?
Yes, you can get treated privately for Chlamydia worldwide.
Do I need to pay for this service?
Yes. This is a private service. You do not need to pay for the consultation. You only pay for the cost of the Chlamydia treatment that you are prescribed.
How do I book a consultation?
Once you have logged into your account, you will need to navigate to the Get Treated Privately service card which is located as a service item on the dashboard.
Using the action button on the service card, you can select one of the following – ‘Search Treatments’ or ‘Search Conditions’. From here you can search for Chlamydia.
Depending on the search type and the product/condition that you would like to get treated, you will be taken to a consultation booking screen. Follow the simple steps to complete your booking. During the booking confirmation, you will be able to select a date and time that is convenient for you, along with the preferred language and gender of the prescribing clinician you wish to choose. You will then see a list of all available expert clinicians who are trained to assess the medication or condition chosen. Once you have confirmed your booking, you will see a summary of the appointment including preliminary information about the consultation. At this point, you will also be able to add a reminder to your calendar. Always ensure your account health profile is up to date before any consultation. This ensures that our clinicians have the most up-to-date information about your current health status and anything that may influence their prescribing decisions. You will receive a push notification, SMS notification and email reminding you of your consultation, 30 minutes before the virtual consultation is due to start.
Depending on certain medications which require our clinicians to have your up-to-date blood pressure readings, you may be required to submit a virtual blood pressure check, using your smartphone or device. We will provide you with full instructions, when this is required.
What happens during the remote video consultation?
During the consultation, the clinician will ask you a series of questions that will allow the clinician to assess your condition and potential treatment options for Chlamydia. At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide which treatment options are safe and suitable option for you.
If it is, the clinician will discuss the treatment option, so that you can jointly agree on the treatment plan. Once you have jointly agreed on a treatment plan, the clinician will issue a prescription treatment for your Chlamydia which will be available in your Cart at the end of the consultation.
Also, with your consent, the clinician may wish to inform your doctor of the treatment that was prescribed. We recommend that you agree to this since your doctor is responsible for your overall care and they should have a record of this consultation and medication prescribed. In addition, our clinician may take the opportunity to advise you on your overall health including advice on healthy living or stop smoking.
What happens at the end of the Chlamydia consultation?
At the end of the consultation, you will receive a notification which will summarise the outcome. It will also advise you if any referrals were made to your doctor, along with any other advice that was given to you by the clinician.
If a referral letter was issued to your doctor, you will be able to view a copy of this in the ‘Documents’ section of the dashboard.
If you were prescribed a treatment, it will now be available in your Cart.
When you go to your Cart, you will be able to select the treatment, checkout and make payment. Once the checkout is complete, your prescription order will be sent to our regulated online pharmacy for processing.
What if the prescriber does not prescribe a treatment for Chlamydia?
We operate a safe prescribing service. This means that our prescribing clinicians always exercise their clinical judgment when prescribing . Unfortunately, we do not operate a self select service where you can choose a medication and simply buy. If the clinician that sees you does not prescribe anything, then you will not be charged.
Will I get status updates for my order?
Yes. When your Chlamydia treatment is approved, and after you have checked out and paid for your order, we will keep you fully updated with the status of your order. Every time the status of your order changes, you will be notified immediately. These notifications will appear in the ‘Notification Feed’ section on the dashboard.
How will my Chlamydia treatment be delivered?
All orders are shipped in discreet and unmarked packaging. This means it is suitable for delivery wherever you require (home, work, or a neighbour).
For thermo-sensitive orders (e.g. Insulin or weight loss injections) we use cold chain-validated packaging. Your parcel will normally receive an estimated delivery window from the courier on the day of delivery.
For your protection and safety, your first order can only be delivered to the address that is registered with NowPatient. Future orders can be delivered to any other address, for example, your workplace.
Do you ship cold-chain or temperature sensitive products?
Yes. We use a specialist courier service for all thermo-sensitive deliveries. This is to ensure that cold chain integrity is always maintained and thus the product quality, safety and efficacy.
Learn more about how we handle the delivery of temperature sensitive products.
Where do you deliver?
We currently deliver to all postcodes/zipcodes worldwide. Some postcodes in rural areas may have a slightly longer delivery time.
When will my order arrive?
We aim to ship all orders placed Monday – Friday before 3pm on the same day. Orders placed outside these times will be shipped the next working day. All deliveries are shipped by Royal Mail, which delivers Monday through Saturday in the UK. For deliveries outside of the UK, please check with your national postal service for accurate delivery days.
Our delivery options have the following delivery times:
- UK – Royal Mail Tracked 24 & Signed for Delivery – Next day delivery
- Europe – Royal Mail Tracked – Typical delivery of 3-5 working days
- Worldwide – Royal Mail – Typical delivery of 5-7 working days. If a tracked option is available for your country via Royal Mail, this service will be applied.
What should I do if my order has not arrived?
Delivery is normally made promptly after your dispatch notification is received. You can check the tracking details of your Chlamydia order in the ‘Notification Feed’ section of the dashboard, at any point after dispatch.
Unfortunately, packages can sometimes get lost in the delivery system. If after 10 days you have not received your delivery, please contact us and we will do all we can to resolve the problem.
Can you prescribe GLP-1 weight loss injections?
Yes. However, with GLP-1 weight loss medications, the license requires that there are support resources put in place as part of the plan including coaching for a healthy lifestyle, exercise, and diet. Our clinicians will discuss this with you, if you are prescribed this type of treatment.
You can learn more on our Weight Loss Programs feature page.
What’s included with my order?
If you are ordering a treatment for Chlamydia, your order will contain your medication only.
If you are ordering weight loss injections, your order will contain:
- Your prescription of pre-filled weight loss injection pens
- Needles
- Sharps bin for safe disposal of needles (if ordered as part of the bundle)
Can I reorder my medication, if I have already been prescribed a course?
Yes. However, as a responsible prescribing service, we do not issue more than one monthly cycle of medication at a time.
This means that, if you would like to reorder, you will need to rebook a consultation.
This is important, because it allows our clinicians to keep track on the progress of your treatment plan and ensure that the medication remains safe and effective for you.
What is the earliest I can reorder my medication or treatment?
14 days after you have received your first monthly supply of medication, we will send you a notification to advise you that you are eligible to reorder your medication. To ensure that we are able to safely prescribe the Chlamydia medication for the next supply, you will need to rebook a consultation.
This ensures that our clinician can check in on your treatment plan and ensure it is working as intended and continues to be safe, suitable and appropriate for you.
How do I reorder my Chlamydia?
When you are eligible to reorder your next Chlamydia prescription, we will send you a notification reminder. This notification reminder will request that you book a consultation with a NowPatient Clinician.
You should book a suitable time and date for the consultation.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician may advise you to either
- Stop the treatment
- Stay on the current dose
- Increase the dose
If our clinician deems it safe for you to continue the medication used to treat Chlamydia, the prescription will be added to your cart, from where you can checkout.
Delivery will be made in line with our delivery timescales.
As a responsible prescribing service, we will always monitor your Chlamydia treatment plan to ensure that it remains safe, effective and suitable for you.
How do I reorder weight loss medication?
Our weight loss programs are built to closely monitor treatment progress and safety. Please refer to the Weight Loss Programs Service Guide that explains how you can reorder or step edit your dose.
About Telehealth
Everything you need to know about video consultations
Are remote video consultations right for me?
How do I know if the remote video consultation service is safe?
Do I need to verify my identity during the remote video consultation?
Can I have a chaperone (carer, friend, family member) join a remote video consultation?
How can I be sure that you are handling and protecting my data securely?
How is my data stored?
Are my consultations confidential?
Can I select which clinician I have my consultation with?
Will my doctor be informed of any consultations I have through the app?
Do remote video consultations save money for health systems?
Are remote video consultations safer than online questionnaires?
What quality of care can I expect to receive from a remote video consultation?
Why am I being asked to provide my Blood Pressure reading?
If I don’t have a Blood Pressure monitor, how can I provide my readings?
Is the remote blood pressure monitor safe and medically accurate?
How does the remote blood pressure monitor actually work?
When and how is my remote blood pressure reading taken?
What devices does the remote Blood Pressure monitor work on?
Why do my results keep failing when using the remote blood pressure monitor service?
Can I Trust NowPatient
Our product and services are certified to international healthcare, medical device and data security standards
Medicines Experts
Meet our medical team
We are a broad skilled and passionate group of clinicians with experience of operating in health systems in the United Kingdom & United States. Providing excellent care and advice is at the heart of everything we do. You can read more about our medical team by visiting the medical team page or learn more about how we curate content by visiting our editorial process
WHY WE BUILT NOWPATIENT
We are committed to helping everyone, everywhere live healthier lives
The NowPatient virtual care platform provides you with access to trusted health information, affordable treatments, management of chronic health conditions and continuous monitoring for health risks. NowPatient can be accessed by downloading the App or using your web browser.
Download our app today
