Chlamydia is an exceedingly common sexually transmitted infection (STI) associated with symptoms like vaginal or penile discharge, painful urination, and pain during sex. The good news is that chlamydia can be completely cured with timely treatment.
Because it results from a bacterial infection, chlamydia can be cured with a course of antibiotics. Doctors often provide a single pill, but you may also be given a seven-day regimen of medication.
It typically takes from one to two weeks for chlamydia to resolve. Additionally, people should undergo a second test after treatment to ensure they are not infected. Not everyone experiences symptoms with chlamydia, which makes the STI much easier to transmit to others.
Along with taking antibiotics according to a doctor’s instructions, people being treated for chlamydia are encouraged to take additional steps to prevent the spread of this and other types of STI. These steps include:
In general, medical professionals recommend that you contact any sexual partners you have had over the last two to three months. While it can be uncomfortable informing others about an STI, doing so is crucial to prevent infections from spreading.