What are the treatments for the infection?

Taking antibiotics usually cures the infection. Normal healing may still leave some scar tissue. Sexual partners should also be treated. Sometimes a combination of antibiotics is used for 7 to 10 days. Antibiotics used to treat chlamydia infections include azithromycin, doxycycline, ofloxacin, sulfisoxazole, and erythromycin.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Antibiotics may cause stomach upset, rash, or allergic reactions.

What happens after treatment for the infection?

It may take days or weeks for symptoms to go away. This is true even when treatment is successful. Sometimes, an individual can quickly become infected again if his or her sexual partner has not been treated at the same time. In some cases, chlamydia infections do not clear up. This can be due to organisms that are resistant to antibiotics.

How is the infection monitored?

After a course of antibiotics has been taken successfully, the healthcare provider may repeat the culture of material from the infected area. If the test is positive, it usually means reinfection has occurred. This is particularly likely if a sexual partner has not been treated or did not complete treatment.

Being screened for chlamydia every year, or any time there is a new sexual partner, is a good practice. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.