There are many types of sexually transmitted infections (also known as STIs). Of these some of them may not exhibit any characteristic symptoms. On such infectious condition is chlamydia. You can get it when you are having sex without needful protection, such as a condom or any forms of barriers. One may get it when you engage in oral sex without an oral dam. In most cases, coming together of genitals may also cause it, or though anal sex. Does the antibacterial med azithromycin help in the treatment of chlamydia? It is essential to have more details before commencing treatment.
What is chlamydia?
This is a sexually transmitted infectious condition whose onset is not characterized by any typical signs and / or symptoms. Having sexual intercourse without barriers – such as a condom, or performing oral sex without a dam, touching of genitals, etc. may cause this infection. Newly born infants may get it if their mothers are infected. As mentioned, the incidence of this condition is often quite silent; very rarely, you may encounter a few signs – namely, irritation while urinating, an unusual discharge from your vagina / penis.
In some men, chlamydia may also show up in the form of pain in their testicles, discomforts in the lower part of abdomen, discharge of a greenish or yellowish fluid from penis, etc. In case of women – at a fairly advanced stage of infection – signs such as pain while having sex (i.e., dyspareunia), swelling of cervix, excessive bleeding during menstrual periods, urinary discomforts, etc. can show up. On witnessing any of these abovementioned signs / symptoms, it is important to seek needful medical advice without further delay.
What is azithromycin?
This drug is an antibiotic / antibacterial which helps stop the progression of bacterial attacks. The key chemicals of azithromycin can treat a wide range of conditions namely, infections inside the ears, ocular infections as well as sexually transmitted infectious (STI) conditions. This med is however never used when there is no bacterial infection; such use may develop a resistance within and may render the drug powerless.
Before starting the medication to treat STIs, it is essential to tell your physician of prior allergies and spells of hypersensitivity, if any. Those who have develop very adverse side effects caused by the use of telithromycin, clarithromycin and / or erythromycin must keep their caregiver informed of such conditions. Also, those who have had prior spells of hepatic problems – such as hepatitis / inflammation of the liver or cirrhosis – must stay away from using this med.
Can azithromycin treat chlamydia?
One dose of azithromycin 1 milligram (mg) is considered to treat chlamydia. The typical dosage strength of the single-dose hovers in the range of 100 mg – either taken as 2 X 500 mg or as 4X 250 mg. As per data sourced from CDC, this med is capable of treating infections in the anal region, genitals as well as oral parts. Soon after taking the single-dose, you are advised to refrain from having sex for at least a week’s time. This precaution becomes essential for those who are sexually active.
Your caregiving team will recommend follow-ups in three or four weeks. These checks are needed to confirm possibilities of reinfections as well as to understand the efficacy of treatment through azithromycin. Those who develop an upset of stomach may take this dose along with a meal. This is not an over the counter (OTC) drug. Hence, its administration is strictly done under the supervision and guidance of a qualified medical practitioner.
Last but not least, dosage strengths of less than 1000 mg may have limited impact of this infectious condition. Those who are administered with lesser dosages – say, 500 mg – run risks of a few bacterial strands turning resistant. In general, % of cure fares at > 95% but the permanent damages chlamydia has caused onto tissues (of genital, anal or oral regions) are not reversible.
Education: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan. Experience: Over 8 years of experience writing for health and wellness websites, including WebMD and Healthline, specializing in women’s health and nutrition.
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