Testing and Treatment of Chlamydia
Routine Chlamydia and STD screening is advised for any sexually active individual who is not in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship where both partners have been tested and do not have an STD. Any change in sexual partner(s) is a reason to request both parties are screened before sexual contact is started.If an existing partner is diagnosed with an STD, it is imperative that the other partner is notified and tested. Honest communication is another major factor in sexual health. For tips on talking to partners about sex and STD testing, click here a free resource and support. Infected partners should be treated, and both partners should abstain from sex until the infection is completely resolved. This prevents re-infection and passing the infection back and forth. Continual and ongoing infection and re-infection can lead to more serious complications.
Routine Screening is especially important when it comes to chlamydia because it does not always present symptoms. Catching chlamydia symptoms early drastically reduces the risks for further health complications to the reproductive system.
Diagnostic tests for Chlamydia are simple and easily gathered, either by urine sample or vaginal swab. Testing is for chlamydia, and other STD’s is very common in laboratories, today, and test results can be turned around fairly quickly.
Treatment of chlamydia has a high rate of success when correctly taken as prescribed. An antibiotic is prescribed in either a single or 7-day regimen, depending on patient history and health factors. To avoid reinfection, sexual activity should be avoided for a full seven days after the completion of treatment to ensure the infection has been completely eradicated from the system.
If symptoms persist seven days after treatment has been completed, the patient should seek medical follow up immediately as other factors could be present. Proper medication will cure most cases of chlamydia, but if any other damage has occurred due to a prolonged infection, additional medical advice or treatment will be required.
Anyone treated for chlamydia should be retested within three months of initial treatment regardless if they believe that their partners were successfully treated.
