Treatment
What if you do have Chlamydia?
If the test is shows that you have chlamydia. Please don't worry, see below to find out what you need to do.
What do I do now ??????
Firstly, don't worry!
You will be contacted with your result and offered free antibiotics. There is no need to feel embarrassed, we will not be judging you. We will be pleased that you have been responsible and have taken the test.
It is important that you do not have sex during your treatment, even using a condom for at least 7 days amd until your current partner(s) have been treated too. Please see the How do I protect myself page for further details.
Treatment is simple and it will cost you nothing to be treated!
Just 4 antibiotic tablets!
For most people 4 tablets taken all in one go is all you need! In some cases — for example if you are pregnant — a longer course of treatment may be required.
For the treatment to be effective, you MUST take all the tablets you are given! You may need to have some tests for other STI’s as well. This will be discussed with you.
To avoid being re-infected it is important:
- That your partner(s) is also seen and treated.
- That you do not have penetrative sex (when the penis enters the vagina, mouth or anus) until you and your partner have been treated and had a follow up consultation with the nurse.
Always wear a condom to avoid re-infection
CONDOMS CONDOMS CONDOMS CONDOMS
Always wear a condom to avoid re-infection
To avoid being re-infected it is important:
- That your partner(s) is also seen and treated.
- That you do not have penetrative sex (when the penis enters the vagina, mouth or anus) until you and your partner have been treated and had a follow up consultation with the nurse.
Condoms are FREE - check out the FREE condom distribution scheme.
PARTNERS
Do I have to tell my partner?
We understand it can be difficult knowing how to talk about having chlamydia, but if you don't tell your partner(s) you are at risk of:
- Re infection if you have sex, including oral sex with an untreated partner
- Having serious health problems from untreated chlamydia such as, lower tummy pain, testicular pain and swelling, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and Reiter's syndrome
- Spreading the infection onto future sexual partners
Informing current and recent ex-partners is important
- It is being responsible and mature
- It will help to cut down the number of people with chlamydia and therefore reduce the chances of you getting it again in the future
Who tells my partner(s)?
It is up to you who tells your current and recent partners about their need to attend for testing and antibiotic treatment.
If you do not feel comfortable telling you partner the chlamydia screening team will be happy to contact them for you in confidence. All they will need is your partner's personal contact details.
WE DO NOT INFORM PARTNERS WHO PASSED ON THEIR DETAILS TO US.
EVERYTHING IS CONFIDENTIAL
Remember it is not about blame but about looking after each other!
Once your partner knows it is their responsibility to seek help and your responsibility to protect yourself from re-infection.