Treatment for Chlamydia- Partner Information
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is the commonest sexually transmitted infection in the UK. It is estimated that
as many as 1 in 10 men and women are infected with Chlamydia.
In most cases, infected individuals have no symptoms whatsoever. Chlamydia is easily
treated with a single dose of simple antibiotics. If it is not treated it can rarely give rise to
problems for women such as blocked fallopian tubes, ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in
fallopian tube), infertility, or chronic pain in the lower abdomen. In men it can give rise to
problems such as painful testicles and pain passing urine.
What is the treatment for Chlamydia?
A single dose of an antibiotic called ‘Azithromycin’ usually clears Chlamydia infection.
Even if you have no symptoms, treatment is necessary to prevent any possible
complications (such as infertility) in later life. It is extremely important that any current
sexual partner(s) are also treated, to prevent you becoming re infected. We advise that
you do not have sex (not even with a condom) until 7 days after you and your
sexual partner(s) have finished treatment. If you do not currently have a sexual
partner, then the most recent sexual partner(s) (within the last six months) should be
tested and/or treated.
What if I have symptoms ?
In most cases, infected individuals have no symptoms whatsoever. However, if you are a
woman (or your partner is a woman) and has symptoms such as pain in their lower
abdomen, or on passing urine or during intercourse , then this could indicate a more
serious infection. In such cases you are advised to attend a clinic to be assessed and
tested, in addition to receiving treatment.
If I have infection does this mean that my partner has been unfaithful?
No. Chlamydia can occur in people who are in long-term relationships, as the infection
can lie undetected for a very long time.
Do I need a repeat test to be certain that I have been treated?
No. If you have taken the ‘Azithromycin’ correctly (4 capsules together on a single day)
and there is no chance that you have been re-infected, then there is not usually any
need for you to have a repeat test. If you would like to be retested, then this should be
performed no sooner than 4 weeks after treatment, as sometimes the test can remain
positive in the first few weeks, even when you are no longer infected.
Where can partners get treatment ?
Partners can get treatment at:
1. Chalmers Sexual Health clinic, 2a Chalmers Street, Edinburgh Mon-Fri (Tel 0131
536 2104) or in West Lothian (Fri only) at Howden Sexual Health Clinic, Livingston
(Tel 01506 423 800)
3. General practitioner
4. Pharmacy using the ‘free’ voucher provided. If your partner presents this to a
participating pharmacy they will receive free treatment.
Partner Info Version 03
03.02.2012