The most prevalent bacterial STI (sexually transmitted illness) in the US is chlamydia. One in every fourteen people is impacted. Because chlamydia may permanently harm the reproductive system, appropriate treatment is crucial and can be easily treated with prescription medications. Home remedies or unapproved pharmaceuticals may help you manage several symptoms, but they don’t guarantee the illness has been cured.
In this article, the symptoms and issues related to chlamydia will be covered in greater detail, along with the justifications for using only prescription drugs. You might then decide not to finish the entire course of antibiotics in order to treat your chlamydia symptoms.
Patients with chlamydia make up more than half of those who have no symptoms at all. But the infection can still have long-term negative effects even if you are asymptomatic. It is required to get tested for STIs if you have sexual contact. Young people, who are most at risk of contracting chlamydia, are especially at risk in this regard. Periodic examinations ought to be done on MSMs and pregnant individuals.
If you have chlamydia, you might experience the following symptoms:
- Discharge from the genital area or vagina, with penile discharge being thin, white, and resembling mucus, with penile discharge frequently appearing yellow.
- Having difficulty urinating and urinating more frequently
- Anus or genital pain, swelling, or itching can also affect the pelvis and abdomen.
- An individual with a penis will frequently feel pain during ejaculation, but an individual with a vagina will feel pain during penetration during intercourse.
- Anus bleeding when having anal sex
Chlamydia Treatment
Antibiotics are the sole treatment option for chlamydia. The drug that is used the most frequently to treat chlamydia is doxycycline. Typically, doctors would advise patients to take a 100-milligram dosage twice a day for seven days.
In the event that you are unable to take doxycycline, your doctor might recommend azithromycin or levofloxacin. Azithromycin is the first-choice medication for treating chlamydia in expectant women.
If you are found to have chlamydia, everyone you had sex with within the previous 60 days should start a full course of treatment. You should be retested three months after completing your course of therapy because it’s common for people to contract a second chlamydia infection.
Chlamydia Home Remedies
If you’re wondering how to get rid of chlamydia, you might be shocked to learn that there are no effective home remedies. Antibiotics are necessary for the treatment of chlamydia because it is a bacterial infection. It’s important to treat the condition as soon as possible because home remedies like douching risk making the illness worse.
Because some natural treatments can relieve symptoms or enhance overall health, people continue to use them. Only combine them with antibiotics when using them. The following list includes some popular home remedies for chlamydia.
Garlic
Allicin, a substance found in garlic, provides a variety of health advantages. Allicin is linked to a healthy heart and a reduction in cellular deterioration. It hasn’t been demonstrated, nor has it been suggested, that it can treat bacterial diseases like chlamydia, though. Look into taking garlic supplements, but be sure to discuss any potential side effects with your doctor, such as gastrointestinal problems and a higher likelihood of bleeding.
Garlic Oil
A natural treatment for yeast (fungal) infections is oregano oil. There is, however, no proof that it can handle bacterial infections.
Additionally, scientists are continually discovering safe ways to apply oregano oil to the body. You can try to include a supplement in your diet if you wish to. Be mindful of adverse effects such as headaches, nausea, and allergic reactions.
Probiotics
Medications called probiotics help your body’s population of beneficial bacteria grow. Probiotics may support gut health if you are using antibiotics to treat chlamydia. Ask your doctor if they advise taking probiotics before, during, or following an antibiotic course.
Turmeric
Curcumin, the main component of turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and painkilling properties. Nevertheless, there is no evidence that it can stop bacterial infections. Even though consuming a supplement containing turmeric is typically safe, it might induce diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Cider vinegar, apple
The antibacterial qualities of apple cider vinegar may exist, but they are insufficient to combat a harmful bacterial infection like chlamydia. Since it can result in both internal and external chemical burns, never put apple cider vinegar on, in, or near your genitalia.
Echinacea
The plant echinacea is used to treat viral illnesses, such as the common cold. There is no conclusive study on whether echinacea helps fight illnesses, despite the fact that some individuals swear by it.
Goldenseal
It is said that the herb goldenseal can heal infections, especially fungal infections. There is nevertheless no evidence to support its ability to combat any illnesses, particularly chlamydia. It is advisable to avoid using goldenseal in combination with prescription drugs since it can be hazardous.
Oil from Olive Leaf
Oleuropein is a substance that may be found in olive leaf extract. Oleuropein has been demonstrated to combat several viral infections and has antibacterial characteristics. It hasn’t yet been investigated as a therapy for bacterial illnesses like chlamydia.
Aloe Vera
Burns and rashes on the skin can be treated with aloe vera plants. The treatment of chlamydia has not been investigated. Although aloe vera rarely causes side effects, it shouldn’t be taken by women who are expecting or nursing.
Issues That Might Arise
Chlamydia increases the possibility of acquiring or transmitting a potentially fatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Infertility can also result from chlamydia, independent of sex.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which happens whenever an infection extends throughout the reproductive system, can develop in people with uteruses who have chlamydia.
Chlamydia during pregnancy increases the chance of premature labor. They can potentially infect their child with chlamydia. Chlamydia can cause pneumonia and eye infections in infants. At your initial session, you ought to be tested for chlamydia if you’re expecting a baby.
Summary
An STI caused by bacteria is chlamydia. The majority of the time, it is asymptomatic, but it can sometimes cause genital discomfort and discharge. Chlamydia can result in adverse effects, such as infertility if it is left untreated for too long. Chlamydia can only be treated with antibiotics. Chlamydia cannot be treated using home remedies efficiently.
Resources:
- Simons JL, McKenzie JS, Wright NC, et al. Chlamydia Prevalence by Age and Correlates of Infection Among Pregnant Women. Sex Transm Dis. 2021;48(1):37-41. doi:10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001261
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chlamydia Treatment and Care.
- New York State Department of Health. Chlamydia.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chlamydia – CDC Basic Fact Sheet.
