Chlamydia In Women (cont.)
How is chlamydia diagnosed?
Chlamydia can be detected on material collected by swabbing the cervix during
a traditional examination using a
speculum, but noninvasive screening tests done on urine or on self-collected
vaginal swabs are less expensive and sometimes more acceptable to patients.
While culturing of the organism can confirm the diagnosis, this method is
limited to research laboratories and forensic investigations. For routine
diagnostic use, newer and inexpensive diagnostic tests that depend upon
identification and amplification of the genetic material of the organism have
replaced the older, time-consuming culture methods.
What is the treatment for chlamydia?
Treatment of chlamydia involves antibiotics. A convenient single-dose therapy
for chlamydia is 1 gm of azithromycin (Zithromax,
Zmax) by mouth. Alternative
treatments are often used, however, because of the high cost of this medication.
The most common alternative treatment is a 100 mg oral dose of doxycycline
(Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox and others) twice
per day for seven days. Unlike gonorrhea, there has been little, if any, resistance
of chlamydia to currently used antibiotics. There are many other antibiotics
that also have been effective against chlamydia. As with gonorrhea, a
condom or other protective barrier prevents the spread of the infection.
Chlamydia At A Glance
- There is no "safe"
sex.
- Condoms do not necessarily prevent
STDs.
- Gonorrhea and chlamydia are
bacterial STDs
that are frequently found together.
- Chlamydia infection is treated with
antibiotics.
- Chlamydia infection can lead to
extensive destruction of the
fallopian tubes and fertility problems.
Previous contributing author: Carolyn Janet
Crandall, MD, FACP
Last Editorial Review: 6/19/2008
- doxycycline, Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox and Others - Learn more about Doxycycline, including a description, generic and brand names, drug class and mechanism, preparations, storage, reasons for prescription, dosing, drug interactions, effect on pregnancy and nursing mothers, and common side effects.
- Pap Smear - Read about Pap smear, a test to screen for cervical cancer, and precancerous changes in the cervix. Risk factors for abnormal Pap include HPV, smoking medicaitons, and a weakened immune system.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI In Adults) - Learn about urinary tract infection causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in men and women. Antibiotics may be used to treat recurrent bladder infections.
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