subject: Azithromycin and Chlamydia [print this page] Azithromycin and Chlamydia Azithromycin and Chlamydia
There are many kinds of STD's, infections that can be transmitted from one person to another through sexual intercourse, and although not all can be cured they are mostly treatable. Some infections show no outward symptoms and so sufferers aren't always aware they have a problem and this is why they are spread so easily. Education and awareness in practicing safe sex is essential in the prevention of STD's and early diagnosis can lead to effective treatment.
Chlamydia is a common STD that affects over 4 million women every year. Very similar to gonorrhea it is a sexually transmitted disease generally through vaginal intercourse but occasionally also through oral sex or anal sex. The chlamydia bacterium is found in the cervix and urethra and can reside in the throat or rectum. Both males and females when infected seldom have any symptoms and can unwittingly spread the infection to other partners.
Chlamydia can cause urethritis in men which produces a discharge from the penis or pain when urinating. If it's not treated the testes can become painfully inflamed, and in time it can result in infertility.
In women the infection generally starts in the cervix, if there are any symptoms you will experience a vaginal discharge, burning when passing urine, lower abdominal pain, or pain when having intercourse.
If the infection isn't treated it can spread through the uterus to the fallopian tubes, causing salpingitis, a particularly painful condition which may possibly lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy. In a number of cases it can cause severe pelvic infection which eventually develops into pelvic inflammatory disease. Symptoms include fever, pelvic cramping, abdominal pain, or pain with sexual intercourse. In severe cases a localized area of infection and pus forms, and major surgery may be necessary.
As its common for infected women to have no symptoms, the infection is often left untreated throughout pregnancy and has been linked to a number of premature births. The baby can then contract it from the infected birth canal, leading to serious eye damage or pneumonia. Consequently, all infants are habitually treated with eye drops containing an antibiotic that destroys the bacteria.
If you think you may have an infection then an STD check-up will easily identify it. A swab test is generally used and if found you can be treated quickly and effectively with antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic and very effective in the treatment, and prevention, of various types of bacterial infections. There are no serious side effects, the most common are stomach upset, nausea and diarrhoea.
You can find information and help online, there are medical websites where you can order a chlamydia test kit through the post that includes all the instructions, a test request form, a urine sample bottle, transport container and re-paid pre-addressed padded envelope. You simply post the urine sample off directly to the designated laboratory and get your results within 7 days. If the test is negative then you are in the clear, if positive then you can also order Azithromycin online. Everything is completely confidential, deliveries are discreet in plain packaging, and the GP's prescribing the medication are experienced and registered with the General Medical Council.
Don't have sex for at least a week after treatment as you can still be infectious. If your partner is also having treatment, which is advised even if they have no symptoms, then wait a week after their treatment too. Be aware that Azithromycin can affect the oral contraceptive pill so take extra precautions in the first few weeks to ensure against the risk of pregnancy.
Chlamydia is the most widespread sexually transmitted disease in the UK, causing infertility in women. Many sufferers aren't even aware they have an infection. If you are sexually active, ensure you take a test once a year, or when you meet someone new. To be supersafe then always wear a condom.
