Chlamydia
Chlamydia often causes no symptoms but can affect fertility if untreated. Testing is free and confidential.
How long does a course usually last?
Usually a 7-day course (doxycycline) or a short azithromycin course; partners are treated too.
Your prescriber sets the exact length for you. Finish the course you're given unless a healthcare professional tells you to stop.
Never re-use antibiotics
- Do not re-use this treatment, or take leftover or someone else's antibiotics, unless a healthcare professional has expressly told you to.
- The right antibiotic, dose and length depend on your current infection, which can be different from last time.
- Re-using antibiotics can be ineffective, cause side effects, and drives antibiotic resistance. Return leftovers to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
What the guidance says
A short antibiotic course cures chlamydia. Partners should also be tested and treated, and vaginal, anal and oral sex avoided until everyone has finished treatment and the sexual health clinic says it is safe. Free testing is available through NHS sexual health services.
Based on NICE guidance — always follow your own prescriber's advice.
Antibiotics sometimes prescribed
When to seek help
If you are getting worse, develop a high fever, feel confused or breathless, or your symptoms are not improving as expected, contact your doctor or call NHS 111. See the warning signs page.