Retesting For Chlamydia Following Treatment

Hello I’m a 24year old female who was tested positive for Chlamydia. Both I and my boyfriend have taken Azithromycin as prescribed by my doctor. How soon can I do retesting for chlamydia following treatment as I would like to know for sure if the STD has gone? I have also had unprotected anal sex, am I able to use a normal swab Chlamydia test?

Chlamydia Infection

Chlamydia infection is the commonest sexually transmitted disease. It can be carried without symptoms, but can cause discharge in women, cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease with possible infertility and risk of ectopic pregnancy in the future as a result. It can also cause fever and pain during sex. In a man, it can again be asymptomatic, but can also cause urethritis or an inflamed urethra. This causes pain on passing urine, urine frequency and urine dribble or incontinence. Rectal infection from anal sex can cause bleeding, rectal pain and discharge.

Chlamydia Investigation

Chlamydia is diagnosed by a swab test which you have had or a urine test too.

Chlamydia Treatment

Treatment of Chlamydia is usually treated with Azithromycin for a week which you have had. It can also be treated with other antibiotics including Doxycycline and Erythromycin.

Retesting for Chlamydia Infection

Normally retesting for Chlamydia infection is not necessary, unless you have been exposed to further Chlamydia infection after treatment. As your boyfriend has been treated, this would seem very unlikely. If you wish to be tested, you should leave it at least 3 weeks after your treatment to be retested. As for the anal swab, yes you can use the same test.

How Can You Prevent Chlamydia Infection In The Future?

Chlamydia infection can be prevented in the future by using barrier contraception with a condom. This of course would only be an issue if either of you have new sexual partners in the future.




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