Treatment & Testing for Chlamydia

Testing for Chlamydia?

Chlamydia can be diagnosed by a urine test or via a swab taken from the cervix, vagina or anus.

Treatment for Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is easily cured by antibiotics. It may be a single dose or a course of antibiotics over a week or more.

Important things to know about antibiotics:

• When taking antibiotics, it is important to finish the entire course. Symptoms may disappear in a few days, but the bacteria may not be completely eradicated.
• Whether prescribed a single dose or a course of antibiotics, sexual intercourse should be avoided for at least 7 days. If it is difficult to abstain during this time, a condom should be used.
• Antibiotics may prevent the oral contraceptive pill from working properly. Therefore, women who are taking antibiotics while using a oral contraceptive should use additional contraception, condoms, whilst on the antibiotics and for seven days of hormone pills afterwards.

Prevention?

Using condoms or dams reduces the risk of contracting Chlamydia, since they stop body fluids like semen, blood and vaginal fluids from being exchanged. 

A dam is a thin latex square held over the vaginal or anal area during oral sex. Using gladwrap is not a safe alternative to dams, but a condom split along one side and laid flat can be used as a dam. Dams are available from selected chemist. For more information on dams, please visit http://www.glydehealth.com/dams.html

Emotional support?

Finding out you have Chlamydia can be quite a shock and extremely stressful. You may even experience it as being challenging for your partner and for your overall relationship. It is also important to overcome these emotional effects, since feeling distressed will impact your overall wellbeing.

Sexual Health Australia offers counselling and support for individuals and/or their partners who are dealing with the discovery of Chlamydia. In the counselling sessions we would work on overcoming the emotional effects and you are encouraged to express your feelings. Additionally, we will provide further education and information about the condition and we will guide you in taking the appropriate steps to coping with the situation emotionally. You are supported to develop goals and skills to deal with the challenge together and/or individually.  The counsellor is respectful and mindful of the individual and relationship challenges, and your norms and values.

If you wish to make an appointment with one of our friendly counsellors or require further information, please don't hesitate to contact us at:

info@sexualhealthaustralia.com.au

For more information on our counselling sessions/appointments please click here.

We do not offer STI testing or medical advice, for an overall check up and medical treatment please contact either your GP or a Sexual Health Clinic in your area.

Sex therapy and Relationship Counselling is available in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW) -  Melbourne, Victoria (VIC) -  Adalaide, South Australia (SA) -  Perth, Western Australia (WA) - Darwin, Northern Territories (NT) -  Hobart, Tasmania (TAS) - Brisbane, Queensland (QLD) - Canberra, Australian Capital territory (ACT)