Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI). It can be passed between people through unprotected sex. This can range from genital to anal and oral sex.
Chlamydia is a bacterial STD, and so, it is curable. It can be prevented by using protection when involving in sex. You can walk into our clinic for the best treatment for a chlamydia infection at STD check London.
Many people exposed to chlamydia do not know they have contracted the disease. Even many of those that have been infected for an extended period do not have symptoms. Those that have symptoms may not also experience them until after one to three months of contracting it.
Now, let us discuss how long it takes for a test to detect the presence of chlamydia. We will also talk about the symptoms in men and women, and what you should do if you notice some symptoms.
How long does chlamydia take to be detected in a test?
There are different tests for diagnosing bacteria, and each test works differently. The period you will have to wait for your result depends on the analysis and your insurance plan.
- Urine test:you will be required to pee into a cup. This collected urine will be sent to the laboratory where it will be tested for the presence of chlamydia bacteria. You will wait for two to five days for this result. The test will show whether you are positive (with the infection) or negative (without the disease).
- Blood test:the doctor will draw out a little of your blood with a needle and syringe, and send the sample to a testing facility. There, your blood will be tested for the presence of chlamydia bacteria in your bloodstream.
The duration of this blood test depends on whether your blood is tested on site or sent to a distant facility. The on site test takes only a few minutes, but the other may take more than a week for the result to return.
- Swab: the doctor will use cotton wool to collect some fluid or tissue and send it to the lab. This sample will be cultured, and within two to three days, the result will show your status.
How long does it take for the women to be symptomatic?
It takes between one to three weeks for women to start showing the symptoms for chlamydia after being exposed to the bacteria. Some of the symptoms may take up to a few months before being noticeable. This is because its microbes take some time to incubate and cluster before becoming infectious.
Many factors influence the period of incubation. Some of them are:
- The part of your body (that is genital, anus, or throat) that was exposed to the bacteria
- The number of bacteria that got into your body
- The speed with which the bacteria reproduce
- The potency of your immune system
How long does it take for men to notice the symptoms?
There is no distinct difference in the timing of the symptoms to appear in men and women. The period for both genders depend on the factors listed above.
According to the records, 90% of women and70% of men do not show symptoms of the disease at all. So, the only difference between the two genders of who has or does not have the symptoms is dependent on the individual and not the gender. There is no established link on the role of gender in the duration or incubation period of chlamydia.
How long does it take for the symptoms to appear in the throat?
Chlamydia occurs in the throat when an uninfected person has oral sex with an infected person. Chlamydia in the throat does not show symptoms in people. However, for the symptoms to appear, it may take a few weeks, some months, or even longer.
A throat swab is not commonly performed since the throat is not a very common area for the infection. Any ways, if you suspect that you have been exposed through oral sex, contact your doctor and discuss your concerns.
Symptoms of chlamydia
The following are the most typical symptoms of chlamydia in women and men.
Women
- Painful urination
- Abnormal discharge from the vagina. It may be clear or cloudy
- Pain around the hip region or in the abdomen
- Pain or discomforts during sexual intercourse
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Irregular bleeding in-between periods
- Pain around the anus or rectum
Men
- Painful urination
- Abnormal discharge from the penis (may be transparent or cloudy)
- Burning sensation or unusual itching around the urethra
- Swollen testes from the epididymitis
Available treatments
Chlamydia can be cured. The best treatment for it is a dose of some doctor-prescribed antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe any of the following medicines to treat the chlamydia:
- Azithromycin (Zithromax). This is otherwise known as Z-Pak. You will be required to take one big dose of this antibiotic.
- Doxycycline (Oracea). This antibiotic must be taken twice daily for a week.
- Erythromycin (Erygel). This antibiotic is prescribed to be taken as a dose of four daily pills for one week.
- Levofloxacin (Levaquin). You will take this antibiotic once each day for one week.
- Ofloxacin (Floxin). You will take this antibiotic twice each day for one week.
To be free from this infection, you will have to take these antibiotics as prescribed. This is because taking an incomplete dose will cause the bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics. This will make it more challenging to treat.
When you follow the dose, it may take up to two weeks for the antibiotics to ultimately fight the infection and clear the symptoms. Until you finish your treatment, avoid having sex. This will protect your partner from contracting the disease. Even with protection, bacterial infection still has a chance of spreading.
Home remedies for the signs of chlamydia
The symptoms of chlamydia may still appear with the usual pain while you are receiving the treatment. You can reduce their intensity with the following home remedies:
- Take some over the counter pain relief medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to calm the pain.
- Use a cold pack to reduce the swelling and inflammation
- Goldenseal will help reduce the inflammation and the severity of the symptoms
- Turmeric will reduce the inflammation and severity of the symptoms because of the compound “curcumin” that is present.
- Use Echinacea to revive your immune system and fight against the bacteria. This will, in turn, reduce your symptoms.
These remedies do not have evidence of being indeed effective against chlamydia. So, you should apply caution while taking them. These medications do not take the place of antibiotics. You must only use them while you are receiving the treatment or planning to see your doctor.
Take home
Chlamydia is easy to treat, and if treated early,then it won’t develop into serious issues. Since symptoms are not familiar, you should treat the infection in time to prevent more severe cases like a pelvic inflammatory disease.
You can stay free from chlamydia if you only have protected sex and have just one sex partner who has only you. Test for STIs regularly if your partner has not been tested or has more than one sex partner, or if you have multiple sex partners.
If you have chlamydia or notice any of the above symptoms, ensure you visit us for confidential Chlamydia treatment at STD Check London. Contact us on 020 37457523 for inquiries and more information.
