Home Remedies For Chlamydia: Why Antibiotics Are Best

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. It affects around 1 in 14 people. It is easily cured with prescription antibiotics, and proper treatment is important because chlamydia can cause permanent damage to the reproductive system. Using unapproved medications or home remedies may relieve some of your symptoms, but that doesn’t mean the infection is gone.

This article will take a closer look at the symptoms and complications of chlamydia and explain why prescription antibiotics should be the only treatment you use.

Chlamydia symptoms

More than half of people with chlamydia have no noticeable symptoms. However, the infection can still cause permanent damage even if you are asymptomatic.

That’s why it’s important to get tested for STIs if you’re sexually active. This is especially true for people under the age of 25, as they are most at risk for chlamydia. Pregnant women and men who have sex with men (MSM) should also get tested regularly.

If you have symptoms of chlamydia, they may include:

• Discharge from the vagina or penis, with vaginal discharge often appearing yellow and penile discharge thin and white and resembling mucus
• Painful urination and more frequent urination
• Pain, swelling, or itching in the genitals or anus, which may also spread to the abdomen and pelvis
• Pain during intercourse in which a person with a penis will often feel pain during ejaculation, while a person with a vagina will feel pain during penetration
• Bleeding from the anus during anal sex

Chlamydia treatment

The only way to treat chlamydia is with antibiotics. The most common antibiotic for chlamydia is doxycycline. Health care providers usually prescribe a dose of 100 milligrams, taken twice a day for seven days.

If you cannot take doxycycline, your health care provider may recommend azithromycin Where levofloxacin In place. Azithromycin is the first-line choice for the treatment of chlamydia in pregnant women.

If you are diagnosed with chlamydia, anyone you have had sex with in the last 60 days should also receive full treatment. It’s common to get a second chlamydia infection, so you should get tested again three months after your treatment ends.

home remedies for chlamydia

If you are wondering how to get rid of chlamydia at home, you may be disappointed to learn that there is no effective home remedy for chlamydia. Since chlamydia is a bacterial infection, it must be treated with antibiotics. It is important to treat the infection quickly and not to try douching or other home remedies, as these can make the infection worse.

Certain home remedies can relieve symptoms or make you feel better overall, which keeps people coming back to these remedies. It is important to use them only in conjunction with antibiotics. Here are some home remedies for chlamydia that people like to try.

Garlic

Garlic contains a compound called allicin which has all sorts of health benefits. Allicin is associated with heart health and reduced cell damage. However, it has not been proven or even touted to treat bacterial infections like chlamydia. Consider incorporating garlic supplements into your diet, but talk to your healthcare provider about side effects, including digestive issues and an increased risk of bleeding.

oregano oil

Oil of oregano is a home remedy for yeast (fungal) infections. However, there is no evidence that it can treat a bacterial infection. Additionally, researchers are still learning how to use oregano oil safely on the body. If you want to try it, you can incorporate a supplement into your diet. However, be aware of side effects, including upset stomach, headaches, and allergic reactions.

Probiotics

Probiotics are supplements that increase the good bacteria in your gut. If you take antibiotics to treat your chlamydia, probiotics can help keep your gut healthy. Talk to your health care provider about whether they recommend taking probiotics before, during, or after a course of antibiotics.

Turmeric

Turmeric and its active ingredient, curcumin, can fight inflammation and relieve pain. However, it has not been shown to fight bacterial infections. Although taking a turmeric supplement is generally safe, it can cause digestive upset, nausea, and diarrhea.

apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar may have antibacterial properties, but it’s not strong enough to fight a serious bacterial infection like chlamydia. Never put apple cider vinegar on, in, or around your genitals, as it can cause internal and external chemical burns.

Echinacea

Echinacea is an herb used to fight viral infections, including the common cold. Although some people swear by it, there is no definitive research on whether echinacea helps fight infections.

gold seal

Goldenseal is an herb believed to treat infections, including fungal infections. However, no research proves that it can fight all infections, including chlamydia. Goldenseal can be dangerous when combined with prescription medications, so this home remedy is best ignored.

Olive leaf extract

Olive leaf extract contains a compound called oleuropein. Oleuropein has antibacterial properties and has been shown to fight certain viral diseases. However, it has not been studied as a treatment for bacterial infections, including chlamydia.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a plant used to treat burns and rashes. It has not been studied as a treatment for chlamydia. Side effects are rare, but aloe vera should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Potential complications

Untreated chlamydia can increase your risk of getting or passing on a life-threatening human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Chlamydia can also cause infertility, regardless of gender.

People whose uterus gets chlamydia can develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which occurs when an infection spreads through the reproductive tract. PID can lead to additional complications, including:

A pregnant person with chlamydia has an increased risk of preterm labor. They can also transmit chlamydia to their baby. In babies, chlamydia can lead to eye infections and pneumonia. If you are pregnant, you should get tested for chlamydia at your first appointment.

Summary

Chlamydia is a bacterial STI. In most people, it is asymptomatic, but it can also lead to genital pain and discharge. Untreated chlamydia can lead to long-term complications, including infertility. The only way to treat chlamydia is to take antibiotics. There is no effective way to use home remedies to treat chlamydia.

A word from Verywell

Despite the fact that STIs are incredibly common, they can still be stigmatized, which could prevent you from getting the help you need. Keep in mind that chlamydia is easily treated with a week-long course of antibiotics. Seeing a health care provider for a prescription will allow you to take charge of your health and avoid serious complications.