Chlamydia trachomatis is a sexually transmitted disease that is easily passed between partners during sexual intercourse. According to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing", chlamydia is nearly twice as common as gonorrhea in the United States. Chlamydia can strike both men and women, and if treatment is not sought, can be passed unknowingly between partners for an extended period of time. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to other infections and disorders of the reproductive system.
Antibiotics
American Family Physician states that chlamydia can usually be resolved in about two weeks with antibiotics. Zithromax and amoxicillin are prescribed in a single dose or a series of doses that must be taken that must be taken over the next 4 to 10 days. When an initial diagnosis of chlamydia is made, all partners should be tested and treated. This prevents couples from passing the infection back and forth.
Treating the Partner
If a person's sexual partner is tested and also diagnosed with chlamydia, they will need to be treated as well. Both men and women are susceptible to chlamydia infections. Reinfections can occur if both partners fail to complete the full cycle of treatment. Repeated infections can not only cause urinary tract infections but may also lead to serious problems with the reproductive system. In severe cases, infertility may be possible if the infection is left untreated. Pelvic inflammatory disease and inflammation of the testes in men may be possible, according to STD.gov.
Herbal Remedies
Herbs may be used in single form or in combinations. According to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, echinacea and goldenseal may be used to fight bacterial infections. Goldenseal should not be taken for more than a week at a time. Pregnant women should also avoid using goldenseal. Red clover and astragalus may be used to fight infection and strengthen mucus membranes.
Herbs can be used in addition to other conventional treatments. Before implementing the use of herbs, consult your physician to make sure there will be no contraindications with other medications you may be taking.
Prevention/Safe Sex
According to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing", 50 percent of men and 75 percent of women show no symptoms of chlamydia. Practicing safe sex by using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners may reduce the exposure to sexually transmitted diseases. Chlamydia along with other STDs may be contracted through vaginal sex, anal sex and oral sex. If a person is sexually active, regular screenings to check for STDs can help reduce the risk of spreading an infection to others. If an infection is found, all sexual activity should be stopped until the course of treatment is completed.
Abstinence
Abstinence is the only 100-percent effective way of reducing the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. Because cases have been reported where no symptoms were present, it is hard to know who does or does not have chlamydia. Choosing to have sex only after entering into a committed relationship can also reduce the risk of contracting other communicable diseases like HIV/AIDs and mononucleosis.
References
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing: Balch, 2006
- CDC.gov: Chlamydia
- American Family Physicians
- Mayo Clinic: Chlamydia
