Does Chlamydia Go Away On Its Own Without Treatment?

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It can infect both men and women and is spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected partner.

Chlamydia often causes no symptoms, so many people dont realize they are infected. But even asymptomatic chlamydia can lead to long-term health consequences if left untreated.

Chlamydia Symptoms

Women

Most women with chlamydia experience no symptoms or very mild ones. When present, symptoms in women may include:

• Increased vaginal discharge
• Burning sensation during urination
• Itching or irritation around the vagina
• Spotting between periods
• Pain with intercourse
• Abdominal pain

Men

Like women, most men have no signs or symptoms with chlamydia. But some men may notice:

• Clear or cloudy discharge from the penis
• Burning with urination
• Itching or pain around the penis
• Pain or swelling in the testicles

Without treatment, chlamydia can spread to the reproductive system causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and epididymitis in men.

Can Chlamydia Go Away On Its Own?

No, chlamydia will not go away without treatment. The bacteria can persist and continue to multiply in the reproductive and urinary systems if left untreated.

Even if symptoms resolve, you remain infected and contagious until completing a full antibiotic treatment regimen.

Long-Term Consequences

Consequences of untreated chlamydia can include:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Chlamydia spreads deeper into the reproductive organs causing inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes which can lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
• Chronic pelvic pain: Inflammation from chlamydia can cause ongoing pelvic and abdominal pain.
• Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, a coiled tube in the male testes.
• Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra causing painful urination.
• Cervicitis: Inflammation of the cervix in women.
• Proctitis: Inflammation of the rectum.
• Infant pneumonia and eye infections: Pregnant women can pass chlamydia to their baby during childbirth.

Testing and promptly treating chlamydia reduces the likelihood of complications. But damage can still occur even before symptoms develop.

How is Chlamydia Spread?

Chlamydia primarily spreads through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner. Less commonly, it can be passed from mother to newborn during delivery if the mother has an untreated chlamydia infection.

You cannot get chlamydia from:

• Hugging, holding hands, sharing food or drinks
• Toilet seats, hot tubs, swimming pools
• Sharing towels, bed linens or toiletries

Factors that increase risk of contracting chlamydia include:

• Having a new sexual partner
• Having multiple sexual partners
• Not properly using barrier protection (condoms)
• Having a sexual partner with an STI

Even with treatment, it is possible to contract chlamydia again from an untreated partner. Both partners should be tested and treated to prevent reinfection.

Getting Tested for Chlamydia

Who Should Be Tested?

The CDC recommends regular chlamydia testing for sexually active women under 25, and older women with risk factors like new or multiple partners. Testing is also advised for:

• People with STI symptoms
• Men who have intercourse with men
• Sexually active gay and bisexual men
• Anyone notified they may have been exposed to chlamydia

Pregnant women should be tested to avoid passing chlamydia to their baby during delivery.

Chlamydia Test Types

There are two main types of tests used to diagnose chlamydia:

• Urine test: The most common test. Uses a urine sample to detect chlamydia bacteria DNA.
• Swab test: Takes a swab from the cervix in women or urethra in men to obtain fluid samples.

Urine and swab tests are similarly accurate in detecting chlamydia. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate test.

Home Chlamydia Test Kits

Home testing kits are available that allow you to collect a sample at home and mail it to a lab for analysis. This offers privacy and convenience.

However, follow up with a doctor is still important to confirm diagnosis and receive treatment. Notify partners to get tested as well.

Getting Treated for Chlamydia

Antibiotics

Chlamydia is cured with oral antibiotics like:

• Azithromycin - single 1 gram dose
• Doxycycline - 100 mg twice per day for 7 days
• Erythromycin - 500 mg twice per day for 7 days

Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate antibiotic treatment regimen. Be sure to complete the full course as directed - even if symptoms resolve faster.

Avoid Sex During Treatment

You should avoid having sex for 7 days after starting antibiotics and until completing treatment. This helps prevent spreading the infection.

Notify recent partners they may have been exposed and need testing. Your partner(s) will also require treatment before resuming sex.

Follow-up Testing

Most doctors recommend repeat testing 3-4 months after finishing treatment to confirm the chlamydia has resolved.

You can contract chlamydia again after treatment, so ongoing safer sex practices are important.

Natural Remedies for Chlamydia

There are no proven natural remedies that cure chlamydia. Antibiotics are the only reliable treatment.

Some natural remedies like pelvic heat packs, goldenseal, or vitamin C supplements may help relieve symptoms while you are undergoing antibiotic treatment. But they cannot eliminate the underlying chlamydia infection.

Avoid untested herbal supplements that claim to "cure" chlamydia - these are unproven and potentially unsafe.

Preventing Chlamydia

Ways to reduce your risk of contracting chlamydia include:

• Use barrier protection like condoms during sex
• Limit your number of sexual partners
• Ask partners to get regularly tested for STIs
• Avoid contact with partners semen and vaginal fluids
• Get tested if you have a new partner before having unprotected sex

Chlamydia screening at least annually and whenever you change partners can help with early detection and treatment.

Complications of Chlamydia

Infertility

Untreated chlamydia can cause scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes in women. This prevents sperm from reaching the egg and can cause infertility.

Ectopic Pregnancy

If an egg is fertilized but cannot pass through the blocked fallopian tube, the embryo can implant abnormally outside the womb. This dangerous ectopic pregnancy requires immediate medical care.

Reactive Arthritis

Chlamydia infection can sometimes trigger inflammation and arthritis-like joint pain, especially in the knees or ankles.

Infant Pneumonia

Newborns can develop pneumonia and eye infections from exposure during delivery if the mother has untreated chlamydia.

Seeking Medical Care

Make an appointment with your doctor, gynecologist, or local sexual health clinic if:

• You have symptoms of chlamydia
• A partner notified you of an STI exposure
• Its been 3-6 months since ending an unprotected sexual relationship
• You want to start a new medication like oral contraceptives

Get prompt medical care if you experience:

• Severe chlamydia symptoms like fever, nausea, pain
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Abdominal or pelvic pain with vomiting
• Ectopic pregnancy concerns (pelvic pain with missed period)

Testing, treating, and informing partners in a timely manner can prevent serious chlamydia outcomes.

The Bottom Line

Chlamydia does not go away on its own without treatment. Taking antibiotics as prescribed is vital to cure chlamydia and avoid complications like infertility in both women and men. Getting regularly tested if sexually active, using protection, and notifying partners of possible exposure are key prevention strategies.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.