How to Treat Chlamydia During Pregnancy
Chlamydia is one of the most commonly reported sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States. It is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria and can be transmitted through oral, anal and vaginal sexual contact. Some symptoms include abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis and painful urination. Symptoms of this disease are generally mild and can go unnoticed. However, long-term complications can develop if left untreated. Pregnant women with untreated chlamydia infections are at high risk for pregnancy and labor complications, as well as transmitting eye infections and pneumonia to newborn babies. Chlamydia is curable through antibiotic treatment. Pregnant women with chlamydia are commonly treated with amoxicillin or erythromycin. These are not the only antibiotics prescribed, but they are the most commonly prescribed medications for treatment of chlamydia in pregnant women. The following steps provide a general overview of obtaining proper diagnosis and treatment, through a physician, for chlamydia in pregnant women.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Physician Lab Diagnosis Prescribed Antibiotics (typically amoxicillin or erythromycin) Information for Sex Partner(s) Preventive Methods
Instructions
-
Diagnosis and Treatment Overview
-
1
Symptoms of chlamydia are commonly mild and can go unnoticed for long periods of time. Chlamydia is often detected during STD screenings performed on pregnant women during routine OB/GYN visits. If you are not maintaining routine appointments with your OB/GYN or notice any possible symptoms of chlamydia in between your doctor's appointments, please consider the following steps toward getting proper diagnosis and treatment.
-
2
Make an appointment to schedule laboratory testing with your physician upon noticing symptoms of an abnormal milky discharge, foul odor, painful urination or discomfort in the genital area. These symptoms are not confirmation, but they are indicators of a possible chlamydia infection. The purpose of the lab test is for confirmation or exclusion of a chlamydia infection. No preparation, other than general hygiene practices, is required for the appointment or lab test.
-
-
3
Provide urine samples or genital swabs to enable proper diagnosis through laboratory testing. Inform your doctor of any additional symptoms or discomfort you may have recently experienced. Also inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing conditions, take any medications or if you are breastfeeding. This will aid a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendation. If test results are positive, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to fight the infection.
-
4
Follow prescription instructions as directed by your doctor. Some prescriptions are accompanied with additional paperwork and instructions. Any questions regarding dosing, possible side effects or drug interactions can be directed to the pharmacist or your doctor.
-
5
Take all prescribed medication as directed until gone, even if your symptoms disappear. Notify your doctor if you began to feel worse or develop new symptoms after taking medication. This can be an indication of possible side effects.
-
6
Contact your physician if the symptoms do not disappear within 2 weeks of completing your prescription.
-
7
Notify your current or recent sex partner(s) of your chlamydia infection so they can be tested, properly diagnosed and treated. This will help to prevent the possibility of a repeat infection.
-
8
Practice safe sex, during and after pregnancy, to further prevent a repeat infection. A repeat infection can also be reduced by adding a cup of live-culture yogurt to your daily diet.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Amoxicillin and erythromycin have the potential for mild to serious side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pains and entering breast milk in pregnant women. Personal lifestyle, diet, pre-existing conditions and medications are contributing factors to experiencing some side effects. It is important to notify your doctor of all personal habits, conditions and medications before accepting prescriptions.
Side effects of amoxicillin: nausea, vomiting and diarrhea Side effects of erythromycin: watery or bloody diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, sensitivity to UV rays, clay-colored stools or jaundice Do not attempt to self-medicate side effect symptoms before consulting with your doctor.
