Adult Chlamydia Exposure Treatment (Chlamydia trachomatis)

Fast MD-only chlamydia exposure care by secure online video visit, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Many adults have no symptoms but can still spread the infection to partners or develop complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or epididymitis. At TeleDirectMD, board-certified MDs provide guideline-based evaluation after a known or suspected exposure, arrange testing when appropriate, prescribe evidence-based treatment, and help you plan partner notification and follow-up.

  • $49 flat-fee adult visit
  • MD-only care (no mid-levels)
  • No insurance required
  • Secure video visits in 25+ states
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Online MD-Only Chlamydia Exposure Care

  • Adult 18+ evaluation after known or suspected chlamydia exposure
  • Guidance on testing windows, partner notification, and retesting
  • First-line oral antibiotics such as doxycycline 100 mg 2 times daily for 7 days when indicated
  • Clear criteria for when in-person urgent care, STI clinic, or emergency evaluation is needed

Adults 18+ only. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances. Pregnant patients, persons with severe symptoms, or those with significant abdominal or testicular pain may require in-person examination and ultrasound to rule out complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease or testicular torsion.

What Is Chlamydia Exposure?

Chlamydia exposure means you have had sexual contact with someone who has tested positive for Chlamydia trachomatis or you had unprotected sex with a partner whose status is unknown and are now concerned about infection. Chlamydia can infect the cervix, urethra, rectum, throat, and (less commonly) the eye. It is spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner.

Most people with chlamydia have no symptoms, so relying on how you feel is not enough. Untreated chlamydia can lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and in men, epididymitis or reactive arthritis. Because of these risks, major guidelines recommend prompt testing and empiric treatment for sexual partners of anyone diagnosed with chlamydia, even if they feel completely well.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Symptoms and Red Flags After Chlamydia Exposure

Many adults exposed to chlamydia will not notice any symptoms, especially early on. Telehealth is well suited for evaluating exposures and mild to moderate symptoms. Certain findings, however, suggest complicated infection or a different diagnosis and require prompt in-person care.

Symptom or situation What it suggests Telehealth appropriate? Red flag requiring urgent in-person care
Partner just tested positive for chlamydia, you have no symptoms Asymptomatic chlamydia exposure Yes, ideal for testing and empiric treatment via telehealth Not a red flag if you feel well and are not pregnant
Mild burning with urination or increased clear/white discharge Uncomplicated urethritis or cervicitis, possible chlamydia Usually appropriate for telehealth evaluation and treatment Red flag if accompanied by fever, pelvic pain, or testicular pain
Pelvic or lower abdominal pain with fever or painful intercourse Possible pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) No as sole site of care Requires urgent in-person evaluation, pelvic exam, and possible imaging
Severe testicular pain or sudden swelling of one testicle Possible epididymitis or testicular torsion Telehealth may triage only Urgent in-person evaluation; torsion is a surgical emergency
Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding after receptive anal sex Possible rectal chlamydia, gonorrhea, or proctitis Telehealth can arrange testing and initial treatment in stable adults Red flag if high fever, severe abdominal pain, or systemic illness
Eye redness with discharge after genital fluid exposure to eye Possible chlamydial conjunctivitis or other infection Telehealth may guide next steps Requires prompt, in-person eye or urgent care evaluation
Positive home or clinic chlamydia test with new joint pain, eye redness, or rash Possible reactive arthritis or disseminated infection Telehealth may triage Needs in-person primary care or rheumatology evaluation
Pregnant with known chlamydia exposure or positive test Chlamydia in pregnancy with risk of complications Telehealth can provide initial counseling and prescriptions In-person prenatal care and test-of-cure are essential

Differential Diagnosis: Chlamydia vs Other STIs and Conditions

Symptoms after a sexual exposure can result from several different infections or non-infectious conditions. During your TeleDirectMD visit, the MD will review your sexual history, timing of symptoms, and any prior test results to determine the most likely cause and appropriate testing.

Findings Suggestive of Chlamydia

  • Known partner with confirmed chlamydia within the last 60 days
  • Mild dysuria or urethral discomfort without strong urine odor or frequency
  • New vaginal discharge, light bleeding after sex, or spotting between periods
  • Rectal discomfort, mucus, or bleeding after receptive anal sex

Other Conditions Considered

  • Gonorrhea: Often more purulent discharge and more rapid onset; usually treated concurrently with ceftriaxone when suspected.:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI): Strong urinary urgency, frequency, and suprapubic pain without sexual exposure.
  • Trichomonas or bacterial vaginosis: Frothy, malodorous, or gray discharge; may require different treatment.
  • Herpes simplex virus: Painful blisters or ulcers rather than internal discharge-only symptoms.

Because multiple STIs often occur together, guidelines recommend testing for gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, and other infections when treating for chlamydia, especially after a new partner or known exposure.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

When Is a Video Visit Appropriate for Chlamydia Exposure?

When a Video Visit Is Appropriate

  • Adult 18+ with known or likely sexual exposure to chlamydia in the last 60 days
  • Mild or no symptoms (for example, minimal dysuria, mild discharge, or no symptoms at all)
  • No severe pelvic or abdominal pain, high fever, or testicular pain
  • Able to access a local lab or at-home test kit if testing is recommended
  • Willing to notify recent partners and abstain from sex until treatment is complete
  • Not pregnant, or if pregnant, already connected to prenatal care for in-person follow-up

Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care

  • Severe lower abdominal or pelvic pain, especially with fever or vomiting
  • Painful sex with significant pelvic tenderness (possible PID)
  • Severe testicular pain, high-riding or very tender testicle
  • High fever, chills, or feeling very ill
  • Inability to urinate, visible blood in urine, or flank pain
  • Pregnancy with pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or concerning symptoms
  • Sexual assault or concern for forced exposure (requires in-person, trauma-informed care)

If any red-flag symptoms are present, seek in-person or emergency care immediately. TeleDirectMD is not an emergency service and is best used for stable adults needing evaluation, testing, and treatment for chlamydia exposure without signs of severe infection or complications.

Treatment Options for Adult Chlamydia Exposure

Chlamydia is curable with antibiotics. Current guidelines recommend doxycycline 100 mg by mouth 2 times daily for 7 days as first-line therapy for most non-pregnant adolescents and adults, with azithromycin 1,000 mg once as an alternative regimen or for some situations such as pregnancy.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

TeleDirectMD Treatment Approach

  • Confirm exposure details, timing of last sexual contact, and any current symptoms.
  • Arrange appropriate STI testing (urine or swab NAAT testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other STIs as indicated).
  • Provide empiric treatment when exposure risk is high, without waiting for test results, per guidelines.
  • Review partner management: ensuring recent partners are notified and treated to prevent reinfection.
  • Discuss timing for retesting, typically about 3 months after treatment, or sooner if symptoms recur.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Antibiotic Choices (Non-Pregnant Adults)

  • Doxycycline: First-line for most genital and rectal chlamydia infections; superior to single-dose azithromycin for rectal disease.:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
  • Azithromycin: Alternative for those unable to take doxycycline (for example, intolerance or adherence concerns).
  • Gonorrhea co-treatment: If there is a high risk of concurrent gonorrhea or if testing is not yet available, guidelines support treatment with intramuscular ceftriaxone plus chlamydia coverage.:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

For pregnant adults, azithromycin 1,000 mg by mouth once is the preferred regimen, with a required test-of-cure and repeat testing later in pregnancy. TeleDirectMD can provide initial counseling and prescriptions but will direct pregnant patients to in-person prenatal care for follow-up testing and monitoring.

Common Medications Used for Chlamydia Exposure and Infection

The exact regimen depends on your pregnancy status, other medications, allergy history, potential co-infections, and your ability to complete a full course. The table below lists typical regimens we may prescribe for adults after chlamydia exposure or confirmed infection.

Medication Dose Duration When it is used
Doxycycline 100 mg tablet 100 mg by mouth 2 times daily with water 7 days First-line treatment for uncomplicated genital or rectal chlamydia in non-pregnant adults, including after confirmed exposure
Azithromycin 1,000 mg (1 g) orally 1,000 mg by mouth once Single dose Alternative for non-pregnant adults who cannot take doxycycline; preferred in pregnancy with appropriate follow-up
Ceftriaxone 500 mg IM 500 mg intramuscular injection once Single dose (administered in person) When concurrent gonorrhea is suspected or confirmed; given in an in-person setting, combined with oral doxycycline 100 mg 2 times daily for 7 days if chlamydia not excluded
Levofloxacin 500 mg tablet 500 mg by mouth once daily 7 days Alternative chlamydia regimen in select adults when first-line agents are not appropriate and benefits outweigh risks
Acetaminophen 500–1,000 mg tablet 500–1,000 mg by mouth every 6 hours as needed (maximum 3,000 mg per day) Short term as needed Relief of pelvic or testicular discomfort when no contraindications; adjunct to antibiotic therapy

These are example regimens only. Your TeleDirectMD physician will choose a regimen based on your sex and gender anatomy, pregnancy status, allergies, kidney and liver function, medication interactions, and the likelihood of other STIs. TeleDirectMD does not administer injections directly; when injectable therapy such as ceftriaxone is indicated, we will coordinate a referral to an in-person clinic or urgent care for administration.

Home Care, Prevention, and Return to Sexual Activity

The goals after chlamydia exposure are to eliminate infection, prevent complications, and break the cycle of reinfection between partners.

  • Take all antibiotic doses exactly as prescribed, even if you start to feel better before finishing the course.
  • Avoid all sexual activity (oral, vaginal, and anal) until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and at least 7 days have passed since your last dose.
  • Notify all sexual partners from the past 60 days so they can be tested and treated; reinfection is common if partners are not treated.:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
  • Use condoms or other barrier methods consistently with new or non-monogamous partners to reduce future STI risk.
  • Plan to be retested for chlamydia in about 3 months, even if your partner has been treated and you have no symptoms.

Most adults can continue work and normal daily activities during treatment as long as they feel well. If you develop new pelvic pain, testicular pain, fever, or other concerning symptoms while on treatment, seek in-person care promptly rather than waiting for symptoms to resolve on their own.

TeleDirectMD Telehealth Disclaimer

TeleDirectMD provides MD-only virtual urgent care for adults using secure video visits to evaluate conditions such as chlamydia exposure and infection. Visits are $49 flat-fee with no insurance required and are available in 25+ states. Our physicians follow evidence-based sexually transmitted infection guidelines, clarify what can be safely managed via telehealth, and explain when in-person STI clinic, primary care, gynecology, urology, or emergency evaluation is more appropriate. TeleDirectMD is not an emergency service or a substitute for comprehensive in-person care, especially for pregnancy, severe symptoms, or complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease.

Adult Chlamydia Exposure Treatment FAQs