Chlamydia · Online Treatment

Chlamydia Treatment (Chlamydial Infection)

Adult care by secure video visit, self pay option starting at $79, MD-only, insurance is not required.

Yes — chlamydia can be treated online. A board-certified MD reviews your test result or symptoms by secure video and, when appropriate, prescribes the CDC first-line antibiotic — doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 7 days (azithromycin 1 g single dose is an alternative) — sent to your pharmacy the same day. Visit price: $79 flat, no insurance required, fully confidential. Partners should be treated too. Re-test in 3 months. Not for pregnancy or pelvic/abdominal pain with fever, which need in-person care.

Chlamydia is the most common reportable bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States, with over 1.8 million cases reported annually. Many patients are asymptomatic, making screening and prompt treatment essential to prevent complications including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. The CDC STI Treatment Guidelines (2021) now recommend doxycycline 100mg twice daily for 7 days as the preferred first-line treatment, replacing the previous recommendation of azithromycin single dose. TeleDirectMD can prescribe treatment based on a positive chlamydia test result that you bring to your video visit. TeleDirectMD does not perform STI testing itself — patients should get tested at a local clinic, lab, or health department and bring results to the visit. Partner notification and treatment is a critical public health priority: sex partners from the prior 60 days need evaluation and presumptive treatment. This page is for adults located in one of our covered states, including communities nationwide.

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Board-certified MD · 44 states + DC · evenings & weekends · HSA/FSA accepted · 4.97★ (173 reviews)

Online MD-Only Chlamydia Care

$79

flat self-pay · insurance not required

Evaluation and treatment based on positive chlamydia test results
Red-flag screening for PID, epididymitis, and disseminated infection
CDC guideline-based antibiotic prescriptions (doxycycline preferred)
Partner treatment guidance and co-testing recommendations (HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis)

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Same-day appointments · HSA/FSA accepted

What it costs

$79 flat. HSA/FSA accepted.

One fee covers the visit — no facility fees, no surprise billing. Here is how it compares to other care settings.

$79

One flat fee covers your entire visit

MD evaluation and red-flag screening
Review of positive test results and sexual history
CDC guideline-based antibiotic prescription
Partner notification guidance and co-testing recommendations
Clear follow-up steps including reinfection screening

Cost across care settings

TeleDirectMD$79

Primary Care$100 to $250+

Urgent Care$150 to $300+

Emergency Room$500 to $3,000+

How it works

How Online Chlamydia Treatment Works

Get tested at a local clinic or lab

TeleDirectMD does not perform STI testing. Get tested for chlamydia at your local clinic, health department, urgent care, or through a lab order. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are the gold standard for chlamydia detection. Have your test results available for the video visit.

Book your video visit and see a licensed MD

Insurance is not required. No referral needed. Many visits are available same day, depending on scheduling. We review your test results, symptoms, sexual history, allergy history, and screen for red flags including PID and concurrent infections. We also recommend co-testing for HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis if not already done.

Get a treatment plan and prescription

If treatment is clinically appropriate based on your positive test, we send an e-prescription to common pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, Walmart Pharmacy. We provide partner notification guidance (partners from the prior 60 days need treatment), abstinence instructions (7 days after completing treatment), and reinfection screening recommendations (~3 months).

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Treatment

Common Medication Options

These are common options for adult chlamydia treatment. The actual medication, dose, and duration are determined by the MD after reviewing your test results, symptoms, sexual history, allergy profile, pregnancy status, and red flags. Treatment requires a positive test result.

Medication	Typical dose	Duration	Key considerations
Doxycycline (preferred)	100 mg by mouth twice daily	7 days	CDC-recommended first-line treatment (2021 update). Preferred over azithromycin for all sites including rectal chlamydia. Contraindicated in pregnancy. Take with food and water. Avoid dairy within 2 hours. Sun sensitivity.
Azithromycin (alternative)	1 g by mouth single dose	One-time dose	Alternative when doxycycline is contraindicated or adherence is a concern. Preferred regimen in pregnancy. Less effective for rectal chlamydia (74% vs 100% cure rate).
Levofloxacin (alternative)	500 mg by mouth once daily	7 days	Second-line alternative. Reserved for cases where doxycycline and azithromycin are not appropriate. Fluoroquinolone class with specific warnings.

Example regimens only. The actual medication is determined by the MD after reviewing your test results, symptoms, and medical history. Abstain from sexual contact for 7 days after completing treatment (or 7 days after single-dose azithromycin). Reinfection screening is recommended at approximately 3 months. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances.

Understanding it

What Is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the most common reportable bacterial STI in the United States, with over 1.8 million cases reported to the CDC annually. Chlamydia is transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact.

A critical feature of chlamydia is that many infections are asymptomatic — up to 70 percent of women and 50 percent of men with chlamydia have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include abnormal genital discharge, burning with urination, pelvic pain in women, or testicular pain in men. Untreated chlamydia can lead to serious complications including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.

TeleDirectMD can prescribe treatment for adults with a positive chlamydia test result, provide partner notification guidance, recommend co-testing for HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis, and direct patients with complications to in-person care. TeleDirectMD does not perform STI testing — patients should get tested at a local clinic, lab, or health department.

Causes & risk factors

Causes and Risk Factors

Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and is transmitted through sexual contact. Understanding risk factors helps guide screening decisions and prevention counseling.

Sexual transmission: chlamydia is transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact with an infected partner, including asymptomatic carriers
Young age: highest rates occur in sexually active women ages 15 to 24, which is why the USPSTF recommends annual screening for all sexually active women under 25
Multiple sexual partners: having multiple partners or a new sexual partner increases the risk of chlamydia acquisition
Inconsistent condom use: condoms reduce but do not eliminate the risk of chlamydia transmission
History of prior STI: a prior STI diagnosis increases the likelihood of subsequent infections, and reinfection with chlamydia is common
Asymptomatic carriage: because most infections are asymptomatic, infected individuals may unknowingly transmit chlamydia to partners

Screening is the cornerstone of chlamydia control because most infections are asymptomatic. The USPSTF recommends annual chlamydia screening for all sexually active women under age 25 and for older women at increased risk. Prompt treatment and partner notification prevent complications and further transmission.

Symptoms & red flags

Symptoms and Red Flags for Chlamydia

Use this table to understand which presentations fit uncomplicated chlamydia appropriate for telehealth treatment and which patterns suggest complications requiring in-person care.

Symptom or situation	What it suggests	Telehealth appropriate?	Red flag requiring urgent in-person care
Positive chlamydia test with no symptoms	Asymptomatic chlamydia — still requires treatment	Yes	No
Abnormal vaginal or urethral discharge	Possible chlamydia or other STI	Yes, with positive test	If accompanied by pelvic pain and fever
Burning or pain with urination	Urethritis, possibly chlamydial	Yes, with positive test	If severe or with systemic symptoms
Pelvic pain with fever in a woman	Possible pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)	No	Urgent in-person evaluation — may need IV antibiotics
Testicular pain and swelling	Possible epididymitis	No	Urgent in-person evaluation needed
Joint pain, skin lesions, or high fever	Possible disseminated chlamydial infection or reactive arthritis	No	In-person evaluation needed
Concurrent positive gonorrhea test	Co-infection requiring intramuscular ceftriaxone	No	In-person care for injection
Pregnant with positive chlamydia test	Needs azithromycin (doxycycline contraindicated) and close follow-up	No	In-person prenatal care recommended

Not every symptom is the same

Differential Diagnosis: Chlamydia vs Other Conditions

Several STIs and urogenital conditions can present with similar symptoms. A positive chlamydia test confirms the diagnosis, but TeleDirectMD also screens for concurrent infections and complications.

Sometimes Appropriate for Telehealth

Uncomplicated chlamydia with positive test result — treatment and partner guidance
Asymptomatic positive chlamydia screening result
Co-testing recommendations for HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis
Reinfection screening counseling at 3 months
Partner treatment guidance and abstinence instructions

Often Requires In-Person Evaluation

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): pelvic pain, fever, cervical motion tenderness
Epididymitis or epididymo-orchitis: testicular pain, swelling, and tenderness
Concurrent gonorrhea requiring intramuscular ceftriaxone injection
Reactive arthritis (formerly Reiter syndrome): joint pain, urethritis, conjunctivitis
Pregnancy with chlamydia requiring prenatal management and test of cure

Chlamydia vs Gonorrhea

Chlamydia and gonorrhea often co-occur and have similar symptoms including discharge and dysuria. However, gonorrhea typically produces more pronounced purulent discharge and may cause pharyngitis. The critical difference for telehealth is that gonorrhea treatment requires intramuscular ceftriaxone injection, which cannot be administered remotely. Co-testing for both is always recommended.

Chlamydia vs UTI

Both chlamydia and urinary tract infections can cause burning with urination (dysuria). UTI typically also causes urinary frequency, urgency, and suprapubic pain. Chlamydia is more likely when there is abnormal discharge or the patient has STI risk factors. Testing is essential to distinguish these conditions, as treatment is different.

If your symptoms do not match uncomplicated chlamydia or any red flags are present, TeleDirectMD will direct you to urgent in-person care.

Treatment approach

Treatment Options

The CDC STI Treatment Guidelines (2021) now recommend doxycycline 100mg twice daily for 7 days as the preferred first-line treatment for uncomplicated chlamydia. This replaced azithromycin single dose due to evidence of superior efficacy, particularly for rectal chlamydia. Partner treatment and abstinence for 7 days after completing treatment are essential components of care.

First-line treatment: Doxycycline

Doxycycline 100mg orally twice daily for 7 days is the preferred regimen per the 2021 CDC update. For rectal chlamydia, doxycycline is strongly preferred over azithromycin based on randomized controlled trial data showing 100 percent cure rate versus 74 percent with azithromycin. Patients must abstain from sexual contact for 7 days after completing the full course of treatment.

Alternative treatments

Azithromycin 1g orally as a single dose remains an alternative when doxycycline is contraindicated or when adherence to a 7-day regimen is a concern. Levofloxacin 500mg orally once daily for 7 days is a second alternative. In pregnancy, azithromycin is preferred because doxycycline is contraindicated.

Partner treatment and public health

All sex partners from the prior 60 days should be referred for evaluation, testing, and presumptive treatment regardless of symptoms. Partner notification is a critical public health measure. If the patient has not had a partner in the prior 60 days, the most recent partner should be notified. Expedited partner therapy (EPT), where permitted by state law, allows prescribing treatment for partners without a clinical visit.

When telehealth care is not enough

If PID, epididymitis, disseminated infection, pregnancy, or concurrent gonorrhea is present, in-person evaluation and treatment is required. PID may need IV antibiotics and hospitalization. Concurrent gonorrhea requires intramuscular ceftriaxone which cannot be administered via telehealth.

What we do not manage by video

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) requiring in-person evaluation and possibly IV antibiotics
Complicated epididymitis or epididymo-orchitis requiring in-person assessment
Concurrent gonorrhea requiring intramuscular ceftriaxone injection
Chlamydia in pregnancy (in-person prenatal management recommended)
Disseminated chlamydial infection or reactive arthritis

Decision guide

Should I Use TeleDirectMD for Chlamydia? Decision Guide

Do you have any emergency or red-flag symptoms?

Pelvic pain with fever suggesting pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Severe testicular pain and swelling suggesting complicated epididymitis
Signs of disseminated infection: joint pain, skin lesions, or high fever
You are pregnant (doxycycline is contraindicated; in-person care recommended)
You have concurrent gonorrhea requiring intramuscular ceftriaxone

Yes: seek in-person care or go to the ER

No: continue to Step 2

Are you 18+ and currently in one of our covered states?

Yes: continue to Step 3

No: use in-person care as appropriate

Do you have a positive chlamydia test result?

Positive NAAT result from a clinic, lab, or health department
No concurrent gonorrhea requiring injection
No pelvic pain with fever, no severe testicular pain
Not pregnant

Yes: continue to Step 4

No: test result, get tested first at a local clinic or lab

You are likely appropriate for a TeleDirectMD video visit

Recovery & prevention

Home Care, Recovery Timeline, Partner Notification, and Follow-up

Recovery Timeline and What to Do Now

Take all medication exactly as prescribed — complete the full course even if you feel fine
Abstain from all sexual contact for 7 days after completing treatment (or 7 days after single-dose azithromycin)
Notify all sex partners from the prior 60 days so they can be evaluated and treated
If taking doxycycline, take with food and a full glass of water. Avoid lying down for 30 minutes after. Avoid dairy within 2 hours of doses.
Chlamydia is curable — with proper treatment, the infection clears completely

What to Watch For After Treatment

Pelvic pain with fever developing at any point (possible PID — seek in-person care)
Testicular pain and swelling (possible epididymitis — seek in-person care)
Symptoms not improving after completing treatment (may need reassessment)
Joint pain, eye redness, or skin lesions after infection (possible reactive arthritis)
New symptoms suggesting reinfection after completing treatment

Partner Notification and Follow-up

Reinfection screening is recommended at approximately 3 months after treatment — reinfection is common
Test of cure is NOT routinely recommended (except in pregnancy), as repeat testing before 4 weeks can yield false positives from nonviable organisms
Ensure all sex partners from the prior 60 days are notified, evaluated, and treated
If you were not already tested for HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis, discuss co-testing with your provider
Use condoms consistently to reduce risk of reinfection and other STIs
If any red-flag symptoms develop at any time, seek in-person care immediately

Safety first

When Not to Use TeleDirectMD for Chlamydia

TeleDirectMD is designed for uncomplicated chlamydia treatment based on positive test results. We are direct about when telehealth is not appropriate.

You Should Not Use TeleDirectMD If

You are under 18 years old
You have pelvic pain with fever suggesting PID
You have severe testicular pain and swelling
You are pregnant (in-person prenatal care recommended)
You have concurrent gonorrhea requiring intramuscular injection
You do not have a positive test result (TeleDirectMD cannot perform STI testing)
You have signs of disseminated infection or reactive arthritis
You are not physically in one of our covered states at the time of visit

Alternative Care Options

Emergency room: pelvic pain with high fever (PID), severe testicular pain, or signs of disseminated infection
Urgent care or STI clinic: STI testing and treatment in one visit, uncertain diagnosis, concurrent gonorrhea needing injection, or need for in-person exam
OB/GYN or urology: complicated infections (PID, epididymitis), fertility concerns, pregnancy management, or recurrent infections
Primary care: comprehensive STI screening, ongoing sexual health management, and prevention counseling

Common questions

Chlamydia Treatment FAQs

Can I get treatment for chlamydia online?

Yes, if you are an adult 18+ located in one of our covered states and have a positive chlamydia test result. TeleDirectMD can prescribe CDC-recommended treatment based on your test results, provide partner notification guidance, and recommend co-testing for other STIs. You must have your positive test result available for the visit.

How can I get chlamydia treatment online without insurance?

Insurance is not required. TeleDirectMD is a flat $79 confidential video visit. If antibiotics are appropriate, generic doxycycline typically adds only $4–$15 with a GoodRx coupon, so most patients pay about $83–$95 total — no membership and no coupon math. Your visit and prescription are private.

How much does online chlamydia treatment cost?

TeleDirectMD offers a transparent self pay option starting at $79 for an adult video visit. Insurance is not required. Prescription costs at your pharmacy and STI testing costs are separate.

What is the fastest way to get chlamydia antibiotics online?

Book a same-day TeleDirectMD video visit. A board-certified MD reviews your positive test or symptoms and exposure history, and if appropriate sends an e-prescription for doxycycline (CDC first-line) to your pharmacy — usually ready within a couple of hours. Abstain from sex for 7 days after treatment, and make sure recent partners are treated too.

Do my partners need treatment?

Yes. All sex partners from the prior 60 days should be referred for evaluation, testing, and presumptive treatment regardless of whether they have symptoms. Partner treatment is essential to prevent reinfection and further transmission. If your most recent partner was more than 60 days ago, they should still be notified.

How long until chlamydia is cured?

Chlamydia is curable with appropriate antibiotic treatment. With doxycycline (7-day course), the infection clears during treatment. You must abstain from sexual contact for 7 days after completing all medication. If you took single-dose azithromycin, abstain for 7 days after the dose. Reinfection screening at approximately 3 months is recommended.

Can telehealth treat chlamydia?

Yes. Telehealth is appropriate for uncomplicated chlamydia treatment when you have a positive test result. The standard treatment (doxycycline 100mg twice daily for 7 days) is an oral medication that can be prescribed via telehealth. TeleDirectMD cannot perform testing — you need to get tested at a local clinic or lab first.

Can you have chlamydia without symptoms?

Yes. This is one of the most important facts about chlamydia: up to 70 percent of women and 50 percent of men with chlamydia have no symptoms. That is why screening is so important. Asymptomatic chlamydia still requires treatment to prevent complications including PID, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy, and to prevent transmission to partners.

Do I need follow-up testing after treatment?

Test of cure is NOT routinely recommended after chlamydia treatment, except during pregnancy. Repeat testing before 4 weeks can produce false positives from nonviable organism DNA. However, reinfection screening at approximately 3 months is recommended because reinfection is common, especially if partners were not treated.

Does your state allow telemedicine for chlamydia treatment?

Yes. Your state allows licensed professionals to provide telemedicine within their scope when appropriate and according to accepted standards of care. You must be physically located in one of our covered states at the time of the visit.

What if I also have gonorrhea?

If you have concurrent gonorrhea, you need intramuscular ceftriaxone injection in addition to chlamydia treatment. This injection cannot be administered via telehealth. You will need to visit an in-person clinic, urgent care, or STI clinic for gonorrhea treatment. Co-testing for gonorrhea is always recommended when chlamydia is diagnosed.

Clinical sources