M
%Start Can azithromycin help to treat STIs? Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe
Is azithromycin beneficial for treating STIs Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — By Peter Brown on September 29, 2022A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection a person may acquire through sexual contact.
visibility
535 views
thumb_up
8 likes
N
Treatments are available, particularly in the early stages. For some STIs, antibiotics such as azithromycin are an effective option for clearing the infection.
thumb_up
26 likes
D
STIs are infections that typically pass from one person to another through sexual contact. Anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or hygiene standards, can contract these infections. Many types of bacteria can cause STIs.
thumb_up
20 likes
E
To treat these infections, a doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics. Azithromycin is an antibiotic a doctor may recommend for some STIs. For example, it is a common treatment option for chlamydia and for potential complications from chlamydia, such as nongonococcal urethritis, cervicitis, or lymphogranuloma venereum.
thumb_up
50 likes
J
In this article, we will discuss azithromycin, including whether it treats STIs and how to use it. A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth.
thumb_up
18 likes
S
Click here to learn more. Does it work
Share on PinterestLuis Alvarez/Getty ImagesAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), azithromycin is the recommended treatment for chlamydia, nongonococcal urethritis, and cervicitis.
thumb_up
39 likes
M
Additionally, health experts may recommend azithromycin as part of dual therapy alongside gentamicin to treat gonorrhea if a person is allergic to ceftriaxone. The results of a 2015 study comparing different antibiotics for treating chlamydia suggest that azithromycin can treat 97% of cases. However, the study indicates that another antibiotic, doxycycline, may be more effective for treating chlamydia.
thumb_up
34 likes
H
Other studies also suggest that doxycycline may be more effective for treating chlamydia in both males and females. Still, the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV states that azithromycin should remain an option for individuals who are allergic or intolerant to tetracyclines, such as doxycycline, and for people who are pregnant.
thumb_up
39 likes
S
Additionally, the CDC Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines suggest that azithromycin may be effective for other STIs, such as:chancroiddonovanosisMycoplasma genitalium infections
How to use
Azithromycin is available in both tablet and powder formulations. The dosage will vary depending on the infection a person is treating.
thumb_up
39 likes
K
A doctor will advise on the dosage and duration of medication. For treatment of chlamydia, a doctor will likely recommend that a person take 1 gram (g) of azithromycin orally in a single dose. If a person is using azithromycin for the dual treatment of gonorrhea, a single dose of 2 g orally is advisable.
thumb_up
9 likes
V
A person should also then receive 240 milligrams (mg) of gentamicin in a single intramuscular injection. For the treatment of nongonococcal urethritis, a doctor will suggest a single dose of 1 g of oral azithromycin.
thumb_up
7 likes
D
Alternatively, they may advise taking 500 mg orally in a single dose followed by 250 mg orally per day for 4 days. If a person is treating cervicitis with azithromycin, the dosage recommendation is 1 g orally in a single dose.
thumb_up
47 likes
S
Risks and side effects
Like any other medication, azithromycin can cause side effects. It is advisable to consult a doctor if any of the following adverse reactions are severe or do not go away:diarrheanauseavomitingstomach painheadache
Occasionally, a person may experience more serious side effects, which can include:fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeatdizzinessfaintingrash with or without a feverblisters or peelingfever and pus-filled, blister-like sores, redness, and swelling of the skinhivesitchingwheezing or difficulty breathing or swallowingswelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legshoarseness
STI testing
If a person is sexually active, it is highly advisable that they regularly test for STIs to protect their health. A person can talk with their usual healthcare professional about STI testing, or they may feel more comfortable going to a confidential testing clinic.
thumb_up
19 likes
E
STI testing recommendations include:Adults and adolescents aged 13–64: It is advisable for a person to test at least once for HIV.Sexually active females: It is advisable that females younger than age 25 test for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. Females who are over age 25 and have risk factors — such as new or multiple sexual partners or a sexual partner who already has an STI — should test for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.A person who is pregnant: A pregnant individual may want to consider testing for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, chlamydia, and gonorrhea starting in early pregnancy.
thumb_up
27 likes
S
Sexually active males who have sex with males: It is advisable for a person to:test at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrheatest at least once a year for HIVtest at least once a year for hepatitis C if living with HIVconsider testing more frequently (e.g., every 3–6 months) if they have multiple or anonymous partnersSexually active males who have sex with females: There is not enough evidence for screening among males who have sex with females and are at low risk. However, a person may wish to test once they become sexually active.Transgender and gender diverse persons: It is advisable that a person follow screening recommendations based on their anatomy.
thumb_up
21 likes
D
A person may want to consider annual testing, depending on their risk factors.An individual who has had oral or anal sex: A person may want consult a healthcare professional about throat and rectal testing options. Learn more about STI testing.
thumb_up
27 likes
L
Frequently asked questions
Below we answer some frequently asked questions about the use of azithromycin and STIs. How quickly does azithromycin work
Azithromycin can take approximately 1 week to treat an STI. It may take up to 2 weeks to effectively clear the infection.
thumb_up
45 likes
T
A person may start to feel better within 2–3 days. To prevent passing the infection to others, it is advisable for a person to avoid sexual contact until the infection completely clears. What happens if a person does not treat STIs
If a person has an STI and does not receive treatment, their symptoms may worsen and become more severe.
thumb_up
25 likes
Z
For example, untreated chlamydia may result in pelvic inflammatory disease in females, which may lead to infertility and long-term abdominal pain. In males, it can cause testicular pain and infertility.
thumb_up
5 likes
S
Untreated STIs can also lead to problems during pregnancy, and it is possible for a pregnant person’s baby to contract the infections during delivery. How to prevent STIs
There are several ways a person can prevent or decrease the risk of contracting an STI, including:Pre-exposure vaccination: Vaccinations can prevent transmission of some STIs.
thumb_up
32 likes
M
For example, healthcare professionals routinely recommend the HPV vaccine for males and females aged 11 or 12. Condoms: When people use them correctly, both internal and external condoms can reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting STIs.Abstinence and reduction in number of sexual partners: A person can prevent STI transmission either by abstaining from sexual activities or by engaging in sexual contact only with a monogamous partner who does not have any STIs. Summary
Azithromycin is an antibiotic a doctor may prescribe to treat STIs that result from bacteria.
thumb_up
30 likes
I
It is a common and effective treatment option for chlamydia. Untreated STIs can lead to further health complications. As such, it is advisable for sexually active individuals to take measures to reduce the likelihood of contracting an STI, such as safer sex practices and regular screenings.
thumb_up
39 likes
S
Last medically reviewed on September 29, 2022Sexual Health / STDsDrugs 8 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles.
thumb_up
21 likes
A
You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Azithromycin tablet, film coated. (2022).https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=f5b6daad-b5a9-462d-8e10-db22a7af1c72Dombrowski, J. C., et al.
thumb_up
2 likes
C
(2021). Doxycycline versus azithromycin for the treatment of rectal chlamydia in men who have sex with men: A randomized controlled trial.https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/73/5/824/6144986Dragovic, B., et al.
thumb_up
46 likes
G
(2018). Update on the treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection. (2018).https://www.bashhguidelines.org/media/1191/update-on-the-treatment-of-chlamydia-trachomatis-infection-final-16-9-18.pdfDukers-Muijrers, N., et al.
thumb_up
47 likes
S
(2019). Treatment effectiveness of azithromycin and doxycycline in uncomplicated rectal and vaginal Chlamydia trachomatis infections in women: A multicenter observational study (FemCure).https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/69/11/1946/5303778Geisler, W. M., et al. (2015). Azithromycin versus doxycycline for urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis infection. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4708266/Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU).
thumb_up
33 likes
S
(2021).https://www.cdc.gov/stiapp/ngu.htmlQuick guide to STI management. (2019).https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/Files/Corporate/Reports-and-publications/Silverbook/quick-reference-to-sti-management.pdfSexually transmitted diseases (STDs). (2022). https://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htmFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D.
thumb_up
5 likes
V
— By Peter Brown on September 29, 2022
Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's?
thumb_up
41 likes
A
New clues arise
Related CoverageEverything you need to know about chlamydiaMedically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection. It does not often produce symptoms, but it can lead to fertility problems in both men and women.READ MOREWhat you need to know about sexually transmitted infectionsMedically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) usually spread through sexual contact.
thumb_up
25 likes
I
Here, learn how to recognize, treat, and prevent some common STIs.READ MORE6 free (or low cost) home STI tests to try
Several companies and organizations offer free or low cost STI tests. Learn more here.READ MOREEverything to know about butt plugsMedically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST
A butt plug is a sex toy that a person inserts into the anus. People use them both to provide sexual pleasure and to prepare for anal sex.
thumb_up
33 likes
Similar Discussions
-
Who s in the Lab in She Hulk Episode 6? What We Know SPOILERS
-
Isabelle Yacoubou de retour Tarbes je n avais pas du tout envisag de revenir BeBasket Lfb
-
Todo va a mejorar la novela p stuma de Almudena Grandes donde imaginaba un futuro para Espa a
-
Eddie Jackson Listed in Bears Punt Return Competition
-
Un nuevo estudio relaciona los productos qu micos para alaciar el cabello con un mayor riesgo de c ncer uterino
-
Charli D Amelio unveils her first ever fragrance Born Dreamer
-
Details of Genshin Impact Anime May Have Been Leaked
-
Sumner Stroh Shares Cryptic Post After Adam Levine s Statement
-
Tower of Fantasy Where to Find Claude The Nerd Stash
-
Cardi B Is On Vacation Shares Video Of Yacht Sinking The Nerd Stash
-
Teenagers brains actually shut down when their parents are talking to them says science
-
How to Watch Star Wars Movies in Order on Disney+
-
How to Insert an Image Into Your Outlook for Mac Signature
-
The 6 Best Walkie Talkie Apps of 2022
-
How to Delete an Address From Google Maps
-
How to Highlight in PDF
-
How to Fix the Unknown Message Not Found Error on iPhone
-
Error Code 0x80070005 What It Is and How to Fix It
-
Volvo Working With Fortnite Studio On New Tech CarBuzz
-
2024 Acura ZDX Review Trims Specs Price New Interior Features Exterior Design and Specifications CarBuzz
-
New Mercedes SL Is Becoming A Sports Car Again CarBuzz
-
Chrome and Android are killing passwords with Passkeys mdash and you can try it now Tom s Guide
-
Tales of the Jedi Trailer Young Dooku Qui Gon and Ahsoka Debut IndieWire
-
Fair Information Practices FIPS page update World Privacy Forum
-
Mark P Wilhelm M D Doctors and Medical Staff Mayo Clinic
-
Mapa de COVID 19 en Vermont seguimiento de las tendencias
-
Marion Ohio Apartments All Utilities Paid
-
Vivint Sky Panel Update
-
3 Bedroom House For Rent Near Me By Owner
-
Joe Borio Wife