Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. The infection often doesn’t cause any symptoms. Even if you don’t have symptoms, chlamydia needs to be treated.
Though some home remedies for chlamydia may offer other health benefits or provide some minor relief of symptoms, they can’t cure chlamydia. Home remedies won’t treat the infection. An untreated infection increases your risk for complications and passing the infection to others.
Chlamydia is curable with antibiotics. Home remedies do exist, but they aren’t proven. Antibiotics are the only known way to cure chlamydia. Prompt treatment can help you avoid serious complications.
Talk with a doctor right away if you think you might have chlamydia. A doctor can diagnose chlamydia using a urine sample or a genital or rectal swab.
You can get chlamydia through sexual contact with someone who has chlamydia. This includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Antibiotics are the only treatment for chlamydia and can usually cure the infection quickly. There is no alternative treatment. Delayed treatment has been associated with complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
The recommended treatment for chlamydia is doxycycline 100 milligrams (mg) taken orally twice a day for 7 days.
Alternative chlamydia treatments may include levofloxacin or azithromycin. A doctor can advise on the suitable antibiotic for you, especially if you have any allergies or you’re pregnant.
It’s best to abstain from having sex until the infection resolves and the last sexual partner has also completed their antibiotic course. This is to avoid passing the infection back and forth.
Several home remedies for chlamydia are available, and a number of websites claim that these home remedies can cure chlamydia. While some of the home remedies have been shown to have antibacterial properties, antibiotics are the only proven cure for chlamydia.
If untreated, chlamydia can lead to infertility or other serious complications.
If you experience symptoms, some of these home remedies may be effective for symptom relief, but they can’t cure the infection itself.
| Home remedies | Properties | Effective against chlamydia? |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic | antibacterial anti-inflammatory | no evidence |
| Echinacea | boosts immunity may ease pain and inflammation | no evidence |
| Goldenseal | antibacterial | no evidence |
| Turmeric | anti-inflmmatory antioxidants | no evidence |
| Olive tree extract | anti-inflammatory antimicrobial antiviral | no evidence |
| Diet | may help protect the gut immune function | no evidence |
Garlic
Garlic has a number of proven health benefits and has been a popular home remedy for centuries. It contains active compounds, such as
Garlic has proven antifungal properties and has been
Echinacea
Echinacea is used as a home remedy for a few conditions, but is best known as a natural cold and flu remedy. Echinacea extract has been
There’s no evidence that echinacea has any effect on chlamydia.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal appears to be a home remedy for all that ails you. There are claims that it can treat a number of conditions, including upper respiratory infections, canker sores. There are even some claims that goldenseal might treat STIs, including gonorrhea and chlamydia.
However, there’s no research confirming any of these claims.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been shown to provide numerous health benefits. Curcumin, a plant chemical in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
An older
Turmeric’s natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties offer other health benefits and are safe for most people in the right dosage.
However, turmeric interacts with anticoagulants and can increase the risk of bleeding when taken together. Always consult your doctor before trying out any supplements, as they may interact with any medications you’re taking.
Olive tree extract
Oleuropein, the major phenolic compound in olive tree extract, is known for its pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral activities. It’s even been shown to have an anticancer effect.
With so many health effects, it’s not surprising that it might be considered an effective home remedy for chlamydia. Still, there is no evidence to support olive tree extract as a way to cure chlamydia.
Olive tree extract is also called olive leaf extract. It’s available in capsule form online and in health food stores. You can enjoy similar health benefits from eating olives and olive oil.
Diet
There are claims that you can get rid of chlamydia fast by following a special diet. These so-called chlamydia diets contain things such as certain fruits and vegetables, herbs, and probiotics. Claims of a special chlamydia diet are purely anecdotal.
However, what you eat before and after taking antibiotics may help protect your gut, restore healthy gut bacteria, and limit some of the side effects of taking antibiotics. Eating well as you treat your chlamydia with antibiotics will improve your immune function.
There are numerous risks associated with chlamydia.
Risks include:
- passing the infection to others
- spreading the infection to other parts of the body, including the eyes, throat, and anus
- painful urination
- vaginal discharge or urethral discharge
- bleeding
- lower abdominal pain
- infertility
- PID
- ectopic pregnancy
- higher risk of other STIs
- prostate infection
- epididymitis
- passing the infection to the fetus during pregnancy
Here are some frequently asked questions about chlamydia and home remedies.
Chlamydia can only be treated with antibiotics. There is no evidence that home remedies can cure chlamydia.
Healthcare professionals treat chlamydia with a course of antibiotics that you may have to take for 1 to 2 weeks.
Symptoms of chlamydia include pain during urination or pain during sex, unusual discharge that may have a foul smell, and bleeding between periods or after sex.
If you have symptoms of chlamydia after testing or treatment, or potentially coming into contact with someone who might have chlamydia, talk with a primary care specialist.
You might want to see your doctor in person for your consultation. They can run tests and confirm your diagnosis.
Chlamydia can only be cured with antibiotic treatment. Home remedies for chlamydia can’t cure the infection, though some may offer minor relief of symptoms as you complete the entire course of antibiotics.
Prompt treatment can help you avoid serious complications.