Does Natural Chlamydia Treatment Work?

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. It affects about 1 in 14 people. It's easily cured with prescription antibiotics and proper treatment is important, because chlamydia can cause permanent damage to the reproductive system. Using unapproved medications or home remedies may relieve some of your symptoms, but that doesn't mean the infection is gone.

This article will take a closer look at chlamydia symptoms and complications and explain why prescriptions antibiotics should be the only treatment you use.

Chlamydia Symptoms

More than half of people with chlamydia don’t have any noticeable symptoms. However, the infection can still cause permanent damage even if you're asymptomatic.

That's why getting tested for STIs is important if you’re sexually active. This is especially true for people under the age of 25, because they are at the highest risk for chlamydia. Pregnant people and men who have sex with men (MSM) should also get tested regularly. 

If you do experience symptoms of chlamydia, they can include:

• Discharge from the vagina or penis, with vaginal discharge often appearing yellow and penile discharge being thin and white and looking like mucus 
• Pain with urination and more frequent urination
• Pain, swelling, or itching in the genitals or anus that can also extend into the abdomen and pelvis
• Pain during sex in which a person with a penis will often experience pain during ejaculation, while a person with a vagina will experience pain during penetration
• Bleeding from the anus during anal sex

Treatment for Chlamydia

The only way to treat chlamydia is with antibiotics. The most common antibiotic for chlamydia is doxycycline. Healthcare providers usually prescribe a 100-milligram dose, taken twice a day for seven days. 

If you can’t take doxycycline, your healthcare provider may recommend azithromycin or levofloxacin instead. Azithromycin is the first-line choice for treating chlamydia in pregnant people.

If you are diagnosed with chlamydia, anyone you had sex with during the past 60 days should also receive a full course of treatment. It’s common to have a second infection of chlamydia, so you should get tested again three months after finishing your course of treatment.

Home Remedies for Chlamydia

If you're wondering how to get rid of chlamydia at home, you may be disappointed to learn that there are no effective home remedies for chlamydia. Since chlamydia is a bacterial infection, it must be treated with antibiotics. It's important to treat the infection quickly and not try douching or other home remedies since these can worsen the infection. 

Some home remedies might help symptoms or make you feel better overall, which keeps people returning to these remedies. It's important to only use them in conjunction with antibiotics. Following are some home remedies for chlamydia that people like to try.

Garlic

Garlic contains a compound called allicin that has all sorts of health benefits. Allicin is associated with heart health and reducing cellular damage. However, it hasn't been proven or even touted to treat bacterial infections like chlamydia. Consider incorporating garlic supplements into your diet, but talk to your healthcare provider about side effects, including digestive issues and increased risk of bleeding.

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is a home remedy for yeast (fungal) infections. However, there's no indication that it can treat a bacterial infection. In addition, researchers are still learning about how to use oregano oil safely on the body. If you want to try it, you can incorporate a supplement into your diet. However, be aware of side effects, including stomachaches, headaches, and allergic reactions.

Probiotics

Probiotics are supplements that increase the good bacteria in your gut. If you take antibiotics to treat your chlamydia, probiotics may help keep your gut healthy. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether they recommend taking probiotics before, during, or after a course of antibiotics.

Turmeric

Turmeric and its active ingredient curcumin can fight inflammation and relieve pain. However, it hasn't been shown to fight bacterial infections. Although taking a turmeric supplement is generally safe, it can cause digestive upset, nausea, and diarrhea.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar may have antibacterial properties, but they're not strong enough to fight a serious bacterial infection like chlamydia. Never put apple cider vinegar on, in, or around your genitals since it can cause internal and external chemical burns.

Echinacea

Echinacea is an herb used to fight viral infections, including the common cold. Although some people swear by it, there's no definitive research on whether echinacea helps fight infections.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is an herb said to treat infections, including fungal infections. However, there's no research proving that it can fight any infections, including chlamydia. Goldenseal can be dangerous when combined with prescription medications, so it's best to skip this home remedy.

Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaf extract contains a compound called oleuropein. Oleuropein has antibacterial properties and has been shown to fight some viral illnesses. However, it hasn't been studied as a treatment for bacterial infections, including chlamydia.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a plant used to treat burns and skin rashes. It has not been studied as a chlamydia treatment. Side effects are rare, but aloe vera should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding people.

Potential Complications

Untreated chlamydia can increase your risk of contracting or passing on a life-threatening human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Chlamydia can also lead to infertility regardless of sex.

People with uteruses who get chlamydia can develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which occurs when an infection spreads throughout the reproductive tract. PID can lead to additional complications, including:

• Blocked fallopian tubes, which can lead to difficulties getting pregnant
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Infertility
• Long-term pelvic pain

A pregnant person with chlamydia is at increased risk for preterm labor. They can also pass chlamydia on to their infant. In babies, chlamydia can lead to eye infections and pneumonia. If you’re pregnant, you should get tested for chlamydia at your first appointment. 

Summary

Chlamydia is a bacterial STI. In most people it is asymptomatic, but it can also lead to genital pain and discharge. Untreated chlamydia can cause long-term complications, including infertility. The only way to treat chlamydia is by taking antibiotics. There is no effective way to use home remedies to treat chlamydia. 

A Word From Verywell 

Despite the fact that STIs are incredibly common, they can still be stigmatized, which could keep you from getting the help you need. Keep in mind that chlamydia is easily treated with a weeklong course of antibiotics. Seeing a healthcare provider for a prescription will allow you to take charge of your health and avoid serious complications.