Genital tract infections

The information below is based on British Association for Sexual Health & HIV (BASHH) Guidelines: Chlamydia trachomatis (updated September 2018).

Genital chlamydial infection can cause significant short and long-term morbidity. Complications of infection include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), tubal infertility, ectopic pregnancy, epididymo-orchitis, and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV).

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported curable bacterial STI in the UK. The highest prevalence rates are in 15–24-year olds. Chlamydia infection has a high frequency of transmission, with concordance rates of up to 75% of partners being reported.

Risk factors for chlamydia infection include:

• Age under 25 years
• A new sexual partner
• More than one sexual partner in the last year
• Lack of consistent condom use
• Social deprivation

If chlamydia infection is suspected or confirmed, strongly recommend referral to a Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic for management.

• Devon Sexual Health (Barnstaple, Exeter, and Torquay)
• SHiP (Sexual Health in Plymouth)

If the person declines, or is unable to attend a GUM clinic, manage in primary care.

Symptoms

At least 70% of women and 50% of men infected with chlamydia trachomatis are asymptomatic, and symptoms in men can be very mild.

Suspect chlamydia in sexually active women with:

• Increased vaginal discharge
• Post-coital and intermenstrual bleeding
• Dysuria
• Lower abdominal pain
• Deep dyspareunia

Suspect chlamydia in sexually active men with:

• Urethral discharge
• Dysuria

Symptoms of rectal chlamydia include anal discharge and anorectal discomfort, although rectal infection is usually asymptomatic.

Pharyngeal infections are usually asymptomatic.

Screening

Asymptomatic people who should be tested for chlamydia include:

• Sexual partners of those with proven or suspected chlamydial infection
• All sexually active people younger than 25 years of age, annually, or more frequently if they have changed their partner
• All people with concerns about a sexual exposure.
  • If the exposure was within the last two weeks, a test should be carried out at presentation and if negative, repeated two weeks after the exposure.
• People under the age of 25 years who have been treated for chlamydia in the previous three months
• People who have had two or more sexual partners in the previous 12 months
• All women seeking termination of pregnancy
• All men and women attending genito-urinary medicine clinics

Public Health England recommend opportunistic screening of all patients aged 15-24 years.

Test of Cure (TOC)

TOC is not routinely recommended for uncomplicated genital chlamydia infection, because residual, non-viable chlamydial DNA may be detected by nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for 3-5 weeks following treatment.

TOC is recommended in pregnancy, where LGV (in the absence of a definite negative result) or poor compliance is suspected, where symptoms persist, and in rectal infection when one-week doxycycline are used.

TOC should be performed no earlier than three weeks after completion of treatment.

Recommended antibiotic treatment

Uncomplicated urogenital infection, pharyngeal infection, and rectal infection

Doxycycline and ofloxacin are contraindicated in pregnancy and breast-feeding; see below for specific recommendations for pregnancy.

Doxycycline

• 100mg twice daily for 7 days

If intolerant to tetracyclines

Azithromycin

• 1g single starting dose (2 x 500mg tablets), then 500mg daily for 2 days (unlicensed dose)

If the above treatments are contraindicated

Ofloxacin

• 200mg twice daily for 7 days or 400mg (2 x 200mg tablets) once daily for 7 days
• Not recommended for use in children and growing adolescents
• MHRA Drug Safety Update (November 2018): Systemic and inhaled fluoroquinolones: small increased risk of aortic aneurysm and dissection; advice for prescribing in high-risk patients
• MHRA Drug Safety Update (March 2019): Fluoroquinolone antibiotics: new restrictions and precautions for use due to very rare reports of disabling and potentially long-lasting or irreversible side effects

Pregnancy

Azithromycin and erythromycin in pregnant women have similar efficacy in treating chlamydia. Azithromycin is much better tolerated than erythromycin but should only be used during pregnancy if the benefit outweighs the risk.

Azithromycin

• 1g single starting dose (2 x 500mg tablets), then 500mg daily for 2 days (unlicensed dose)
• BASHH recommend that women are advised there is a lack of data on pregnancy outcomes using this dosing regimen. The BNF advises to use only if adequate alternatives are not available.

OR

Erythromycin

• 500mg twice daily for 14 days or 500mg four times daily for 7 days

OR

Amoxicillin

• 500mg three times a day for 7 days
• Amoxicillin has a similar cure rate to erythromycin and a better side effect profile however, penicillin in vitro has been shown to induce latency and re-emergence of infection

See section: 5.1.1 Penicillins, 5.1.3 Tetracyclines, 5.1.5 Macrolides, and 5.1.12 Quinolones

All topical and oral azoles give 75% cure

Various clotrimazole or fluconazole products are available to purchase over the counter, along with advice, from pharmacies. Some self-care medicines are available in shops and supermarkets. Please click here for further information and a patient leaflet.

Clotrimazole 10%

• 5g vaginal cream, single dose

Fluconazole (oral)

• 150mg single dose
• Fluconazole should not be used in pregnancy or in women of childbearing potential unless adequate contraception is used.
• Fluconazole is not recommended for patients who are breastfeeding.

Clotrimazole

• 500mg pessary single dose

See 5.2.1 Triazole antifungals and 7.2.2 Vaginal and vulval infections

Pregnancy

In pregnancy avoid oral azoles and use intravaginal treatment

Clotrimazole 10%

• 5g vaginal cream, single dose or

Clotrimazole

• 100 mg pessary at night (6 nights)

Miconazole

• Vaginal 2% cream 5 g intravaginally twice daily (7 days)

See section 7.2.2 Vaginal and vulval infections

Oral metronidazole is as effective as topical treatment. There is less relapse at 4 weeks with 7 days treatment than with 2g single dose.

Topical treatment gives similar cure rates but is more expensive. Vaginal preparations are unsuitable for use during menstruation.

Treating partners does not reduce relapse. Refer to GUM if recurrent.

Metronidazole

• 400mg every 12 hours for 7 days or
• 2g single dose stat (avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding)

Metronidazole vaginal gel 0.75%

• One applicatorful (5g) inserted into the vagina once daily at bedtime for 5 consecutive nights

Clindamycin vaginal cream 2%

• One applicatorful (5g) inserted into the vagina once daily at bedtime for 7 consecutive nights
• In patients for whom a shorter treatment course is desirable, a 3 day regimen has been shown to be effective

See section 7.2.2 Vaginal and vulval infections

Patients with suspected Gonorrhoea should be referred to specialist Genito-Urinary Medicine services for treatment and contact tracing.

Refer to BASHH website for full details

Refer to GUM and treat partners simultaneously.

In pregnancy or breastfeeding avoid 2g single dose metronidazole.

Topical clotrimazole gives symptomatic relief (not cure) if metronidazole declined.

Metronidazole

• 400 mg every 12 hours for 5-7 days or
• 2g single dose stat (avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding)

Clotrimazole

• 100 mg pessary at night for 6 nights

See section 7.2.2 Vaginal and vulval infections

Test for Chlamydia & N. gonorrhoea. If positive, refer all patients and contacts to GUM clinic.

Tetracyclines and quinolones are contra-indicated in pregnancy - consult obstetrician.

Recommend review after treatment to assure cure.

Metronidazole

• 400mg every 12 hours for 14 days plus

Doxycycline

• 100mg every 12 hours for 14 days

or

Metronidazole

• 400mg every 12 hours for 14 days plus

Ofloxacin

• 400mg every 12 hours for 14 days

Notes

1. MHRA Drug Safety Update (November 2018): Systemic and inhaled fluoroquinolones: small increased risk of aortic aneurysm and dissection; advice for prescribing in high-risk patients
2. MHRA Drug Safety Update (March 2019): Fluoroquinolone antibiotics: new restrictions and precautions for use due to very rare reports of disabling and potentially long-lasting or irreversible side effects

Refer to 5.1.12 Quinolones for further details

Patients with suspected Gonorrhoea should be referred to specialist Genito-Urinary Medicine services for treatment and contact tracing.

Refer to BASHH website for full details

See section: 5.1.3 Tetracyclines, 5.1.11 Metronidazole, 5.1.12 Quinolones

Guidance adapted from Sexually Transmitted Infections in Primary Care (RCGP 2013)

If the diagnosis is unclear then take a viral swab for HSV/VZV. Also see risk factors for additional STI screening.

Oral antivirals are indicated within 5 days of start of episode or while new lesions are still forming, or if symptoms persist.

Aciclovir

• 400mg every 8 hours or 200mg five times a day for 5 days
• Review after 5 days and continue if new lesions still appearing, complex disease, or immunosuppressed
• Severe cases require urgent referral
• Refer to GUM if patient suffers more than 6 occurrences a year

Supportive treatment:

• Saline bathing, topical petroleum jelly, lidocaine ointment for a few days when required

Recurrent episodes

Prodromal symptoms occur up to 48 hours before appearance of lesions, often milder than the initial episode with faster resolution. Symptoms = milder/self-limiting, therefore manage in partnership with patient.

Options are:

Supportive treatment

• Saline bathing, topical petroleum jelly, lidocaine ointment, for a few days when required

Episodic prescription:

• Standby prescription for next episode to start at prodrome

Aciclovir

• 200mg five times a day for 5 days or
• 400mg eight hourly for 3-5 days or
• 800mg eight hourly for 2 days