Dosage Schedule
Azithromycin 1g weekly for three weeks or until all lesions have completely healed.
Treatment Type
Antibiotics taken until all skin lesions heal completely.
Length of treatment
At least three weeks and until all lesions have healed.
Further Actions
Complete treatment, notify partners, and consult our Specialists.
Locations
Fees
£30
Journey Overview
#1 Book an Appointment
If you tested with us, you can usually book directly for treatment.
If you tested elsewhere, a consultation will first be required so that one of our clinicians can review your symptoms, medical history, and test results. Bringing evidence of your positive result is recommended where possible.
#2 Receive Treatment
If treatment is clinically appropriate and safe to proceed, you will be asked to attend the clinic for treatment.
#3 Further Actions
• After starting treatment for donovanosis, it is important to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms improve, as stopping early may lead to recurrence.
• Attend all follow-up appointments until our Specialists confirm the infection has fully resolved.
• Avoid all sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, until treatment is complete and all lesions have healed.
• Inform any recent sexual partners so they can be assessed and treated where appropriate. Our team can provide advice or assist with anonymous partner notification if needed.
• If you have not already done so, we recommend a full sexual health screen to check for other sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and syphilis.
• If your symptoms worsen, you experience medication side effects, or your sores are not healing as expected, please contact the clinic via our website or by phone to arrange a follow-up.
Patient Feedback
FAQs
Treatment involves a course of antibiotics, typically continued until all sores have completely healed. You will receive your results by email, and follow-up appointments may be arranged to monitor your recovery and ensure the infection has cleared.
Yes. Informing your sexual partners allows them to be assessed and treated if needed, helping to prevent further transmission and reinfection.
Partners who had sexual contact with you within the 60 days before your symptoms began should be informed so they can be assessed and offered treatment, even if they do not have symptoms.
Donovanosis treatment is highly effective when antibiotics are taken as prescribed and continued until all lesions have healed.
Because healing can take several weeks, follow-up appointments are important to confirm the infection has fully cleared and to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Antibiotics used to treat donovanosis are generally well tolerated but can cause side effects, including:
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Diarrhoea or abdominal discomfort
• Headache
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight (with some antibiotics)
Complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve. Contact a healthcare professional if you experience severe or persistent side effects.
Treatment during pregnancy uses antibiotics that are considered safe for both parent and baby. Some antibiotics commonly used in non-pregnant adults, such as doxycycline, are avoided.
Completing the full course of treatment and attending follow-up appointments helps ensure the infection has fully resolved and reduces the risk of complications.
No. Donovanosis requires prescription antibiotics and cannot be cured with home remedies, natural treatments, or over-the-counter medications.
Delaying appropriate treatment may allow the infection to worsen and increase the risk of permanent scarring.
Most people notice improvement within a few days of starting antibiotics, but complete healing takes longer.
Treatment is usually continued for at least three weeks or until all sores have fully healed. It is important to finish the prescribed course, even if symptoms improve sooner.
The antibiotics remain effective during menopause, but hormonal changes may slow skin healing and prolong recovery.
Other factors, such as diabetes or difficulty completing the full course of antibiotics, can also affect treatment success. Regular follow-up helps monitor healing and identify any ongoing concerns.
If symptoms persist or return after treatment, you should arrange a follow-up assessment.
You may need a longer course of antibiotics, a different medication, or further investigation to confirm the infection has fully cleared and to rule out other conditions.
Yes, although it is uncommon. Some people may require a longer course of antibiotics or a different medication if symptoms do not improve or return after treatment.
Regular follow-up is important, as relapses can occur and may need additional treatment until the lesions have completely healed.
Yes. A follow-up visit helps confirm that all lesions have healed and that the infection has cleared.
If new sores or symptoms develop after treatment, you should seek further assessment promptly.
Your partner should be assessed by a healthcare professional, even if they do not have symptoms.
This helps identify any infection early, prevents reinfection, and reduces the risk of passing the infection to others. Avoid sexual contact until treatment is complete and all lesions have healed.
Page last reviewed by Mrs Magdalena Nowacka on 04 August 2026 for general guidance only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your clinician.