Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) treatment depends on the pop in of infection.
Bacterial infections, such asgonorrheaand chlamydia, are treated with antibiotics and can be cured.
Viral infections, such as herpes, are managed with antivirals.
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The best treatmentantibiotic, viral, or parasiticdepends on the jot down of infection.
It’s important to seek a diagnosis from a healthcare provider and complete the necessary screenings and treatment.
If not treated, it can lead to an STD.
An STD develops as a result of an STI.
However, if referencing a study or source that uses the term STD, then STD is used.
Your antibiotics may involve pills to take at home or injections administered at a healthcare clinic.
Be sure to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better.
Many individuals with chlamydia don’t experience any symptoms.
When symptoms are present, common ones include vaginal or penile discharge and pain or burning with urination.
Treatment:Doxycycline is the recommended treatment.
However, azithromycin and levofloxacin can be used as alternative regimens.Azithromycin might be called a Z-pack.
Treatment:The first-line antibiotic is ceftriaxon.
If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to a condition calledpelvic inflammatory disease(PID) in females.
Left untreated, syphilis can lead to organ damage.
Chancroid:Chancroidis more common in Africa and southwest Asia than in the United States.
The primary symptom is painful genital ulcers.
Males tend to have only one, while females may have four or more.
The ulcers are sometimes mistaken for the chancre that develops in primary syphilis.
Females may also experience pain when urinating and with sex.
Treatment:Chancroid is usually treated with azithromycin or ceftriaxone.
Occasionally, complications occur, and additional treatment is needed.
Large swellings may require drainage.
The condition can also lead to fistulas that require surgical repair.
If you are at risk for STIs, consider doxycycline post-exposure prophylactic (doxy-PEP) antibiotic treatment.
In some instances, providers recommend taking adose of doxycyclinewithin 72 hours after unprotected sex.
The virus can spread without active sores; not everyone will have symptoms.
While the virus stays in your body, outbreaks after the first year are less frequent and milder.
Hepatitis B: This hepatitis spreads through blood, semen, and other bodily fluids.
It is a chronic condition and can lead to liver disease.
However, treatment for acute infection is successful in 95% of cases.
The hepatitis B vaccine is effective at preventing Hepatitis B in most cases.
Treatment:Alpha-2b, or pegylated interferon, entecavir, and tenofovir are common antivirals used for hepatitis B.
If you do acquire HPV, you may not have any symptoms, though genital warts are common.
Treatment:There is no specific treatment for HPV, though ointments or even surgery can be used.
A vaccine can protect against several of the most common types of HPV.
HIV/AIDS: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) attack the immune system.
Without treatment, HIV may eventually develop intoAIDS, which is more severe.
Treatment:Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is used to treat HIV.
It is most effective when taken regularly.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can reduce the risk of HIV transmission after an unexpected exposure.
It is most effective when taken within 72 hours of the event.
Treatment for Parasitic STIs
Sometimes, STIs are triggered by a parasite.
Two common parasitic STI infections aretrichomoniasisand pubic lice.
Trichomoniasis: This STI is due to the protozoan parasiteTrichomonas vaginalis.
More than half of individuals with this condition do not have any symptoms.
When symptoms do occur, they may include burning and pain with urinating.
Females may experience vaginal discharge with a fishy smell.
Males may have penile discharge and pain with ejaculation.
Treatment:Treatment includes antibiotics such as metronidazole and tinidazole, along with over-the-counter anti-itch creams.
Pubic lice:Sometimes called “crabs,” pubic lice are parasitic insects spread by sexual contact.
They cause itching and irritation.
Can STIs Be Cured?
Some STIs can be cured.
Bacterial and parasitic STIs are treated with the intent to cure.
Viral STIs like HSV, chronic hepatitis B, and HIV are incurable.
A loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) can remove the pre-cancerous tissue from the cervix.
With hepatitis infections, significant liver damage can occur and a liver transplant may be needed.
Self-Care
Prescriptions typically are needed to manage or cure STIs.
Condom use can help to prevent STIs.
Home remedies for STIs depend on symptoms.
Do not touch or scratch sores, keep sores clean, and reduce stress to prevent reoccurrence.
Medical marijuana may help with pain and reduce nausea.
(Check your state laws regarding medical marijuana.)
What Happens if You Don’t Get Treated for an STI?
Not being treated for an STI is dangerous.
Untreated gonorrhea and chlamydia can lead to infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, andectopic pregnancy.
Additional Considerations
Early detection and treatment are important.
It is essential to get screened for STIs if you are sexually active.
Many STIs are asymptomatic (without symptoms), so you may not realize you have one.
In addition, some can lead to long-term health consequences if left untreated.
Early treatment can help prevent complications.
Safe sex practices, such asusing a condom, can help prevent STIs.
If you are diagnosed with an STI, it is essential to consider telling your partner, too.
If you are treated and they aren’t, you could get re-infected.
Since many STIs are asymptomatic, they might not know they are at risk.
Summary
Medications used to treat STIs vary depending on which infection you have.
If bacteria cause the infection, your healthcare provider will prescribe an antibiotic.
Do not venture to treat an STI on your own or avoid seeking treatment.
Untreated STIs can cause long-term problems like infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and even life-threatening health problems.
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