Treating STDs: learn the basics

The treatment received for a sexually transmitted disease depends entirely on the type of STD a person has contracted. Some STDs can be cured in a matter of a few weeks with special pills or creams, while other STDs are incurable and require lifelong monitoring and care. Regardless of whether your STD is treatable, it’s extremely important to receive proper medical care as soon as possible. Some STDs can result in death if allowed to progress without any kind of treatment.

As stated earlier though, different symptoms may represent different types of STDs. Listed here are some of the more popular strains of STDs and the treatments commonly associated with each of them:

Herpes: This is one of the most well-known STDs, and while herpes is not life-threatening, it is also incurable. The primary symptom for herpes is periodic breakouts of strange rashes, warts or blisters that occur in the genital area. People with herpes may go for weeks or months without showing symptoms, only to experience bouts of growths and painful sensations. Although there are no cures for herpes, medical researchers are constantly producing new drugs to help people manage and control their outbreaks.

Gonorrhea: This STD is characterized by bacteria that grow in the reproductive tract. Antibiotics are often used to combat gonorrhea. Immediate treatment of this STD is important because the disease can become incurable if allowed to mature without any medical attention. The antibiotic treatment is usually adequate for treating gonorrhea that occurs in either the reproductive tract or the throat. Treatment for this STD often includes treatment for Chlamydia, which often occurs with gonorrhea simultaneously.

HIV and AIDS treatment: It’s well known that there are currently no cures for AIDS or HIV, and that the AIDS virus is ultimately fatal. However, there are several drugs available that help slow the progression of the two viruses, and new medical treatments have been successful in some cases of limiting or removing the AIDS virus. There’s still no cure, but researchers feel they’re drawing closer to a more definitive form of treatment.

Syphilis: This STD is treated with penicillin and antibiotics. Similar to gonorrhea, early detection of this disease is important because the STD can do irreversible damage to the body if left untreated for long periods of time. This STD has even been known to be fatal among some patients.

Chlamydia: Antibiotics are also used to treat this common STD, either in long, scheduled pill regimens or single large doses that stay in the body for long periods of time.

Can STDs be prevented?

Abstinence is not the only way to protect yourself against contracting an STD. Using either male or female condoms isn’t a foolproof way to protect yourself against STDs, but you’ll greatly reduce your chances of catching an STD from someone else who is infected. Staying away from drugs is also a good way to reduce your risk of contracting an STD. More effective is insisting that both you and your sexual partner visit the doctor to be screened for various STDs. Most people who are infected with these diseases are unaware of their conditions, making them unlikely to ever get tested on their own. Many people are afraid or embarrassed by the possibility of being tested, but this is the only way to know for certain whether a sexual partner puts you at risk for developing an STD.

Screening for STDs

Screening for STDs is imperative. It is the only way you and your sexual partner can be certain that you do not have a sexually transmitted disease. It is recommended that both you and your partner get tested for the most common STDs before you ever begin having a sexual relationship. If you do not feel at ease with asking your regular doctor about this, there is always testing at family planning centers, or you could try an STD clinic. Many clinics have free or subsidized tests for people with financial hardships.Remember that even though the test may come back with a negative response, this does not mean that you are completely safe. It will be necessary to get tested again, and to continue practicing safe sex.