Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Treatment is available for all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), no matter what the cause, to relieve symptoms, even if a cure is not possible. Some, but not all, STDs are treated with antibiotics.

• Some of the most common STDs—chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis—are caused by bacteria and are treated and cured with antibiotics.
• STDs caused by viruses, such as genital herpes and genital warts, are not cured with antibiotics, but treatments are available to relieve symptoms.
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, is a sexually transmitted virus that is treated with many medications but is not cured.

If you think that you have been exposed to an STD, it is important to be evaluated promptly by a health professional. This will help prevent serious health problems for yourself and reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to others.

• Do not have sexual contact while waiting for your appointment.
• Do not douche unless instructed to do so by your health professional. Douching may flush an infection up into the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Many STD symptoms will go away or change quickly. This does not mean that the STD has gone away. It will be more difficult for your health professional to diagnose your STD after the symptoms have changed. A delay in being evaluated may lead to a more serious illness.