STD Treatments That Can Cure Bacterial Or Manage Viral Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases are common, and they're something to be concerned about if you're sexually active. You may not have symptoms even though you're able to pass on the disease, so catching and spreading sexually transmitted diseases is easy to do. Prevention is the best way to protect yourself, but testing is also important, along with proper treatment. Here's a look at some common STD treatments you might undergo.

Antibiotics For Bacterial Infections

It's important to see your doctor if you have symptoms of an STD, such as sores, itching, or a discharge. A doctor can diagnose your condition so the right type of treatment can be started. For example, antibiotics won't be effective on viral conditions, only on diseases caused by bacteria.

It's very important to follow your doctor's instructions for taking the antibiotics to clear your infection. Your doctor might also recommend you have repeat testing done to make sure your condition has cleared up properly. It's important to take antibiotics as prescribed to make sure your infection is eliminated and to slow down the bacteria's resistance to antibiotics.

Antibiotic-resistant sexually transmitted diseases aren't widespread yet, but they occur occasionally and are a growing cause for concern. If an STD becomes resistant to antibiotics, it may not be possible to cure your infection, and that could lead to infertility and other health complications.

Antiviral Medications For Management

Sexually transmitted diseases caused by viruses are treated differently. Antibiotics are intended to cure bacterial infections, but antiviral medications don't cure viral infections—they just manage the symptoms. You may need to take antiviral medications for the long term to keep your disease under control so you don't have symptoms.

Even if the medication causes your symptoms to go away completely, you could still transmit the STD to another person since you still carry the virus. You should always use protection when you are intimate with another person if you're not in a committed relationship, but protection is even more important when you have a viral STD.

Medical Procedures

You might need an STD treatment that involves using a laser, electrocautery, freezing, or surgery if your disease causes warts or lesions that cause discomfort. However, it's important to remember that if your warts or other growths are removed, that doesn't mean your STD is cured. The growths could come back, and you can still pass the STD on to another person even when you don't show symptoms.

Your doctor might want you to undergo counseling after you've been diagnosed with an STD, especially if you have HIV or another viral sexually transmitted disease. You'll need advice on managing your condition effectively as well as instruction on how to prevent spreading the disease to others, including your significant other and any unborn children.


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