We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Different Types of STD Treatments?

Sara Schmidt
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 10,366
Share

Individual STD treatments, or sexually transmitted disease treatments, whether they include medication or therapy, depend upon the types of STDs contracted. Prescription medications are usually necessary for treating an STD. Though a single dose of medication may be all that a patient needs in some cases, other STDs require lifelong treatments.

Antibiotics are common STD treatments for bacterial infections. Chlamydia, an STD caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, can often be treated with a single or multi-dose antibiotic treatment in pill form. Another STD, gonorrhea, is often contracted simultaneously with chlamydia. It, too, is treated with antibiotic drugs. Intensive treatments may be administered to patients with severe cases of these disease, and patients can expect to return for a follow-up visit to determine if treatments were effective.

Syphilis, another bacterial infection, can usually be treated with a common antibiotic, such as penicillin. Patients are typically not given the medication orally as it has been shown to be ineffective against treating syphilis. Instead, the antibiotic is usually administered intravenously or through an injection.

Contagious skin diseases contracted through sexual contact, such as pubic lice or scabies, are usually treated with some type of topical pesticide, much like head lice is treated. A lotion, cream, or other topical agent is the most common method used to eradicate these types of STDs. Some skin diseases, however, may require an oral medication as well. As with all other STD treatments, a patient's sexual partners are also recommended to seek testing and treatment when a skin disease is treated.

STDs that cause skin bumps, such as molluscum contagiosum, can be treated in a variety of ways. Some physicians may prefer to drain the bumps while others prefer to remove them via lasers or freezing agents. Creams and other topical medications may also relieve patients of the virus. In most cases, however, molluscum contagiosum can disappear on its own within a few months. Topical creams or gels and freezing agents are also frequently used to treat genital warts.

Some STD treatments cannot cure their respective diseases. Viruses such as HIV, AIDS, and genital herpes do not have a cure. Though their symptoms can be treated with various oral medications or topical remedies, people who contract these diseases can expect to receive STD treatments for life. AIDS and HIV treatments are considered complex and depend upon each individual patient's case. Usually a combination of several medications, such as antiretroviral drugs, is required to treat symptoms of these STDs.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Sara Schmidt
By Sara Schmidt
With a Master's Degree in English from Southeast Missouri State University, Sara Schmidt puts her expertise to use by writing for WiseGeek, plus various magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She published her own novella and has other literary projects in the works. Sara's diverse background includes teaching children in Spain, tutoring college students, running CPR and first aid classes, and organizing student retreats, reflecting her passion for education and community engagement.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By literally45 — On Oct 20, 2013

Does anyone here know about genital wart treatments?

I received cryotherapy for my genital warts. The doctor basically froze them off with liquid nitrogen. The treatment worked and it wasn't painful, but the warts returned soon after. Cryotherapy also left some mild scarring.

Is there a better way to remove and prevent genital warts?

By donasmrs — On Oct 20, 2013

@burcinc-- If the antibiotics worked, you will be cured and most people are. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection. Only viral infections are carried forever, even when they're not active. For example, anti-viral medications can be taken for genital herpes and the individual may not have an outbreak. But he or she will always be carrying the virus in their blood and can infect others.

Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics and they're gone for good. Sometimes a second course of antibiotics may be necessary though. This is why STD testing is done again after the antibiotic treatment to make sure that the bacteria is gone.

By burcinc — On Oct 19, 2013

When bacterial STDs are treated with antibiotics, are they gone for good?

For example, if I have chlamydia symptoms and take antibiotics. Am I cured or will I continue to carry it?

Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt
With a Master's Degree in English from Southeast Missouri State University, Sara Schmidt puts her expertise to use by writing for WiseGeek, plus various magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She published her own novella and has other literary projects in the works. Sara's diverse background includes teaching children in Spain, tutoring college students, running CPR and first aid classes, and organizing student retreats, reflecting her passion for education and community engagement.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-types-of-std-treatments.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.