Sexually Transmitted Infections: Treatment

Overview

Treatment to relieve symptoms is available for all STIs, no matter what the cause, even if a cure is not possible. Some, but not all, STIs are treated with antibiotics.

  • Some of the most common STIs—chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis—are caused by bacteria. These STIs are treated and cured with antibiotics.
  • STIs 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 medicines but is not cured.

If you think that you have been exposed to an STI, go see your doctor right away. This will help prevent serious health problems for yourself. And it can reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.

Related Information

    Credits

    Current as of: November 22, 2021

    Author: Healthwise Staff
    Medical Review:
    William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
    Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
    H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine

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