(917) 310-3371
Sexually transmitted disease treatment is becoming an increasingly important issue, as STDs are on the rise. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 20 million new STD cases are diagnosed each year in the United States alone. While this may seem like a daunting statistic, it is important to remember that most STDs can be effectively managed or treated with proper diagnosis and care.
With early detection and timely treatment, most STDs can be effectively managed and the chances for long-term complications minimized. Here are some facts you need to know about STD treatment, so you can feel more empowered and informed when taking steps to protect your health.
HIV/AIDS PEP and PrEP treatment
One of the most important types of STD treatment is HIV/AIDS PEP and PrEP treatment. These medications are designed to help prevent the spread of HIV, by suppressing viral load in individuals who have been exposed to the virus. While these medications do not cure HIV, they can significantly lower your risk for infection.
Preventing HIV with PrEP and PEP depends on the situation:
- PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is used to prevent HIV infection after potential exposure, such as unprotected sex or an accidental needle stick. This treatment involves taking antiviral medications within 72 hours after recent possible exposure to HIV.
- PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is taken on a daily basis by someone who is at high risk of contracting HIV but has not yet been infected. This medication has been shown to be highly effective at preventing HIV infection when taken as directed. PrEP reduces HIV infection risk by 92% when taken regularly.
When someone is diagnosed with HIV, their number one priority is usually finding the right treatment to keep their levels in check. Because there still isn’t a cure for this condition, this is an ongoing process that requires regular monitoring and adjustments. However, with the help of effective HIV treatment, it is possible for someone with HIV to live a relatively healthy life.
Chlamydia treatment
Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs, and it can be treated with antibiotics. The key to treating chlamydia successfully is ensuring that you complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. This will help prevent any lingering infection, which can cause complications in the future. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and even ectopic pregnancy.
The rise in the spread of Chlamydia is due, in part, to the fact that most people are unaware that they are infected. Since the disease often shows no symptoms in men and women, many people don’t realize that they have it until they get tested. Therefore, it is important for everyone to be aware of the risk factors for catching Chlamydia and to take proactive steps to prevent infection.
Common symptoms of Chlamydia include:
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis
- Swollen and/or painful testicles in men
- Pelvic pain in women
- Irregular vaginal bleeding in women
It is absolutely essential to complete the entire course of medication as directed by your doctor. Not only will this help you to recover more quickly and effectively, but it will also minimize the risk of your infection becoming resistant to the drugs.
Additionally, it is imperative that your partner also seek treatment, even if they are not showing any symptoms. Untreated infections pose a significant risk not only to you, but also to your partner. Furthermore, it is important to get a follow-up STD blood test 3 months after finishing your course of antibiotics in order to confirm that you and your partner are free from any infection.
Gonorrhea treatment
Like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea is a very common STD that can be treated with antibiotics. However, unlike other infections transmitted sexually, it is becoming increasingly resistant to current treatments. In fact, the CDC estimates that gonorrhea has become resistant to all of the current oral antibiotic treatment options.
The most effective way to treat gonorrhea is to take a combination of two different types of antibiotics at the same time. Your doctor will determine which medications are best suited for your specific case and prescribe them accordingly.
In addition to taking your medication as directed, it is important that you abstain from sexual activity until you have been treated and cleared by your doctor. This will help to prevent the spread of infection to any partners that you may have.
If you do have sexual contact with someone while you are still infected, make sure that they also undergo STD testing and treatment as soon as possible. Additionally, avoid having sexual contact with anyone else until they have been tested and cleared by a medical professional.
Syphilis treatment
Syphilis is another serious STD that can be treated with antibiotics. However, in order to effectively treat syphilis and prevent some major health problems such as arthritis, brain damage, and blindness, it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible.
If you are diagnosed with a primary stage of syphilis, your doctor will typically prescribe a single dose of benzathine penicillin. For those who are allergic to penicillin, your doctor may recommend an alternative antibiotic or use an injection of ceftriaxone.
If you are diagnosed with a secondary stage of syphilis, your treatment will likely involve multiple doses of penicillin or other antibiotics over the course of two weeks. If you are allergic to penicillin, your doctor may prescribe an alternative antibiotic.
To ensure that you recover as quickly and effectively as possible, it is important that you take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Additionally, if you have any sexual contact with anyone during the time that you are taking antibiotics for syphilis, inform them of your condition so that they can get tested and treated as well.
Herpes simplex 2 treatment
Genital herpes, or HSV-2, is a chronic and lifelong infection that can be both painful and uncomfortable. The infection causes clusters of blistering sores near the genitals, which can be extremely painful when they burst. While there is currently no cure for this condition, there are many ways to effectively manage its symptoms.
Antiviral medications are typically prescribed in order to reduce the length and severity of an initial HSV-2 outbreak as well as any subsequent flare-ups. These medications work by preventing the virus from spreading, which helps to shorten the duration of each outbreak and help control the associated pain. In addition, patients should follow up with their healthcare provider regularly in order to make sure their symptoms are properly managed.
HPV prevention and treatment
Human papillomavirus is one of the most common STD infections, with over 80 million Americans currently infected. About 60 of the 100 types of HPV cause hand, feet, or genital warts. Warts can show up weeks or months after sexual contact with an infected partner. While there is currently no cure for HPV infection, there are many ways to prevent or manage its symptoms.
If you develop symptoms of HPV, such as genital warts or abnormal changes in the cervix, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Your doctor may recommend various medications or treatments depending on the specific type of HPV that is causing your symptoms and the severity of those symptoms.
Additionally, getting vaccinated against HPV, Gardasil, can decrease your risk of infection, as the vaccine is effective in preventing strains that are known to cause most cases of cervical cancer.
Can I get STD treatment for my partner?
It is possible to get STD treatment for your partner, depending on the STD that they are infected with. Many STD infections can be treated and cleared up relatively quickly with antibiotics or other medications, while others may require more intensive treatments or even lifelong management.
If you suspect that your partner has an STD infection, it is important to speak to your doctor or a medical professional to get tested and determine the best course of treatment. This may include administering STD medications directly to your partner, providing guidance on self-care, or recommending behavioral changes that can help reduce their risk of infection in the future.
Ultimately, it is important to work closely with a healthcare provider in order to ensure that you both receive the support and treatment that you need to recover.
What is the cost of treating an STD?
The cost of STD treatment can vary depending on the type and severity of your infection, as well as which treatments are recommended for you. Typically, STD medications and tests can range anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars each time. In some cases, more intensive or long-term treatments may be required, which can increase the overall cost of STD treatment.
If you are concerned about the cost of STD treatment, it is important to speak to your doctor or a healthcare provider about any financial assistance options that may be available for you. They can help determine what treatments are needed and whether there may be lower-cost alternatives that could work just as well for your condition.
Can STDs be treated over the counter?
While STD treatment is typically recommended by a doctor or other healthcare provider, in some cases, it may also be possible to get STD medications over the counter. Common antibiotics and antiviral medications that are used to treat STD infections can often be purchased from your local pharmacy without a prescription. However, it is important to always consult with your doctor or a medical professional before trying to treat an STD infection on your own, as some STDs may require more intensive or long-term treatment that cannot be effectively managed without professional guidance.
Can an STD go away without treatment?
In most cases, an STD will not go away on its own and will require some type of STD treatment in order to be effectively managed. However, there are several STDs that may clear up without any specific STD treatment, such as oral herpes or trichomoniasis. If you suspect that you have an STD infection but do not have any symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor or a medical professional about getting tested for STD infections. This can help you get the appropriate STD treatment and support that you need to effectively manage your condition and reduce any risk of long-term complications.
Can an STD come back after treatment?
It is possible for an STD to come back after treatment, especially if certain risk factors are not managed or addressed. If you have been treated for an STD infection and notice that your symptoms are returning or getting worse, it is important to speak to your doctor right away so that they can help determine what may be causing the relapse and recommend the appropriate STD treatment to manage your condition. In some cases, additional STD testing or monitoring may also be needed in order to prevent future re-infection and ensure that your STD is properly managed over the long-term.
Can you get an STD treatment at urgent care?
Yes, in many cases it is possible to get STD treatment at urgent care. Some STD testing and treatments may be available at your local urgent care center depending on the type of infection you have and whether it requires medical supervision or not. However, if you are experiencing symptoms that require immediate attention, such as pain or other severe side effects, it is important to seek STD treatment at a hospital or emergency room instead. This can help ensure that you receive the right care and support during this time and reduce your risk of complications from an untreated STD infection.
Get tested for STDs and get the right treatment at Nao Medical
When it comes to your sexual health and well-being, taking control and being proactive is key. At Nao Medical, our urgent care clinics offer comprehensive and confidential STD testing, prevention, and treatment all in one convenient location.
Whether you are concerned about a specific infection or just want to take preventive measures for your overall health and peace of mind, we have the expertise and resources you need to get the treatment you deserve. So why wait? Visit us today and start feeling confident about your body and your future!
