If you have an STD, you may be wondering what comes next. Will it go away? Is there treatment? The answer depends on what kind of STD you have.
What Can You Do About Bacterial STDs?
STDs that are caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics, and will go away.
If you have gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis. or chlamydia, you should get treated– even if you don’t have any symptoms.
According to the CDC, “an untreated infection can lead to serious and permanent health problems, even if you never have symptoms…left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause serious health problems like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and a potential deadly ectopic pregnancy.”
Untreated, these STDs can also increase your risk for getting more STDs like HIV or Aids.
What Can You Do About Viral STDs?
If you have an STD that is caused by a virus, like Herpes, Hepatitis B or HIV, you can take an antiviral medication to manage symptoms. However, there is no cure for these STDs.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “You’ll have fewer herpes recurrences if you take daily suppressive therapy with a prescription antiviral drug. However, it’s still possible to give your partner herpes…antiviral drugs can keep HIV infection in check for many years. But you will still carry the virus and can still transmit it, though the risk is lower.”
What Else Do You Need to Do After Discovering an STD?
It is crucial to inform your current and past sexual partners of your sexually transmitted disease, so that they can get tested and begin treatment.
Current CDC estimates state that “1.2 million people in the US are infected with HIV. Of those, the estimated 156,300 people (16%) who do not know that they are infected are responsible for transmitting 30% of new infections.”
You also may need to alert your local health department. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Each state has different requirements, but most states require that certain STIs be reported to the local or state health department. Public health departments often employ trained disease intervention specialists who can help notify partners and refer people for treatment.”
Still Have Questions?
We can answer your questions and provide more helpful resources, next steps, and referrals when it comes to getting STD testing if you appear pregnant. Call us today for a free and confidential consultation!
