STD treatment should be started as soon as possible to reduce the risk of complications. It is a good idea to understand what treatment entails because it will help to ensure that you are going through it properly. It also makes treatment easier when you know what to expect.
What is Genital Warts Treatment?
Not all genital warts will require treatment, but if you are experiencing burning, pain, or itching, treatment can help to alleviate your discomfort. Some medications can be helpful, such as:
- Imiquimod
- Trichloroacetic acid
- Podophyllin and podofilox
There are also surgical procedures that can be done if your warts fail to be treated with medications. These procedures include:
- Liquid nitrogen and freezing
- Surgical excision
- Electrocautery
- Laser treatments
Genital Herpes Treatment
Genital herpes is incurable, but there are effective antiviral medications that can help you in controlling your symptoms and reduce the length of outbreaks. How you need to take your medication will depend on the medication you are prescribed. Medications that can be prescribed for genital herpes include:
- Acyclovir
- Famciclovir
- Valacyclovir
STD TREATMENT
Hepatitis Treatment
Hepatitis A, B, and C can all be transmitted sexually, but all are treated differently. When it comes to hepatitis A, no specific treatment exists and most people who are relatively healthy will not require any treatment. You will likely fully recover within two months without any complications.
If you have been exposed to hepatitis B it is important to see your doctor immediately. You can prevent the virus if you receive a dose of hepatitis B immune globulin within 24 hours of exposure. If you are diagnosed with an acute form of this disease you may not require any treatment as long as you are relatively healthy. Your doctor will just monitor your condition to ensure it does not become chronic. The chronic form of hepatitis B may require antiviral medications, and in severe cases, a liver transplant.
When it comes to hepatitis C, treatment is not always necessary. However, when treatment is needed, the first thing doctors will try are antiviral medications. As you take these medications, your liver function will be monitored with regular blood testing. In severe cases of this disease, a liver transplant may be necessary, but this is not common.
Chlamydia Treatment
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection so antibiotics are used to cure it. All antibiotics must be taken exactly as directed. A typical course will last five to 10 days and you will usually need to take several doses each day. In most cases, you will be free of the disease in about two weeks. As you are undergoing treatment you will need to practice abstinence to avoid spreading the infection to others or becoming re-infected.
Syphilis Treatment
When syphilis is caught early, a single injection of penicillin can cure it in the majority of cases. If you are allergic to penicillin your doctor will recommend an alternate antibiotic. Additional doses may be necessary if you have had the infection for longer than a year. Until blood tests indicate that you are fully free of the infection your doctor will likely recommend periodic blood testing.
Gonorrhea Treatment
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection so antibiotics are used to treat this infection. Drug-resistant strains are emerging and these can be a lot harder to treat, so it is important to talk to your doctor and get the information necessary to fully understand the treatment being administered. Common antibiotics include:
- Rocephin
- Zithromax
- Monodox
- Oracea
- Vibramycin
Depending on the drug taken, it may be administered orally or by injection. In some cases, two antibiotics are taken together.
HIV Treatment
HIV is not curable, but there are several treatments that can slow disease progression and reduce symptoms for many people. Common medications for HIV include:
- Non-nucleoside transcriptase inhibitors
- Protease inhibitors
- Integrase inhibitors
- Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
- Fusion or entry inhibitors
According to current guidelines, you should start treatment for HIV if:
- You are experiencing severe symptoms
- You are pregnant
- You are currently undergoing treatment for hepatitis B
- Your CD4 count is below 500
- You have kidney disease related to HIV