Sexual Health STDs Treatment Sexually Transmitted Diseases Guide Sexually Transmitted Diseases Guide Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention How STDs Are Treated By Elizabeth Boskey, PhD facebook twitter linkedin Elizabeth Boskey, PhD, MPH, CHES, is a social worker, adjunct lecturer, and expert writer in the field of sexually transmitted diseases. Learn about our editorial process Elizabeth Boskey, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Anita Sadaty, MD on February 08, 2020 facebook twitter linkedin instagram Anita Sadaty, MD, is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at North Shore University Hospital and founder of Redefining Health Medical. Learn about our Medical Review Board Anita Sadaty, MD on February 08, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Bacterial STD Options Viral STD Options For Other STDs Next in Sexually Transmitted Diseases Guide std prevention The only person who can determine the appropriate treatment for a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a healthcare provider. A prescription medication is typically in order, and what you need depends on the type of infection you have. For example, chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics, while herpes can be managed (though not eliminated) with antiviral medication. Colin Anderson Productions Pty Ltd / Getty Images In some cases, lifestyle changes, home remedies, and over-the-counter options may also be recommended to help ease symptoms, promote healing, or prevent recurrence. Treatment is individual and may be adjusted for any other issues that affect your overall physical health. Given the potential consequences of untreated STDs, as well as the risk of passing them on to others, early and accurate treatment is imperative. Where to Get Treated for STDs Bacterial STD Treatment STDs caused by bacterial infections include syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. These diseases are curable when treated with the right antibiotics. The doctor will determine the course of treatment based on local and current rates of antibiotic resistance. Resistance can be a consequence of people failing to take their antibiotics correctly and, in particular, is a growing problem for gonorrhea infections across the globe. That's why it may sometimes be necessary to be retested for gonorrhea after treatment is complete. Prescriptions Antibiotics used to treat bacterial STDs may be administered as a single injection, a course of pills taken over several days, or as a cream applied directly to the infected area. The antibiotic prescribed typically depends on the bacteria behind the infection. Here are common antibiotics prescribed for different infections: Chlamydia: Zithromax (azithromycin), Vibramycin/Doryx (doxycycline)Gonorrhea: Rocephin (ceftriaxone) or, if allergic to it, Factive (gemifloxacin) plus Zithromax (azithromycin) Syphilis: Penicillin G or, if allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics such as Vibramycin/Doryx (doxycycline), Achromycin V/Sumycin (tetracycline), Zithromax (azithromycin), and Rocephin (ceftriaxone)Chancroid: Zithromax (azithromycin), Rocephin (ceftriaxone), Cipro/Cetraxa (ciprofloxacin)Bacterial vaginosis: MetroCream/Nuvessa/Flagyl (metronidazole), Clindagel/Clindacin/Cleocin (clindamycin)* *Bacterial vaginosis is not an STD, but a common bacterial infection that often co-occurs with bacterial STDs. As such, it is helpful to consider its treatment alongside them. Viral STD Treatments STDs caused by viruses include herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV. These are usually treated with oral antiviral or antiretroviral medications. Most viral STDs can be managed but do not have cures. Both herpes and HIV are currently life-long infections, but that may change with new research. Hepatitis C was considered incurable until recently. Now, most cases of hepatitis C are finally able to be cured due to new medication developments. Some viral STDs, such as HPV, aren't treated at all unless they cause symptoms. With HPV, most infections go away on their own within two years. However, symptoms such as genital warts or cervical dysplasia may need treatment. Prescriptions There are several medications available by prescription for treatment of viral STDs. Herpes: Zovirax/Sitavig (acyclovir), Famvir (famciclovir), Valtrex (valacyclovir)Hepatitis B: Interferon (interferon alpha-2b or pegylated interferon), Hepsera (adefovir), Baraclude (entecavir), Viread (tenofovir), Epivir-HBV (lamivudine)HPV: Condylox (podofilox), Zyclara/Aldara (imiquimod), Veregen (sinecatechins)HIV/AIDS: Antiretroviral medications are used to treat HIV and AIDS. The right medication for you will depend on the stage of your disease. Prescriptions used to treat HIV and AIDS include Fuzeon (enfuvirtide, T20), Emtriva (emtricitabine), Viread (tenofovir), Ziagen (abacavir), Edurant (rilpivirine), Intelence (etravirine), Sustiva (efavirenz), Tivicay (dolutegravir), Vitekta (elvitegravir), Aptivus (tipranavir), Kaletra (Lopinavir/ritonavir), Prezista (darunavir), Selzentry/Celsentri (maraviroc), and Trogarzo (ibalizumab). Over-the-Counter Therapies While most viral STD treatments are available by prescription only, some over-the-counter remedies are sometimes recommended: Herpes: The OTC antiviral cream Abreva (docosanol) can help to shorten the duration of an outbreak. In addition, oral pain relievers, like Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) and topical pain relievers can make you more comfortable during a herpes flare-up. HIV/AIDS: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can relieve headaches and body aches, while topical creams containing capsaicin may ease peripheral neuropathy pain. If you are taking antiviral medication, you may be at risk of decreased bone density. Ask your doctor if you should supplement with vitamin D and calcium to protect bone health. The Best At-Home STD Tests Home Remedies and Lifestyle Following a healthy diet, reducing stress, getting moderate exercise, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco can help keep you feeling your best and reduce outbreaks of symptoms from viral STDs. Home remedies for STDs depend on symptoms and include: Herpes: Apply a cold compress to the area during an outbreak, do not touch or scratch sores, keep sores clean, and reduce stress to prevent reoccurrences.Hepatitis B: Take care of your liver by avoiding alcohol and being careful about the use of medications that can harm the liver, such as acetaminophen. HIV/AIDS: Because HIV can impact your immune system, it is important to stay up-to-date with vaccinations. Surgical and Medical Procedures Medical and surgical procedures are sometimes recommended for the treatment of viral STDs. This includes: HPV: Procedures to remove HPV genital warts include cryotherapy (freezing), electrocautery (burning), injection of interferon into warts, laser treatment, and surgery.Hepatitis: In some cases, major liver damage can occur from hepatitis infections and a liver transplant may be needed. What You Should Know About Liver Transplant Surgery Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) If you have a viral STD, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any herbal medicines or nutritional supplements to ensure doing so is safe given any other medications you may be taking. There are a few complementary treatments that are being explored for the treatment of certain viral STDs: Herpes: Propolis, a sticky substance bees produce from tree sap, is found to speed the healing of herpes lesions. Algae extract is being studied as a possible herpes treatment. Some people also find relief of herpes pain from acupuncture. HIV/AIDS: Medical marijuana may help with pain, reduce nausea, and stimulate your appetite. (Check your state laws regarding medical marijuana.) Yoga and meditation can help ease pain, as well as alleviate feelings of stress and depression that often come with an HIV diagnosis. Other STD Treatments STDs that are not viral or bacterial can be caused by fungi, parasites, and infestations, such as scabies. These diseases can be treated either using drugs you take by mouth or through the use of topical agents. Some of these diseases will also require you to treat your household items. For example, sheets may need to be washed in particular ways or furniture vacuumed to remove parasites. Prescriptions Your doctor will likely prescribe medications to treat parasitic infections. These include. Trichomoniasis: Flagyl (metronidazole) and Tindamax (tinidazole)Pubic lice: Lindane shampoo or lotion Scabies: Elimite (permethrin), Soolantra/Sklice/Stromectol (ivermectin), or Eurax (crotamiton), sulfur ointment and lindane lotion Over-the-Counter Therapies Over-the-counter anti-itch creams designed for genital use can ease symptoms of trichomoniasis and scabies, while over-the-counter shampoo containing permethrin can treat pubic lice. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain and inflammation associated with scabies. A Word From Verywell Getting treated and practicing safe sex as you do is important to protecting your partner(s) from contracting an infection, but also to protecting yourself from possible consequences of STDs. Do not try to treat yourself for an STD using medication you have purchased over the internet or otherwise obtained without a prescription, or with a medication you were given for a previous diagnosis without your doctor's OK. Take all medications as directed, finishing the course of treatment even after symptoms resolve. Failure to do so could lead to a resistant infection. How to Prevent STDs Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. 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CDC Sexually Transmitted Disease Treatment Guidelines, 2015. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2015;64(RR-03):1-137.