Sexually Transmitted Infections: Treatment

Overview

Treatment is available for all STIs. The kind of treatment depends on the STI. Some STIs can go away with treatment. Other STIs can be treated to relieve symptoms. But treatment won't make them go away.

• Some of the most common STIs—chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis—are caused by bacteria. These STIs are treated with antibiotics. They can go away with treatment.
• STIs caused by viruses, such as genital herpes and genital warts, can be treated to relieve symptoms. But treatment won't make them go away.
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, is a sexually transmitted virus that is treated with many medicines but does not go away.

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.