STD Treatments

Having unprotected sex with anyone, places one at risk of contracting an STD. Even if there are no symptoms, it might be worthwhile being tested for an STD, after unprotected sex. If the tests are positive, the sexual partner (s) will also require treatment. This is vitally important, as in some cases, it could be a matter of life or death. STDs can be detected during physical examinations using Pap smears, blood tests, urine tests, and genital or anal secretions. An STD should always be treated by a doctor (not home remedied!), as they are serious and can be contagious.

If caught early enough, Bacterial STDs can be cured with antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment programs should always be completed, even if symptoms disappear to ensure complete recovery. Viral STDs cannot be cured, but symptoms can be managed with medication. There is a vaccine against hepatitis B, but it will not help if the disease has already been contracted.

Specific STD Treatment

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: These STDs are treated with antibiotics which should be taken if tests are positive, or if there has been exposure, even if there are no symptoms. Sex partners will also have to be treated regardless of whether they have symptoms. Certain strains of gonorrhea have become resistant to some antibiotics, so more than one drug treatment may be required. Failure to treat these infections can result in permanent damage to reproductive organs and lead to infertility.

Syphilis: Penicillin is the preferred treatment for syphilis. Early treatment is crucial to prevent the bacteria from spreading to and damaging other organs. Untreated syphilis can be life threatening.

Genital herpes: The Genital herpes virus remains in your body for life. After the first outbreak, herpes may flare several times per year, but these flares may lessen over time. Antiviral medication (such as Zovirax, Famvir, and Valtrex) can help reduce the length and severity of both the initial and subsequent outbreaks. For frequent outbreaks suppressive therapy is available. In suppressive therapy, prescribed medicine is taken daily, to prevent outbreaks.

Genital warts: Some genital warts will disappear without treatment. Warts can be treated by freezing them or applying medication directly to them. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to remove them. Treatment does not get rid of the infection. The virus that causes the warts will remain and can still be transmitted to sex partners.

Hepatitis B: The goal of hepatitis B treatment is to stop liver damage by preventing the virus from spreading. Significant liver damage could result in a liver transplant being necessary.

Trichomoniasis: Infection by this organism is treated with the drug metronidazole, and the cure rate is about 90%. The drug is usually taken orally, but women in their first three months of pregnancy may be prescribed a cream or suppository to insert into the vagina. If this is ineffective they can be given metronidazole pills to take in the second or third trimesters.

Crabs/pubic lice: Crabs are transmitted through intimate contact and therefore actual sexual intercourse is not necessary. The main symptoms of infection are itching and burning of the pubic area. The itching may spread as the pubic lice move to other moist areas such as the armpit.Many people who have crabs say the itching is worse at night. Definitive treatment comes from drugs in a cream or liquid formula. The anti-lice treatment should be repeated in 7-10 days to kill nits that may have hatched. Combing hair is important to remove eggs. Some doctors recommend trimming pubic hair with a nonsharp electric razor in order to cut the number of lice and eggs present.

Alternative STD Treatments

With any STD, it�s important to keep one�s immune system strong. It�s also important to eat probiotic foods, which will populate the body with good bacteria and prevent fungal infections such as yeast. This is especially vital when having antibiotic treatments.

Women suffering from herpes may be able to control initial and future outbreaks with diet. Foods high in caffeine (such as coffee, chocolate, and colas), sugar, or alcohol can trigger outbreaks and should be avoided during outbreaks. The following foods can help boost immunity and shorten outbreaks; red or purple grapes, brewer�s yeast, vitamins C/A/E and Lysine. Lysine, one of ten essential amino acids, has been shown to reduce herpes outbreaks and lessen their severity and frequency. Foods high in lysine include meat, cheese, yogurt, brewer�s yeast, legumes, and wheat germ.

During herpes attacks, urination can be painful. By drinking three eight-ounce glasses of water daily and by avoiding coffee and alcohol, the concentration of urine can be diluted, which will make urination less uncomfortable.

Herbs have been used in the battle against STDs through the ages. Whichever STD it is, bathing in one, or a combination of essential oils, can dramatically improve symptoms such as burning or itching. Aromatherapy baths are especially helpful when suffering from a herpes outbreak.

Stress can dramatically affect your immune system and predispose you to more frequent herpes outbreaks as well as leaving you vulnerable to other STDs and infections. Stress can be reduced by practicing breathing, yoga, self hypnosis, or any meditation or breathing exercises.