Let’s face it: talking about STIs isn’t exactly dinner table conversation (unless your family dinners are very progressive). But here’s the thing—knowing which STIs are treatable can make a world of difference in staying healthy and keeping your relationships stress-free. Spoiler alert: many of them are totally manageable.
Bacterial STIs: The Antibiotic MVPs
When it comes to treatable STIs, bacterial infections are the overachievers of the group. Antibiotics swoop in like the heroes they are and often handle the situation efficiently.
Chlamydia
Treatment: A short course of oral antibiotics, like azithromycin or doxycycline, can knock it out.
Effectiveness: Extremely effective if caught early—kind of like fixing a leak before your ceiling collapses.
Gonorrhea
Treatment: A combo of antibiotics, usually ceftriaxone and azithromycin, does the trick.
Effectiveness: While antibiotics are typically very effective at eliminating this infection, Public Health Ontario warns that gonorrhea is becoming resistant to certain antibiotic treatments. The CDC reports that gonorrhea has become resistant to nearly all antibiotics, with just one antibiotic class remaining effective. Routine testing is crucial to reducing spread and avoiding prolonged treatment.
Syphilis
Treatment: A good old-fashioned penicillin injection gets the job done. For later-stage infections, patients will need three antibiotic injections.
Effectiveness: Very effective in the early stages—so don’t procrastinate.
Viral STIs: Managing the Long Game
Now, viral STIs are a different story. Because there is no bacterial infection present, a simple course of antibiotics won’t do anything here. Viral infections are by definition incurable, however, that doesn’t mean they aren’t manageable.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Treatment: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a daily regimen that keeps HIV under control.
Effectiveness: ART helps individuals live long, healthy lives and reduces the risk of transmission to nearly zero. ART also prevents HIV from advancing to AIDS.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Treatment: While the virus itself can’t be treated, warts caused by HPV can be removed, and vaccines can prevent infection by high-risk strains that cause genital warts and cancers.
Effectiveness: The CDC reports that all HPV vaccines have high efficacy in creating immunity to the intended strains of HPV. However, other strains can still be transmitted.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
Treatment: Antiviral medications like acyclovir or valacyclovir help keep outbreaks in check. There are no vaccines for herpes.
Effectiveness Antiviral drugs can partially control the signs and symptoms of genital herpes when used to treat first-time and recurrent episodes or when used daily. However, these drugs cannot destroy the virus nor affect the risk, frequency, or severity of recurrences after the drug is discontinued.
Hepatitis B
Treatment: Antiviral meds can manage chronic infections and reduce liver damage. A vaccine is available to prevent chronic infections.
Effectiveness: Health Canada reports that the hepatitis B vaccine is 95%-100% effective at preventing chronic infection for at least 30 years following immunization.
Treatable STIs: The Parasite Edition
If you thought parasites were just for bad sci-fi movies, think again. These tiny invaders are treatable, though they require a bit of effort.
Pubic Lice (Crabs)
Treatment: Over-the-counter lotions or shampoos containing permethrin or pyrethrin will do the job.
Effectiveness: Very effective, but don’t forget to wash all your bedding and clothes unless you want a sequel.
Trichomoniasis
Treatment: While trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection, it can be treated with antibiotics, namely metronidazole or tinidazole.
Effectiveness: Studies show a 92%-97% effectiveness for treatment, when used as directed.
Why Treating STIs Matters
Ignoring an STI isn’t an option unless you enjoy unnecessary drama. Left untreated, STIs can:
Cause long-term health issues like infertility or chronic pain.
Spread to others (sharing is not caring in this case).
In some cases, lead to more serious conditions like cancer or organ damage.
Prevention: The Best Practice
Prevention is key in reducing the spread of STIs. Here are some steps to minimize risk:
Use Protection: Consistent use of condoms and dental dams significantly reduces the risk of STI transmission.
Vaccinate: Vaccines for HPV and hepatitis B offer excellent protection.
Communicate: Open and honest discussions with sexual partners about STI testing and sexual health is healthy for relationships, and helps to create mutual responsibility.
Get Tested: Regular testing ensures early detection and treatment. If you’re sexually active with multiple partners, get tested every three months.
Let’s be real, none of these practices are going to inconvenience you in any kind of major way! But trust us, these practices are going to save you a lot of headaches in the future
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