Only a doctor can determine the right treatment for any sexually transmitted disease or STD. Typically, they order prescription medication and what a patient needs depends on the kind of infection they have. For instance, antibiotics can effectively cure chlamydia while antiviral medication can manage herpes.
Sometimes, STD treatment in New York involves lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medications, and home remedies to relieve symptoms, promote healing, and prevent the recurrence of the infection. Doctors will adjust the treatment for other problems that impact a patient’s overall physical health. Because of the possible consequences of untreated STDs and the risk of passing them on to other people, they must be treated early and accurately.
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Treatment for Bacterial STD
STDs such as chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea result from bacterial infections. They can be cured with the right antibiotics. Doctors will determine the right course of treatment depending on a person’s resistance to antibiotics. Antibiotics are used for treating bacterial STDs depending on the bacteria that caused the infection.
Treatment for Viral STDs
Viral STDs such as human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes, and HIV are often treated with oral antiviral or antiretroviral medications. The majority of these STDs can only be managed, not cured. HIV and herpes are life-long infections while HPV usually does not need treatment since the infection may go away on its own. But, treatment is necessary when HPV causes issues.
Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes
People with STDs must follow a healthy diet, minimize their stress, get more exercise, and avoid tobacco and alcohol to maintain their well-being and minimize outbreaks of symptoms. For herpes, a cold compress application can work during an outbreak. Those who have HIV or AIDs must stay on top of their vaccinations since HIV can affect their immunity.
Medical and Surgical Procedures
Sometimes, these procedures are necessary to treat viral STDs, especially HPV. Procedures for getting rid of genital warts include electrocautery, freezing, interferon injection, surgery, and laser treatment.
Those who have STDs should get treatment and abstain from sex to protect their partners from getting infected. Also, this protects the sufferers themselves from the potential consequences of STDs.
It is never recommended to treat oneself for an STD by taking medication that can be bought online or over-the-counter. All medications must be taken only as directed by a doctor. Also, patients must complete their course of treatment even if they are no longer experiencing the symptoms. Otherwise, they could develop a resistant infection.