Sexually Transmitted Disease
Alternate Names : STD, Venereal Disease, VD
What are the treatments for the disease?
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, pubic lice, and syphilis can be cured with antibiotics. Genital herpes, hepatitis B, and HIV cannot be cured, but they often can be
treated with medications to lessen symptoms and damage to the body. Genital warts from
human papilloma virus
can be removed, but the warts may come back. All sexual partners need to be
informed, tested, and treated, if necessary.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Antibiotics may cause allergic reactions, stomach upset, and
rash. The methods used to
destroy genital warts may irritate or damage nearby healthy skin.
What happens after treatment for the disease?
Many sexually transmitted diseases can be cured completely. It is important to
notify and treat all sexual partners to prevent spreading of the STD. If a
partner is not treated, the affected person may catch the STD again. Some
long-term effects of STDs, such as
infertility from
chlamydia or
gonorrhea, are not reversed by treatment. Other STDs, such as
HIV or hepatitis B, may get worse over time
with or without treatment.
How is the disease monitored?
Some STDs need no monitoring after treatment. Others, such as HIV and hepatitis B, need frequent blood tests to monitor
the effects of the disease on the body. Any new or worsening symptoms should be
reported to the healthcare provider.
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