STD Treatments

What is STD treatment?

STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, are diseases acquired by having sexual contact with an infected person. Viruses, parasites, and bacteria can all cause STDs when they pass from person to person via oral, anal, or vaginal sexual intercourse. 

STDs can sometimes pass from a mother to her baby during childbirth or through shared needles. 

Depending on the type of STD you have, treatment with Dr. Foong can reduce or eliminate symptoms or even cure your disease. Common STDs include herpes, gonorrhea, human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and HIV/AIDS.

What are the symptoms of STDs?

While STDs don't always cause symptoms, common signs can include:

• Genital, oral, or anal sores
• Genital, oral, or anal bumps 
• Painful or burning urination
• Unusual or odd-smelling vaginal discharge
• Discharge from the penis in men
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Pain with sex
• Lower abdominal pain
• Sore or swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Rash on your hands, feet, or trunk
• Infertility 
  
  

You may experience symptoms a few days after being exposed to an STD, but it can also take years to notice signs of STDs. You can contract an STD from someone through sexual contact even if they don’t have any symptoms.

What happens during STD testing?

If you experience symptoms of an STD, or you’re sexually active and at risk of getting one, Dr. Foong reviews your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms. He can complete a physical examination, including a pelvic exam as needed, to screen for signs of STDs or other gynecological issues.

He often recommends you undergo a blood test, urine test, tissue swab, or fluid sample testing from an open sore to diagnose an STD and develop a treatment plan. 

What are my STD treatment options?

Depending on the type of disease you have, common STD  treatments include:

Antibiotics

Taking oral antibiotics can cure many STDs, including syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Take all medications as directed by Dr. Foong. Abstain from sexual intercourse during treatment and for seven days after treatment. Your partner must get treated too. 

Dr. Foong may recommend additional STD testing within three months.

Antiviral drugs

Prescription antiviral medications can reduce symptoms and recurrences of outbreaks if you have herpes or HIV. These medications can also lower your risk of spreading STD viruses to your partner. 

However, you can still spread HIV or HPV as these diseases aren’t curable. Early treatment and correctly managing them can make the virus count so low in your body that it’s almost undetectable.

Don’t let STDs go undetected and untreated. Call the office of Nicolai Foong, M.D., or schedule an appointment online today to find out if STD treatment is right for you.