How to Treat an STD

Knowing how to treat an STD is very important for your health and the health of your partner. Depending on your symptoms and the STD in question, you may be able to treat it at home or with medication such as antibiotics. Don’t let it go out of embarrassment, as some STDs can be serious and you don’t want to pass them to your partner.

1. Analyze your symptoms. You need to let the doctor know what’s going on down there. Crabs can be treated at home using an over-the-counter lotion such as Rid.
2. Call the doctor and make an appointment as soon as possible. Treat it quickly to lessen the pain and discomfort of ongoing infections.
3. Once you’re at the office, tell the doctor you suspect an STD. Don’t be embarrassed, they’ve encountered it many times before. They may do a urine or swab test to find out exactly what’s causing your symptoms.
4. Once they’ve determined what you have, you’ll start treatment. The doctor may advise your partner to be tested and treated too.
5. Take the medication as instructed. If it’s an antibiotic, finish the whole course to ensure the infection goes away completely. Apply any topical treatments as well.
6. Avoid sexual activity until your doctor gives you the OK. It takes time to treat an STD, so be patient and don’t spread it to others.

Some STDs such as HIV and herpes are incurable and will need to be followed up by a doctor in the future. The treatments for these diseases may be part of a life-long process to reduce symptoms and slow or stop disease progression. When you resume sexual activity, you must let your partner know you have an STD and always use protection.