4 Discreet Ways to Get Tested and Treated for STDs
- See your primary care provider.. There are several good reasons to see your regular doctor right away if you might have...
- Find a local walk-in clinic.. All across the United States, state and local health departments are committed to stopping...
- Consider a home test kit.. You might be able to do at-home testing. For...
- See your primary care provider.
- Find a local walk-in clinic.
- Visit Planned Parenthood.
- Consider a home test kit.
What should I do if I have an STD?
Don't try to treat a sexually transmitted disease, or STD, yourself. These diseases are contagious and serious. You must see a doctor. Order now to access thousands of centers nationwide.
What is the treatment for STIs?
Treatment for STIs usually consists of one of the following, depending on the infection: Antibiotics. Antibiotics, often in a single dose, can cure many sexually transmitted bacterial and parasitic infections, including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. Typically, you'll be treated for gonorrhea and chlamydia at ...
What are some home remedies for STDs?
Home remedies for STDs depend on symptoms and include: Herpes: Apply a cold compress to the area during an outbreak, do not touch or scratch sores, keep sores clean, and reduce stress to prevent reoccurrences.
What are the different types of STD treatments?
Here are some specific STD treatments: HIV /AIDS: Since AIDS is not curable, treatment focuses on keeping HIV levels in check. Antiretroviral drugs are the standard therapy for HIV infection, and usually you will be given several drugs to take, a so-called drug "cocktail."
Can you buy STD medication over the counter?
While most viral STI treatments are available by prescription only, some OTC remedies are sometimes recommended: Herpes: Abreva, an OTC docosanol cream, can help to shorten the duration of an outbreak of symptomatic oral herpes caused by HSV-1.
Is it possible to hide STD?
Not necessarily. Many STDs can stay hidden with no symptoms for years. So, while your partner may have given it to you, he or she may have had it before they were with you. The most important thing is for both of you to get tested and treated at the same time so you don't re-infect each other.
How can I treat chlamydia without going to the doctor?
Chlamydia can only be cured with antibiotic treatment. Home remedies for chlamydia can't cure the infection, though some may offer minor relief of symptoms as you complete the entire course of antibiotics. Prompt treatment can help you avoid serious complications.
How can I treat my STI without my parents knowing?
In most states, once you are 13, you can get checked and tested for STDs without a parent's involvement. Many family doctors or pediatricians will agree to treat their teen patients confidentially. That means they won't tell parents or anyone else unless you say it's OK.
Is it illegal to tell somebody else has an STD?
There aren't any federal or state laws making it illegal for you to not tell a partner about an STD you may have. Laws on the topic vary from state to state. That being said, it is typically illegal, civilly and criminally, to knowingly or recklessly transmit an STD.
What happens if someone lies about having an STD?
This applies to transmitters who know they are infected but lie about it. These transmitters may also face criminal liability. They could be charged with the crime of willful exposure to an STD. They could be fined and go to jail, in addition to getting sued by the victim they exposed.
Can I buy azithromycin over the counter?
Azithromycin isn't available over the counter (OTC) in the United States. Azithromycin is a prescription drug, which means a doctor needs to prescribe it for you. OTC medications don't require a prescription. Your pharmacist may be able to help determine the price of azithromycin.
How can I get antibiotics without seeing a doctor?
Some topical antibiotics are available over the counter, so you don't need to see a doctor for those. You do need a prescription for oral antibiotics, but that doesn't mean you need to see a doctor in person: You can also speak with a healthcare provider via telemedicine to get the right prescription.
How much is azithromycin over the counter?
Compare pharmacy prices A five-day supply of azithromycin could cost $17 at one pharmacy and over $50 at another.
Can I get tested for chlamydia without my parents knowing?
Sexual Health Medical Care In California, you can get a sexual health checkup – including STI screening – at any age, without parental consent. If a STI is discovered and you're afraid your parents will find out, you have a right to confidential treatment.
Can I make a doctor's appointment without my parents knowing?
However, as an adult, you have the right and responsibility for your own medical care. This means that you can seek medical care without your parents' consent and call to make your own appointments.
Can a minor be treated for an STD without parental consent?
All 50 states and the District of Columbia allow minors to access health care without parental consent for the treatment of STDs. At least four states (California, Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts) also mandate confidentiality when the minor is able to consent to such treatment.
What is the best treatment for STIs?
Treatment for STIs usually consists of one of the following, depending on the infection: Antibiotics. Antibiotics, often in a single dose, can cure many sexually transmitted bacterial and parasitic infections, including gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. Typically, you'll be treated for gonorrhea and chlamydia at ...
What to do if you think you have an STI?
What you can do in the meantime. If you think you might have an STI, it's best to not to be sexually active until you've talked with your doctor. If you do engage in sexual activity before seeing your doctor, be sure to follow safe sex practices, such as using a condom. By Mayo Clinic Staff.
How long after a positive chlamydia test can you get tested?
The chlamydia test uses a sample of urine or vaginal fluid you can collect yourself. Some experts recommend repeating the chlamydia test three months after you've had a positive test and been treated.
Why is it important to notify your partner of STIs?
Official, confidential partner notification can help limit the spread of STIs, particularly for syphilis and HIV. The practice also steers those at risk toward counseling and the right treatment. And since you can contract some STIs more than once, partner notification reduces your risk of getting reinfected.
What tests can confirm syphilis?
Blood tests. Blood tests can confirm the diagnosis of HIV or later stages of syphilis.
Why do I feel angry when I find out I have a STD?
You might be angry if you feel you've been betrayed or ashamed if you might have infected others.
Where do you report STIs?
Each state has different requirements, but most states require that certain STIs be reported to the local or state health department. Public health departments often employ trained disease intervention specialists who can help notify partners and refer people for treatment.
Who should be your first choice for STD care?
Your Regular Medical Practitioner. If you have a regular medical practitioner, she should be your first choice for STD care. This is because your practitioner knows your health history. That makes her the best person to choose the right treatment options for you.
Can you see a doctor for STD?
You can certainly see your regular medical practitioner for STD-related health concerns. However, some people are more comfortable going to an appropriate specialist. Women, for example, may be more comfortable seeing a gynecologist, nurse midwife, or other women's health practitioner for STD testing and treatment.
2021 STI Treatment Guidelines
The guidelines provide CDC’s most current evidence-based recommendations for preventing, diagnosing and treating people who have, or are at risk for, STIs. Includes regimens, evidence tables, wall chart, and pocket guide.
Recommendations for Providing Quality STD Clinical Services (STD QCS)
Recommendations and tools intended to guide STD clinical practice standards in healthcare settings and optimize patient care. This is a companion piece to the 2021 STI Treatment Guidelines.
Expedited Partner Therapy
Providing prescriptions or medications to the patient to take to his/her partner without the health care provider first examining the partner.
Additional Resources
General STD treatment updates and resources, including Dear Colleague Letters, podcasts, and scientific articles.
What is the best treatment for syphilis?
Syphilis : Penicillin is the preferred treatment for syphilis. Early treatment is crucial to prevent the bacteria from spreading to and damaging other organs.
How to get rid of genital warts?
Freezing the war ts or applying medication directly to them are often the first choices. If genital warts do not respond to these options, surgery may be necessary to remove them. Keep in mind that treatment does not rid you of the infection, and you can still transmit it to others.
How long does it take to get retested for chlamydia?
You should get retested after three months to make sure the infection has cleared, even if your partner has been treated. Failure to treat chlamydia or gonorrhea can result in permanent damage to your reproductive organs and an inability to get pregnant. Syphilis : Penicillin is the preferred treatment for syphilis.
What is the drug cocktail for HIV?
Antiretroviral drugs are the standard therapy for HIV infection, and usually you will be given several drugs to take, a so-called drug "cocktail.". The question of when to begin antiretroviral therapy for HIV is still debated.
Can you cure a viral STD?
Viral STDs cannot be cured, but you can manage symptoms with medications. There is a vaccine against hepatitis B, but it will not help if you already have the disease. If you are given antibiotics to treat a STD, it is important that you take all of the drug prescribed to you, even if the symptoms go away.
Can you treat STDs yourself?
Treatments for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Don't try to treat a sexually transmitted disease, or STD, yourself. These diseases are contagious and serious. You must see a doctor.
Can you take someone else's medication for STD?
Also, do not take someone else's medication to treat your infection; it may make it more difficult to treat. Here are some specific STD treatments: HIV / AIDS: Since AIDS is not curable, treatment focuses on keeping HIV levels in check.
Is STD testing secure?
When it comes to STD testing or treatment, most of the clinics as well testing center market themselves as discrete clinics and they ensure that they will keep your information completely secure.
Can you get STD tested at home?
If you are doubtful that you have contracted an STD, but, want to be sure before consulting the doctor, then you can consider an at-home STD testing kit. These kits are not available for all the diseases, but, some of the diseases like gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, etc. can be tested by the home-based kits.
What are the STDs that are curable?
Bacterial STD Treatment. STDs caused by bacterial infections include syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. These diseases are curable when treated with the right antibiotics. The doctor will determine the course of treatment based on local and current rates of antibiotic resistance. 1 .
How long does it take to take antibiotics for STDs?
Antibiotics used to treat bacterial STDs may be administered as a single injection or pill, or a course of pills taken over several days.
What are the most common STDs?
STDs caused by viruses include herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV. These are usually treated with oral antiviral or antiretroviral medications. 2 Most viral STDs can be managed but do not have cures.
How to treat a herpes outbreak?
Herpes: Apply a cold compress to the area during an outbreak, do not touch or scratch sores, keep sores clean, and reduce stress to prevent reoccurrences. Hepatitis B: Take care of your liver by avoiding alcohol and being careful about the use of medications that can harm the liver, such as acetaminophen.
How to take care of liver with hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B: Take care of your liver by avoiding alcohol and being careful about the use of medications that can harm the liver, such as acetaminophen.
What is the best medicine for gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea: Rocephin (ceftriaxone) or, if allergic to it, Gentak (gentamicin) plus azithromycin
What is the best medication for HIV?
The right medication for you will depend on the stage of your disease. Prescriptions used to treat HIV and AIDS include enfuvirtide (T20) , emtricitabine, tenofovir, abacavir, rilpivirine, etravirine, efavirenz, dolutegravir, elvitegravir, tipranavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, darunavir, maraviroc, and ibalizumab.
What can a doctor do to check for STIs?
Your doctor can conduct a physical exam to look for sores, bumps, and other signs of STIs. They can also take samples from any questionable areas to send to a laboratory for testing. It’s important to let your doctor know if you’ve noticed any changes on or around your genitals.
What type of swabs do doctors use for STIs?
Swabs. Many doctors use vaginal, cervical, or urethral swabs to check for STIs. If you’re female, they can use a cotton applicator to take vaginal and cervical swabs during a pelvic exam. If you’re male or female, they can take urethral swabs by inserting a cotton applicator into your urethra.
Who should be tested for STIs?
If you’ve been sexually active, it’s a good idea to be tested for STIs. It’s especially important to get tested if:
How are STI tests performed?
Depending on your sexual history, your doctor may order a variety of tests to check you for STIs, including:
Why is it important to get tested for STIs?
It’s important to get screened if you’re pregnant, as STIs can have an effect on the fetus. Your doctor should screen for STIs, among other things, at your first prenatal visit. You should also get tested if you’ve been forced to have intercourse, or any other type of sexual activity.
How long does it take to get a STI test?
The length of time it takes for an STI test depends on the type of test you take. But most STI tests take a few minutes to collect either urine, saliva, or a blood sample for your test.
How long does it take for a blood test to show STIs?
It may also take a month or longer after being exposed to certain STIs for blood tests to be reliable.
Diagnosis
Treatment
- STDs or STIscaused by bacteria are generally easier to treat. Viral infections can be managed but not always cured. If you are pregnant and have an STI, getting treatment right away can prevent or reduce the risk of your baby becoming infected. Treatment for STIsusually consists of one of the following, depending on the infection: 1. Antibiotics. A...
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Coping and Support
- It can be traumatic to find out you have an STD or STI. You might be angry if you feel you've been betrayed or ashamed if you might have infected others. At worst, an STIcan cause chronic illness and death, even with the best care that's available. These suggestions may help you cope: 1. Hold off placing blame.Don't assume that your partner has been unfaithful to you. One (or both) of yo…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Most people don't feel comfortable sharing the details of their sexual experiences, but the doctor's office is one place where you have to provide this information so that you can get the right care.