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.