Explore the Therapies and Treatments for STD

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are infections or diseases that are communicable through sexual contact. According to statistics, the United States alone has an estimated 15.3 million STD cases every year. However, most of the cases usually involve women. More often than not, women suffer more seriously than men. Some symptoms of STD’s are less noticeable in women, so many victims are unaware of their conditions.

STD’s can be transmitted in different ways. It can be passed through sexual contact (oral sex, vaginal sex or anal sex). They can also be passed through breast feeding or even through damp objects such as towels and toilet seats that may come in contact with the genitals of an infected person. Others can be transferred by blood transfusions, or through the use of unclean hypodermic needles.

If you acquire an STD, it cannot be treated by yourself. You should always consult a doctor, as symptoms may progress to serious ones. STD’s that are caused by bacteria are often treated with antibiotics while viral STD’s, more often, are incurable. However, the symptoms can be treated with medication to alleviate the effect. Below is a list of STD’s and their suggested medications or treatments.

HIV/AIDS – AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is one of the most deadly and incurable type of STD’s. Antiretroviral drugs are commonly used to aid it, although, the time of usage of this drug is still debatable. Some doctors believe that it should be taken the moment the disease is discovered while others say that the patient should wait because it can cause severe side effects.

Syphilis – It is commonly treated with penicillin, an antibiotic which is derived from a species of fungi. Medication should be done at the very moment the symptoms were observed to prevent the bacteria from spreading, and affecting other parts of the body.

Gonorrhea – This STD, together with chlamydia, is cured through antibiotics. These should be treated immediately after you have confirmed the disease to prevent further damage. Also, your sex partners should consult the doctor even if no symptoms are apparent. Untreated gonorrhea and syphilis may lead to infertility.

Trichomoniasis – This is an organism that causes STD. Infections are treated with the drug metronidazole that is usually taken orally. Its effectiveness is rated at levels up to 90 percent. However, women who are pregnant are advised not to take the drug orally, rather they are prescribed with a certain cream that is taken internally with a special applicator. If this did not work, they may take the drug orally but on the latter part of their pregnancy to lessen the damage.

Above are just some of the common STDs and their treatments. But always remember that prevention is better than cure. Explore the many options for safe sex, and always consult a medical professional for anything concerning these conditions. One of the best ways of dealing with them is arming yourself with the proper information, as this can not only help you, but your partner as well.