Are STDs Curable?

STDs
If you want to see pictures about what the STDs listed below look like, click here. But, be warned! These pictures are not intended to scare you, but to give you a realistic idea about the problems these infections can cause. Also, remember, you can have any of these infections and NOT show any signs or symptoms at all!

Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs and is common in people under age 25, people who have multiple sexual partners, and people who don’t use condoms. The most common symptom of chlamydia is NOTHING at all. There can be pain in the penis or vagina, unusual discharge, a feeling of burning when peeing, bleeding after sex, feeling like you have to pee more than usual, and testicle swelling. The great thing is that it can be treated easily with antibiotics, but if it’s not treated, it can cause infertility after many years.

Gonorrhea is another common STI. Someone might not have any symptoms, but a lot of the symptoms are similar to chlamydia. These include unusual discharge, burning when peeing and for guys- swelling and pain in the testicles (called “orchitis”). Some people may have swelling in their joins or a skin rash. Gonorrhea can also be treated with antibiotics from your doctor, and it’s important to get treated to prevent future problems like not being able to have babies.

This is very serious and may need to be treated with strong medicine in the hospital for several days or longer. PID can cause scar tissue to build up in the fallopian tubes which may lead to an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the tubes); or can make it more difficult for a young woman to get pregnant in the first place (infertility).Like we said above, some STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea are caused by bacteria may be cured with antibiotics. But, for young women, sometimes infections with chlamydia and gonorrhea can spread into their tubes and cause a serious problem called PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease).

For guys, chlamydia or gonorrhea can spread into the testicles, causing pain and swelling (“orchitis”). This can cause guys to become sterile also.

STDS caused by viruses may be controlled with medication or other treatment, but may stay in your body for years and may not be cured. For example: Herpes, HPV and HIV.Syphilis is another bacterial infection. It may cause sores on the genitals. Interestingly, while they may not look pleasant, they don’t hurt, and after a while, the sores will go away. Sometimes, there could be bumps near the anus also. Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics. But, if not found and treated properly, the infection can spread to the brain, kidney, heart and other parts of the body. A pregnant teenager with syphilis can pass the infection onto her newborn baby and that can cause the baby to be born with serious problems.

Herpes is annoying. It may show itself as several painful sores on the genitals or anus. It can come back several times in the year following the first infection (or “outbreak”). There are pills to reduce the pain and discomfort and help heal the sores more quickly. But even after the skin goes back to looking normal, the virus is hiding inside the body, and can step out of the shadows again later and cause more sores. If someone is having several outbreaks in a year, health providers may recommend taking medication daily to try to slow down the reappearance of the virus. Fortunately, over time, outbreaks tend to recur less often, but the virus is still inside, lying “in wait”, and can come out at any time. For this reason, health providers recommend that people with herpes infections use condoms all the time, even if there is no outward sign of an infection.

HPV or Human Papilloma virus is really a family of viruses. Some are really no big deal. They make show up as bumps or warts on the genitals, which can be easily removed with liquid nitrogen or topical medications. Other members of the HPV family are “bullies” and can cause serious problems like cancer of the cervix, penis, anus or throat. In addition to condoms, there is a vaccine that can be given to prevent the more serious types of HPV from causing a health problem. Ask your health provider about the HPV vaccination, and get them as soon as you can!

HIV is the virus that scares everyone. However, there is good news. There are really good medications available now that can control the virus and allow teenagers to graduate from high school, college  and go on to lead normal, healthy lives. They can even have kids later on in life without having to worry that their babies will become infected. But, teens living with HIV have to take medicine every single day for the rest of their lives. Without the medicine, the virus will grow out of control and cause the body to weaken and become unable to fight off over infections. If you know anyone that is dealing with HIV and is not in care, give Project STAY a call at 646-245-4000 so we can help them find the assistance they need to stay healthy.

The other piece of good news about HIV, is that, in addition to condoms, there is medication available to prevent HIV infection. These medications are used for PreP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or prevention BEFORE getting exposed to the HIV virus); or PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis). Taken correctly, these medications  provide an EXCELLENT chance of reducing your chances of getting HIV. If you or someone you know needs PEP or PrEP, call 917-580-1682