Six Common STDs and How They’re Treated

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a major public health issue that affects millions of people every year. When left undiagnosed and untreated, STDs have serious health consequences, especially for women.

Here at Eve Medical of Miami, we’ve been helping women get the care and services they need since 1978. We understand the stigma surrounding STDs, which is why our women’s health experts offer confidential and comprehensive STD testing and treatment.

Because we’re dedicated to helping you stay informed, we want to share some of the most common STDs and how we treat them. 

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is the most common STD in the United States. It’s a viral infection, but there are many strains of HPV that have different health consequences. Some strains cause genital warts, while others increase the risk of cervical cancer. 

Currently, there’s no cure for HPV. However, you may be able to prevent an HPV infection by getting the HPV vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends women get vaccinated between the ages of 11 and 26. 

We can test you for HPV during a pelvic exam. If you test positive for HPV, you may need more frequent Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. For HPV genital warts, treatment may include a topical medication or surgery to remove the growths. 

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a common bacterial STD. We can easily treat and cure gonorrhea with an oral or injected antibiotic.

However, gonorrhea doesn’t always cause symptoms. We routinely test for this STD during an annual well-woman exam in women who are sexually active with more than one partner.

When left untreated, gonorrhea may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility. 

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is also a bacterial STD that we can treat and cure with an antibiotic. It’s not uncommon to have gonorrhea and chlamydia infections at the same time. 

We routinely screen for chlamydia during your annual well-woman exam if you’re at risk of contracting this STD. 

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial STD that typically starts out as a painful sore on your private parts or mouth. When found early, we can cure a syphilis infection with an antibiotic. In some cases, we may only need to give you one shot of penicillin to clear it up.

However, a syphilis infection may lie dormant for years without causing symptoms. When left untreated, the bacterial infection causes life-threatening damage to your vital organs. 

Herpes

Herpes is a viral infection that can cause painful genital sores. However, not everyone with a herpes infection develops sores.

Because herpes is a viral infection, we can’t cure the STD. However, we prescribe antiviral medications that prevent or shorten your outbreaks and reduce your risk of transmitting the STD to your sexual partner. 

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a parasitic STD. Symptoms of a trichomoniasis infection may include foul-smelling genital discharge, genital itching, or painful urination. 

We prescribe antibiotics to treat and cure trichomoniasis. 

Though they’re very common and are serious health concerns, STDs are preventable. Whether you’re seeking STD testing or want to know more about STD prevention, we can provide the counseling, testng, or treatment you need. 

Contact us today by calling our office in Miami, Florida, or request an appointment here on the website.