Sexually Transmitted Infections, Part 1: Curable STIs
There are more than 30 known types of bacteria, viruses, and parasites transmitted through sexual intercourse, whether vaginally, anally, or orally. Infection can either be curable or incurable, and the number of cases continues to increase daily, both in the US and across the globe.
Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can lead to serious health complications if left untreated, but STIs are often accompanied by stigma, misunderstandings, and misinformation. In this article, we’re providing thorough details about the curable infections for a clearer understanding.
The most common, curable STIs in the US include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs among men and women. If left untreated in women, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a uterus-destroying condition. If left untreated in men, it can destroy the sperm ducts and cause sterilization.
People with chlamydia often do not exhibit signs of infection, so testing is critical to know whether the infection is present or not.
Symptoms of Chlamydia
While symptoms of chlamydia are uncommon in men and women, they can include:
- Painful urination
- Pain during intercourse
- Vaginal bleeding after sex and between periods
- Pain in the pelvis, stomach, or testicles
- Vaginal or penile discharge
How to Cure Chlamydia?
If you have tested positive for chlamydia, your provider will prescribe a regimen of antibiotics. Patients are usually prescribed a week’s worth of medication to treat the infection completely.
Patients who have been treated for chlamydia can contract it again, so always undergo testing if you change sexual partners or have concerns about infection.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea, sometimes called “the clap,” is a common STI that can infect the genitals, urethra, cervix, rectum, throat, or eyes. It can even get into your bloodstream and affect your joints. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to PID in women, permanently damaging the reproductive organs. It can also lead to an inflamed epididymis in men and cause infertility. If it reaches your bloodstream, you can experience septic arthritis which causes extreme pain when moving your joints.
People with gonorrhea usually show no signs of initial infection but can experience physical complications like PID, inflamed epididymis, or septic arthritis over time. Testing is crucial to determine if you have been infected or not.
Symptoms of Gonorrhea
Those who do experience initial symptoms may notice:
- Painful urination
- Vaginal or penile discharge
- Pain or swelling in the abdomen, pelvis, or testicles
- Bleeding between periods
How to Cure Gonorrhea
If you have tested positive for gonorrhea, your provider will likely prescribe an injection of antibiotics. One single shot usually treats the infection. However, alternative regimens may be prescribed in some instances.
Patients who have been treated for gonorrhea can contract it again, so always undergo testing if you change sexual partners or have concerns about infection.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a common infection transmitted via vaginal, anal, or oral sex and can be divided into three stages if not treated early.
Primary Syphilis
At the first stage of infection, a sore or sores may appear on the penis, vagina, anus, or lips of the mouth. They can also appear in the rectum or mouth. The sores are typically painless, rounded, and firm at the touch. Primary syphilis can last between 3 and 6 weeks.
Secondary syphilis
The infected person may experience signs of common illness, including fever and swollen lymph nodes. They can also break out in skin rashes. Because these symptoms are similar to common viral infections like a cold or the flu, untested patients usually fail to recognize syphilis as the source of their sickness. Secondary syphilis can flare up over a period of 2 years, and each flare-up can last between 2 to 6 weeks at a time.
Tertiary Syphilis
If untreated, syphilis will slowly overtake the body and affect vital organs, including the heart and brain. It can even damage the eyes and cause blindness. It can take up to 30 years for syphilis to reach this stage. Infection is still curable at this point, but organ damage may be permanent. If still left untreated, infection will likely lead to death.
Symptoms at the primary and secondary stages are usually mild and easily mistaken for other less dangerous issues. Testing is crucial to catch syphilis and treat it early.
How to Cure Syphilis
If you have tested positive for syphilis, your provider will likely administer an injection of antibiotics to kill the infection.
Patients who have been treated for syphilis are still able to contract it again, so always undergo testing if you change sexual partners or have concerns about infection.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis, or “trich,” is a parasite-based STI that is most often transmitted genitally between men and women or between women and women. If left untreated, trichomoniasis can lead to PID in women, permanently damaging the uterus and Fallopian tubes. It can also harm men by damaging components of the urinary system and reproduction system.
Nearly 70% of people with trichomoniasis do not exhibit symptoms, so testing is critical to know whether the infection is present or not.
Symptoms of Trichomoniasis
Infected persons who do experience symptoms of trich often notice:
- Itching, burning, or redness around the penis or vagina
- Painful urination or ejaculation
- Vaginal or penile discharge
- Pain during intercourse
How to Cure Trichomoniasis
If you have tested positive for trichomoniasis, your provider can prescribe a medication regimen to treat the infection. In many treatment plans, patients must take their prescriptions twice daily for up to seven days.
Patients who have been treated for trichomoniasis are still able to contract it again. In fact, repeated reinfection is common. Ensure you and your partner are cleared of infection before resuming intercourse, and always undergo testing if you change sexual partners or have concerns about infection.
If you suspect you have contracted a sexually transmitted infection or want to get screened for peace of mind, Women’s Clinic of Atlanta offers STI testing and treatments.
Our providers will thoroughly test for STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. If your test results are positive, we’ll prescribe the right treatments to clear your infection and provide beneficial tips to help prevent reinfection.
Schedule an STI screening by texting “appointment” to 404-777-4771 today.
Women’s Clinic of Atlanta is HIPAA compliant and AAAHC accredited.
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