When diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) like gonorrhea or chlamydia, following your treatment plan is essential for your health and for preventing the spread of infection to others. However, the type of infection you have and how you take your medication matters.
Keep reading to learn more about what you need to know about treatment. Or, if you’re looking to get no-cost testing, reach out to us at Pregnancy Options today.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: Getting Treated Right
Chlamydia is often treated with a one-time dose or a short course of antibiotics, such as azithromycin or doxycycline. Gonorrhea, on the other hand, may require an injection in addition to oral antibiotics. Your healthcare provider will give specific instructions based on your test results and health history.
To ensure effective treatment:
- Take the medication exactly as prescribed. Don’t skip doses, and don’t stop taking your antibiotics early, even if symptoms go away. Ending treatment too soon can allow the infection to remain in your body.
- Avoid sexual activity until you’ve completed treatment and any follow-up recommendations. This helps reduce the risk of reinfection or spreading the infection to your partner.
- Make sure your partner gets tested and treated, too. Repeated infections are common when both partners aren’t treated.
What About Other STDs Like Herpes or HIV?
While chlamydia and gonorrhea can often be cured with antibiotics, other infections like herpes or HIV require long-term management. Herpes is typically treated with antiviral medications to reduce symptoms and outbreaks, while HIV is managed with a daily regimen of antiretroviral therapy (ART).
These treatments don’t cure the virus, but can help individuals live healthy lives and significantly reduce transmission risk.
No-Cost STD/STI Testing and Treatment
At Pregnancy Options, we understand how stigmatizing STD/STI testing can feel, but we offer confidential testing and treatment for gonorrhea and chlamydia, and we’re here to support you with care and compassion.
If you think you may have been exposed to an STD or simply want peace of mind, contact us today to schedule a confidential appointment. Getting tested and treated is one of the best steps you can take for your health and your future.