STD Treatment: What to Know
A diagnosis is the beginning of getting better — not the end of anything
Finding out you have an STD can feel overwhelming, but treatment is usually straightforward, and most STDs are either fully curable or very manageable with the right care. Here's what you need to know about how treatment works and what to expect.
Bacterial STDs
Curable with a short course of antibiotics
Viral STDs
Not curable, but very manageable with antiviral medication
Treatment timeline
Many infections clear within 1–2 weeks of starting antibiotics
During treatment
Avoid sex until you and any partners have finished treatment
Follow-up testing
Often recommended 3 months after treatment to confirm clearance
Confidential treatment
Available at Title X clinics and Planned Parenthood
How STDs are treated
Treatment depends on whether the STD is caused by bacteria, a virus, or a parasite. Your provider will tell you exactly what you need — but here's a general overview of how each type works.
Antibiotics
For bacterial STDs
Bacterial STDs — like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis — are fully curable with antibiotics. Treatment is usually a single dose or a short course taken over a few days. It's important to finish the full course even if symptoms disappear early, and to avoid sex until both you and any partners have completed treatment.
Antivirals
For viral STDs
Viral STDs — like herpes and HIV — can't be cured, but antiviral medications control them very effectively. For herpes, antivirals reduce outbreaks and lower the risk of transmission. For HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) keeps the virus at undetectable levels, meaning a person with HIV on treatment can live a full, healthy life and cannot transmit the virus to partners.
Ongoing management
For chronic conditions
Some STDs require ongoing care rather than a one-time treatment. This might mean taking a daily pill, attending regular check-ups, or monitoring for symptoms. With good medical support, chronic STDs are very manageable — many people live completely normal lives with no impact on their relationships, health, or future.
No treatment needed
Some infections clear on their own
Certain infections — like many strains of HPV — clear up on their own without treatment. Your provider may recommend monitoring rather than medication. Regular follow-up is still important to make sure everything resolves as expected.
What to expect after starting treatment
Your provider will prescribe medication and explain exactly how and when to take it. Ask questions — there are no dumb ones.
Avoid sexual contact until you've finished treatment and any partners have been treated too. This prevents reinfection.
Some medications have mild side effects like nausea or upset stomach. Taking them with food usually helps.
Symptoms often improve within a few days, but finish the full course of antibiotics even if you feel better.
Schedule a follow-up test (usually 3 months later) to confirm the infection has cleared — especially for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Telling a partner
It's important that any recent sexual partners get tested and treated too — even if they have no symptoms. You don't have to do this alone. Many clinics offer anonymous partner notification services, where a health worker contacts your partner without revealing your name. Your provider can walk you through your options.
It's going to be okay
Getting an STD diagnosis can bring up a lot of feelings — shock, embarrassment, fear, or anger. All of that is completely normal. But here's what's also true: STDs are common, treatment works, and a diagnosis does not define you or your future. Millions of people get STDs every year. They go on to have healthy relationships, fulfilling sex lives, and full, happy lives. You are not dirty, broken, or alone. You caught this, you're getting it treated, and that takes courage. Be kind to yourself.
Getting tested and treated is an act of self-care
A diagnosis does not change your worth or your future
You are not alone — STDs are incredibly common
With treatment, most STDs are either cured or fully managed
Getting treatment confidentially
If you're worried about privacy, you have options. Title X family planning clinics are federally required to provide confidential services to teens. Planned Parenthood offers treatment on a sliding-scale fee. If you're on a parent's insurance, ask the clinic about confidential billing to avoid an Explanation of Benefits being mailed home.
Common questions
Do I have to tell my parents I'm getting treatment?
Not necessarily. Title X clinics and Planned Parenthood provide confidential care to teens regardless of age. Ask about confidential billing if you're on a parent's insurance plan.
What if I can't afford treatment?
Many clinics offer free or low-cost treatment on a sliding scale based on income. Title X clinics are federally funded specifically to make this care accessible. Our Resources page has links to find one near you.
Can I get reinfected after treatment?
Yes — treatment clears the current infection but doesn't protect against future ones. Using condoms consistently and getting tested regularly are the best ways to protect yourself going forward.
What if my partner refuses to get treated?
This is a real and difficult situation. If a partner won't get treated, you risk reinfection. Your provider or clinic can help you think through your options, including anonymous partner notification services.
Need to find a clinic?
Our Resources page lists trusted organizations where you can find confidential, low-cost STD treatment near you.
Find a clinic near you