If symptoms like burning, unusual discharge, itching, or pelvic discomfort disappear, it may be tempting to assume the infection is gone. Unfortunately, STD/STI symptoms can improve or disappear even when the infection is still present.
And if you’ve received a positive result for one, you’ll need to consult your healthcare provider to learn whether the infection can be cured or managed. Whether an STD/STI can be cured ultimately depends on several factors, including the type of infection.
Life Choices Family Resource Center offers no-cost testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea, so you can get accurate answers instead of relying on symptoms alone. Schedule an appointment today if you are concerned about possible exposure. And read on to learn more about STD/STIs.
Some STDs/STIs Can Be Cured
Bacterial infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can be cured with the correct prescribed antibiotic treatment.
If either infection goes untreated, however, it can remain in the body and continue to spread to sexual partners. Symptoms may be mild or absent, which is why many people do not realize they are infected.
STD/STI testing is the only dependable way to know whether chlamydia or gonorrhea is present.
Other Infections Stay in the Body
Some viral STDs/STIs cannot currently be cured.
Herpes and HIV, for example, remain in the body, although treatment can help manage symptoms, reduce complications, and lower the chance of transmission.
Certain strains of HPV may become undetectable over time without treatment, but persistent HPV infections can lead to genital warts or certain cancers. Routine screening remains important.
The critical distinction is that “no symptoms” and “no infection” are not the same thing.
Why Untreated Infections Matter
Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can spread into the female reproductive organs and cause pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID.
PID may lead to chronic pelvic pain, scarring of the fallopian tubes, infertility, or a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy.
An untreated STD/STI can also be passed to a partner who may have no symptoms either.
These are reasons testing matters even when you feel completely fine.
Do You Need to Test Again After Treatment?
Your healthcare provider can tell you whether repeat testing is recommended based on the infection, treatment, and your individual circumstances.
It’s important to know that it’s also possible to become infected again after treatment if you are exposed to the same STD/STI from an untreated or newly infected partner.
Completing prescribed treatment and following your provider’s instructions can reduce that risk.
Find Out Instead of Wondering
You cannot reliably tell whether an STD/STI is gone based only on how you feel.
Life Choices Family Resource Center provides no-cost STD/STI testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea so you can get a clear answer about your sexual health.
Schedule your confidential appointment today if you have symptoms, have had possible exposure, or simply want to know your status.