STD Treatment Online

STD Treatment - Overview

STDs, or sexually transmitted diseases, are infections that can be communicated between people during sexual activity. People who think they might have a sexually transmitted disease can use Push Health to connect with a local medical provider who can prescribe STD treatment online such as antibiotics for STDs when appropriate to do so.

What Is An STD?

Sexually transmitted disease (STDs) include a variety of different conditions, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, syphilis and trichomoniasis. STDs are very common in the United States, affecting millions of people annually in the United States - primarily older teens and young adults. Unprotected sexual contact with an individual who has an STD is a most significant risk factor.

STD Symptoms

Symptoms vary widely among the millions of people who get STD symptoms annually in the United States. Some people with STDs have no symptoms at all despite having an active infection. When STD symptoms do occur, they may include pain, discharge, sore throat, flu-like illness, fatigue and even pink eye. Untreated STDs can lead to more complicated symptoms such as chronic pain, severe infections and reproductive issues. STDs can spread through oral, vaginal, or anal sex and unprotected sexual contact is a great risk factor. STDs are often tested for using common STD lab tests.

STD - Treatment

STDs, in most cases, need to be treated with commonly prescribed medications such as antibiotics that are available at most pharmacies. Because STDs are so common, most types of medical providers feel comfortable treating STDs. In addition to prescription STD treatment, recent sexual partners also need to be informed and treated. Early treatment for STDs is important because festering STDs can cause long-term damage to the pelvic organs and other parts of the body.

STD Antibiotics / Medications

Oral or injectable antibiotics are utilized as part of most STD treatment regimens. STD medication regimens usually take two weeks or less and may even be as short as a single dose of a medication. Ultimately, the judgement of the prescribing medical provider determines the appropriate course of action and medications used for STD treatment might include the following:

• Acyclovir (Zovirax)
• Azithromycin (Zithromax)
• Cefixime
• Ceftriaxone
• Clindamycin (Cleocin)
• Doxycycline
• Metronidazole (Flagyl)
• Penicillin
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

STDs are not always cured even if the appropriate STD treatment is given which is why follow up STD testing is usually recommended. It can take multiple weeks for STD symptoms to resolve after STD treatment and sexual activity should be avoided during that period of time.

STD Medications - Side Effects

Medications used for STD treatment can cause side effects when used. Side effects that can occur while taking STD medications include nausea, fatigue, dizziness and allergic reactions. In most cases, the side effects that result from STD antibiotic treatment are mild. Additionally, it is important to note that even if one undergoes STD treatment, it may not completely cure the disease. Prior to taking any medications for STD treatment, it is important to discuss side effects with a qualified medical provider.

More STD Information

• CDC - STD Treatment
• Mayo Clinic - STDs