The news that you have contracted an STD can often seem devastating. Many people think that having an STD means that your life is changed forever. While it is true that some STDs will be with you the rest of your life, there are others that are easily curable. There are three base causes for an STD: viruses, bacteria and parasites. So, is you STD caused by a bacteria? By a virus? Or maybe something else…
Viral STDs
The kind of STD that stays with you for the rest of your life is caused by a virus. These STDs include HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), HPV (human papillomavirus), HSV (herpes simplex virus) and Hepatitis B and C. Since these STDs are viruses they stay in the body for life and can cause symptoms to appear periodically over time. The good news is that treatment exists for all of these infections. That means that even if a person is diagnosed with these illnesses, they can still lead a long and happy life. If left untreated, these viral infections can lead to more serious health issues.
Bacterial STDs
There are several STDs caused by bacterial infections. These include chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. Most bacterial infections can be cured with a simple treatment of antibiotics. This treatment could be administered orally or by injection, depending on what your doctor thinks is the most effective form of treatment. Recently, there has been increasing reports of antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhea which have made treating this STD more difficult. These reports have led to an urge by health organizations to confirm the infection exists before administering treatment.
Parasitic STDs
Another infection that is completely curable is an infection by parasite. Trichomoniasis is caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. The CDC lists trichomoniasis as the most common curable STD in the United States. An estimated 3.7 million people are thought to be infected with this STD, but only about 30% ever develop symptoms. This infection is more common in women than in men and is usually treated with antibiotics.
The CDC recommends engaging in the practices of safe sexual intercourse in order to prevent the spread of STDs. This includes the use of latex condoms. If you believe that you have been exposed to an STD, you should have STD testing performed. This is the best way to know that current status of your sexual health.
