appointment.
Finally, communicate with partners when appropriate. If an STI is diagnosed, a clinician can explain how partners should be notified, tested, and treated. Partner notification is a health measure, not a reason for shame or blame. Many infections are common and treatable, and anyone who is sexually active can be affected.
9. How STI Testing and Treatment Work
The type of test depends on the infection and the area of the body that may have been exposed. Testing may involve a urine sample, a swab from a sore or affected area, or a blood test. For some infections, a clinician may recommend testing the throat or rectum based on the type of sexual contact.
A physical examination can be helpful when there are visible lesions, but it is not always necessary for every screening test. Many infections can be detected through laboratory testing even when no symptoms are present.
Treatment varies by diagnosis. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are bacterial infections that can generally be treated with appropriate antibiotics, although antibiotic resistance is an important concern for some infections, especially gonorrhea. Trichomoniasis can be treated with prescription medication. Herpes can be managed with antiviral medicines that help reduce symptoms and outbreaks, although these medicines do not eliminate the virus from the body. HIV is treated with antiretroviral therapy, which can suppress the virus and help people live long, healthy lives.
