Can You Get Rid of STDs?
Is gonorrhea curable without treatment? How long does it take for chlamydia to clear up? Do trichomoniases disappear on their own? Those are tricky questions to answer for many reasons.
Herpes and HIV are among the viral STDs that last a lifetime. Others, like hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV), can be prevented with vaccines but not cured. Additionally, the immune system can defeat hepatitis B virus and HPV in most cases, but in rare cases, these viruses are able to settle in for the long haul, causing chronic infections that can last a lifetime and even cause cancer.
Without treatment, syphilis can kill, and gonorrhea can cause infertility.
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other non-viral STDs can be cured. Infections usually have no symptoms, or they may appear to have gone away when they didn't, so it appears the infection has disappeared. STDs cannot be self-diagnosed based on symptoms, and you cannot assume the infection has gone away when symptoms subside. Tests are the only way to find out whether there is a problem.
There are few studies of the “natural history” of curable STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. People still want to know if an STD can disappear on its own. It would be risky for scientists to study the natural course of a curable infection, and no ethics board would permit such an experiment.
“Do STDs disappear?” isn’t the right question. A better question would be, “What happens if STDs are not treated?” The best course of action is to consult your doctor if you suspect you have an STD.
Below, we discuss which STDs are curable and which are not.
Which STDs are Curable?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are more than 30 different types of viruses and bacteria that can be transmitted through sexual contact. Of these 30, eight are behind the most common STDs. And of these eight, only four are can be cured.
The four curable STDs include the following:
- Syphilis
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Trichomoniasis
Just because these STDs are curable, however, does not mean they do not inflict significant harm on those who have been infected. If you've contracted an STD you will need to take antibiotics and antiviral medication, all of which have their own potential side effects; not to mention the embarrassment and stigma you may experience from being infected.
What STDs Can’t Be Cured?
Certain STDs remain with the host for the rest of their life. With these STDs, you can only manage your symptoms; you cannot cure them.
The four incurable STDs include the following:
Why STDs Are So Prevalent
The main reason why STD transmissions are still so prevalent is that many of them do not display visible symptoms. This means that the person carrying the infection may not even know they have it.
This is why it’s so important for every sexually active adult to undergo regular STD testing so they can be sure of their status. In California, it’s against the law not to inform a sexual partner of an STD they know they have, or should reasonably know they have.
Received an Unexpected STD? We’re Here to Help
If you received an unexpected STD transmission from a sexual partner who did not inform you that you were at risk of infection, you may be able to file an STD lawsuit against them for your pain and suffering.
At KMD Law, we can help you seek justice against your perpetrator while protecting your privacy. We know the physical, emotional, and financial turmoil that accompanies an STD. We want to help you move forward after this injustice.
Contact us today at (833) 456-3529 to schedule a consultation with our team.
