Focus 1
What happens during STD treatment?
- 01
Confirm the diagnosis
Review the result, test method, body site and whether confirmation or testing for other infections is needed.
- 02
Receive infection-specific treatment
Use only the current clinician-prescribed antibiotic, antiviral or other management plan; not every STD is treated the same way.
- 03
Discuss partners and protection
Ask who should be notified, tested or treated and what protection to use during the treatment period.
- 04
Leave with written instructions
Know every dose, expected response, important side effects, when sexual activity may resume and the follow-up date.
Source: CDC — About chlamydiaCDC — About gonorrhoeaCDC — About genital herpes
Focus 2
What happens after treatment?
After treatment, follow the clinician's instructions until the course and any advised waiting period are complete. Follow-up checks symptoms, partner care and whether repeat testing or longer-term management is needed.
- 01
Complete treatment exactly
Take every prescribed dose and do not stop early simply because symptoms improve.
- 02
Follow sexual-activity guidance
Wait for the clinician's advised point and until relevant partners have completed care; use barriers as directed.
- 03
Attend follow-up or repeat testing
Some infections need a test of cure, repeat screening or ongoing antiviral management.
- 04
Return if symptoms persist
Seek review for ongoing discharge, sores, pain, fever, new symptoms or possible re-exposure.
Source: CDC — Getting tested for STDsCDC — About chlamydiaCDC — About gonorrhoeaCDC — About genital herpesCDC — Clinical guidance for PrEP