Section 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.
Treatment is not identical for every infection or every person. Pregnancy, allergies, kidney or liver conditions, other medicines and the body site involved can change the plan. Before leaving the appointment, confirm what to do if a dose is missed, which side effects require urgent advice and how partners can access appropriate testing or treatment without sharing your medicine.
Source: CDC — About chlamydiaCDC — About gonorrhoeaCDC — About genital herpes
Section 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.
The waiting period and follow-up test depend on the infection, medicine, pregnancy status, symptoms and exposure site. Do not apply one universal number of days to every diagnosis. Some people need a test of cure, while others are advised to repeat screening later because reinfection is common. Follow the written plan from the clinician who reviewed the result.
Source: CDC — Getting tested for STDsCDC — About chlamydiaCDC — About gonorrhoeaCDC — About genital herpesCDC — Clinical guidance for PrEP