STI Treatment Basics
Most sexually transmitted infections are treatable with medication. Many are completely curable. Here's what you need to know about common treatments.
Curable STIs
Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis; Trichomoniasis (a parasite)
- Treatment: Antibiotics (often single dose or short course)
- Cure rate: Varies by infection and regimen; take all prescribed medicine
- Follow-up: Chlamydia and gonorrhea: retest in 3 months; follow your provider’s plan for other infections
- Important: For chlamydia or gonorrhea, wait 7 days after single-dose treatment or until a 7-day course is complete, symptoms resolve, and partners have been treated. Other infections have different instructions
Viral STIs (Manageable)
Herpes, HIV, HPV, Hepatitis B
- Treatment: Medicines help control HIV, herpes, and some hepatitis B infections. HPV treatment addresses warts or other problems, not the virus itself
- Outcomes: HIV and herpes persist; many HPV and acute hepatitis B infections clear naturally
- Follow-up: Monitoring and medicine depend on the infection and your health
- Support: Many people with viral STIs live full, healthy lives with proper care
Treatment basics by infection
A simple, plain-language overview of how each common STI is treated.
Chlamydia
- Treated with antibiotics
- Usually cured with medicine
Gonorrhea
- Treated with antibiotics
- Usually cured with medicine
Syphilis
- Treated with antibiotics
- Early treatment can cure the infection
HIV
- Treated with daily medication
- Medicine helps people live long, healthy lives
Herpes (HSV)
- Treated with antiviral medication
- Medicine helps reduce outbreaks and symptoms
HPV
- There is no cure for the virus
- Treatments are available for warts and other health problems it may cause
Hepatitis B
- Some people recover without treatment
- Others may need medication to manage the infection
Hepatitis C
- Treated with medication
- Most people can be cured with treatment
Trichomoniasis (Trich)
- Treated with antibiotics
- Usually cured with medicine
For more detail on any infection, see the CDC STI information pages.
HIV Support
With effective treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives. A person who gets and keeps an undetectable viral load does not transmit HIV through sex. This does not mean zero risk through shared injection equipment or breastfeeding.
Treatment & Care
Antiretroviral therapy (ART)
- Daily medication: Most regimens are a single pill once a day
- U=U: Undetectable equals untransmittable: taking treatment and maintaining viral suppression prevents sexual transmission of HIV. CDC U=U guidance
- Same-day start: Many clinics begin ART the day of diagnosis
Prevention
PrEP & PEP
- PrEP: A daily pill or long-acting injection that prevents HIV in people who are HIV-negative — find a PrEP provider near you
- PEP: Emergency medicine that must start within 72 hours of a possible HIV exposure. Contact a provider, urgent care, or an emergency department now; sooner is better
- Free programs: Many patients qualify for no-cost PrEP through assistance programs
Hepatitis C Info
Hepatitis C is now curable for nearly everyone. Modern direct-acting antiviral medications clear the virus in 8 to 12 weeks with very few side effects.
Curable with DAAs
Direct-acting antivirals
- Cure rate: Over 95% of people are cured
- Short course: Usually 8–12 weeks of daily medicine; pill count depends on the regimen
- No barrier: Active substance use is not a reason to be denied treatment
Getting Treated
Access & follow-up
- Confirm first: A positive antibody test (a blood test) is followed by an RNA test (a blood test) for active infection
- Coverage: Medicaid and most insurance plans cover DAA treatment
- Reinfection: You can be re-treated if exposed again after a cure
Pregnancy & STIs
STI testing and treatment during pregnancy protects both you and your baby. Many STIs can be passed to a baby during pregnancy or delivery, but treatment greatly reduces that risk.
When to Test
Screening schedule
- First visit: Screen for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and C; chlamydia and gonorrhea testing depends on age and risk
- Third trimester: Repeat syphilis testing for everyone; repeat HIV testing if at higher risk
- At delivery: Syphilis testing recommended before leaving the hospital
Protecting Your Baby
Treatment in pregnancy
- Safe treatment: Pregnancy-safe medications are available for most STIs
- Congenital syphilis: Early treatment with penicillin prevents it almost entirely
- HIV: Treatment dramatically lowers the chance of passing HIV to your baby
PEP: Emergency medicine that must start within 72 hours of a possible HIV exposure. Contact a provider, urgent care, or an emergency department now; sooner is better. Learn about HIV PEP.
Treatment is Free or Low-Cost
Ask a health unit or clinic about free or low-cost treatment, eligibility, and costs. Tell them about your situation, including:
Many plans cover recommended preventive STI screening without a copay when eligibility and network requirements are met. Diagnostic tests, treatment, or out-of-network visits may cost extra. Ask your plan and clinic before the visit. Coverage details
Quick Things to Know
Start with your treatment plan. Take medicine as prescribed. Tell your provider about allergies, other medicines, and possible pregnancy. Ask about partners, when to have sex again, and follow-up tests.
Watch for symptoms
Many STIs cause no symptoms, so you may not know you have one. Testing is the best way to protect your health. Watch for unusual discharge, sores, itching, or pain or burning when you urinate. Contact a provider if you notice changes.
Allergies & other conditions
Some medications aren't safe for everyone. Always tell your provider about any allergies, especially to medications. Also mention any medical conditions or other medicines you take, so they can choose the safest treatment.
Follow-up matters
Take all medication exactly as prescribed and follow your provider's instructions. You may need follow-up testing to confirm the infection is gone or being managed.
Partners & pregnancy
Be honest with partners and encourage them to get tested. Follow your provider’s waiting period before sex, including after a single dose and until partners are treated. If you are or might be pregnant, tell your provider — early testing and treatment protect both you and your baby.
Hotlines & Chat
Free, confidential help by phone or online. Available hours vary by service.
Planned Parenthood National Sexual Health Hotline
Call to be directed to a Planned Parenthood near you. Counseling for STDs, pregnancy, and other sexual health issues. Mon–Fri or as local center hours permit.
1-800-230-PLAN (7526)CDC-INFO
Answers to questions about personal health issues, including HIV and other STDs. Available Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Central, excluding federal holidays. English and Spanish available.
1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)TTY: 1-888-232-6348
ASHA STD Hotline
Anonymous, confidential information on STDs and how to prevent them, plus referrals to clinical and other services. Available in English.
1-919-361-8488The Trevor Lifeline
Support for LGBTQ young people going through a difficult time or feeling suicidal. Someone to listen without judgment, 24 hours a day.
1-866-4-U-TREVOR (1-866-488-7386)Chat online
The STI Project
An aggregator of national hotlines, chatlines, support groups, and other resources for people affected by STIs.
Visit websiteFind Testing in Arkansas
Free, confidential STI and HIV testing sites across Arkansas, with the statewide health-unit directory — or enter a ZIP code in the CDC locator.
Find a testing siteSAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information for substance use and mental health, in English and Spanish.
1-800-662-HELP (4357)Curated Support Resources
Find trusted organizations, hotlines, and online resources for ongoing support and information.
CDC STI Information & Fact Sheets
Evidence-based information about every STI — symptoms, testing, and treatment — with printable fact sheets for each infection.
Visit websiteArkansas Department of Health
State-level STI/HIV prevention resources, clinic locator, and public health information.
Visit websitePlanned Parenthood
STI testing, treatment, and education. Multiple locations across Arkansas with sliding-scale fees.
Find a centerI Want The Kit
At-home STI testing for eligible locations and ages. Check current eligibility and whether a kit can be shipped to your Arkansas address before ordering.
Check kit eligibilityAmerican Sexual Health Association
Plain-language fact sheets, FAQs, and support resources for people living with STIs.
Browse resourcesOffice on Women’s Health Fact Sheets
Eleven printable fact sheets, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, trichomoniasis, viral hepatitis, PID, and STIs in pregnancy — in English and Spanish, from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Get fact sheetsGuide to Sexual Well-Being
A plain-language guide for patients and clinicians from the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care. Print copies can be ordered free of charge (English only).
Get the guideMarch of Dimes
Information about STIs during pregnancy, congenital infections, and prenatal care.
Learn moreThe Well Project
Support, education, and community for women living with HIV. Peer-led resources.
Join communityFindTreatment.gov
SAMHSA's confidential locator for substance use and mental health treatment across Arkansas and nationwide. Free, no sign-in.
Find treatmentPrint this guide
Print or save this page to have the treatment basics, hotlines and resources on hand when you need them.