November 8, 2017

Curable Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Curable STDs

Curable STDS: Which STDs Stay And Which STDs Go?

There are many types of sexually transmitted diseases, some are easily curable with over the counter antibiotics that can be prescribed by a physician, while others have no known cure. Some individuals mistakenly believe STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are different classes of infections (one being curable vs. the other incurable), but this is incorrect; the two are synonymous.

Why Are Some STDs Curable And Others Not?

The differences between STDs that can be cured and those that cannot lies in their biology. Bacterial infections, which make up largest percentage of STD cases yearly, can be targeted and with broad spectrum antibiotics. Bacterial infections are relatively easy to treat and by following a prescribed STD treatment regimen and avoiding re-introduction to the bacteria, full eradication of the infection will be achieved.

Viral infections on the other hand follow a completely different set of rules. Infections such as Herpes, HIV, HPV, and Hepatitis have no known cures and often times interact differently from individual to individual. Sometimes these viral infections can lay dormant for years, even decades, while other times flare ups and visible signs of infection may happen rapidly.

Science still has more learn about the intricacies of viral infections and how the human body’s immune system interacts with these intruders. Healthy immune systems have been known to naturally neutralize and rid the body of certain infections (such as HPV).

List Of Curable STDs

The following sexually transmitted diseases can be cured:

  • Chlamydia – One of the most common STDs that females are at a higher risk for and can easily be treated with a prescribed round of antibiotics.
  • Gonorrrhea – The most common sexually transmitted infection, gonorrhea can be effectively treated with over the counter antibiotics.
  • Syphilis – caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, Syphilis is a highly contagious STD that should be treated early to prevent spread and damage throughout the body.
  • Trichomoniasis – a STD caused by a parasite that can be treated with a full round of antibiotics.
  • Scabies – scabies are skin mites that can dwell in your bedding, sheets and on your clothes and can be treated with prescription soap or shampoo.
  • Pubic Lice/Crabs – pubic lice can also be treated with prescription soap or shampoo and can infest bedding, sheets and clothing.

List Of Incurable STDs

The following STDs currently have no known cure:

  • Oral Herpes – HSV-1 or oral herpes is the virus that causes cold sores most often, although herpes of the mouth can also occur as a result of HSV-2.
  • Genital Herpes – HSV-2 or genital herpes causes painful open sores around the regions of infection.
  • HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) – HIV, the precursor to AIDS, is an infection that reduces the body’s ability to fight off infections. Although HIV cannot be cured, if caught early enough it can be treated and AIDS can be pushed off.
  • HPV – HPV, or the human papillomavirus comes in hundreds of different variant strains. Some of these strains are responsible for genital warts, an unsightly condition of warts occurring on the genital region. Other strains can cause cervical cancer in women.
  • Chronic Hepatitis B & C (HBV & HCV) – After the initial stages of Hepatitis infection, chronic hepatitis sets in (within 6 months of initial infection) and the virus stays around for life.

List Of STDs The Human Body Has Been Observed Curing Itself

With a healthy immune system, the human has body has been known to cure:

  • Molluscum contagiosum – This viral STD has been documented to clear itself in the human body within 4-18 months of initial infection, although some cases can go up to 5 years.
  • HPV – – the human papilloma virus has been known to clear the body within 2 years of initial infection.
  • Hepatitis A (HAV) – Initial infections of the Hepatitis A virus can be cleared by the body within 6 months and should be immunized against if you qualify as at risk for HAV.
  • Acute Hepatitis B (HBV) – Initial infections of the Hepatitis B virus can also be cleared 6 months within entering the body.
  • Acute Hepatitis C (HCV) – 20% of Hepatitis C infections clear themselves, while the remainder develop chronic HCV, which never leaves the body.

Although there are differences between incurable and curable STDS, one thing remains the same between them. Getting a STD test early and identifying an infection before it has time to spread and damage the body’s internals is crucial to maintaining your sexual health.