Fortunately, many sexually transmitted infections are easily treated with an antibiotic that your doctor can prescribe for you. It is important that you take all of the medication that your doctor prescribes for your infection, even if your symptoms improve. You should also avoid all sexual activity while you are taking the medication, and for 7 days after you have finished the medication. This helps to ensure that you’ve been completely treated for the infection and reduces the chance that you will pass it on to a partner. You should be tested again within 2-3 months, or sooner if you experience symptoms, to be sure that you haven’t been re-infected by a partner.
Some sexually transmitted infections such as HIV/AIDS, Genital Herpes, Hepatitis, and HPV cannot be treated by taking medication. Once you are infected, you will have that infection for the rest of your life, and can potentially pass the infection to others. Because these infections cannot be treated, it is very important that you protect yourself from exposure to sexually transmitted infections. If you are sexually active, the best way to prevent exposure to sexually transmitted infections is the use of condoms during every sexual encounter.