Can STDs Be Cured?

Dr. Leonard Leng of ATA Medical Singapore.

Authored By: Dr. Leonard Leng.
Last updated: 13 Aug 2024.

Some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be cured, while others cannot and can only be managed with treatment. Understanding which sexually transmitted infections (STI) are curable or not, and knowing the available treatment options, can help to reduce the risk of transmissions, complications, and long-term health impacts. The lifelong nature of some STDs makes this especially important for young adults, who have the highest incidence rates of STIs according to a 2017 Ministry of Health report, given that many infections can remain asymptomatic.

STD incidence rates in Singapore by age group.

Source: Ministry of Health (MOH)

Causes of STDs

STDs are infections that are caused by bacteria, viruses, or harmful microorganisms such as parasites. These can be transmitted through blood, saliva, semen, vaginal or bodily fluids, primarily during sexual contact.

Virus, bacteria, and harmful microorganisms causing STDs.

Curable and Incurable STDs

There are both curable and incurable STDs. STDs caused by bacteria can be cured if detected and treated early. Incurable STDs, typically caused by viral infections, can only be managed with treatments to alleviate the symptoms and reduce the viral load but cannot be fully eradicated. It is important to note that some STDs can remain dormant and not present with any symptoms.

Common Curable STDs

STD	Bacteria / Harmful Microorganism	Common Treatment
Chlamydia	Chlamydia trachomatis	Antibiotics such as doxycycline, or erythromycin for individuals under 18 or who are pregnant.
Gonorrhoea	Neisseria gonorrhoeae	Antibiotics such as a combination of ceftriaxone and azithromycin, or doxycycline to treat potential chlamydial infection.
Syphilis	Treponema pallidum	Antibiotics such as penicillin injections.
Trichomoniasis	Trichomonas vaginalis	Antibiotics such as metronidazole.

Common Incurable STDs

STD	Virus	Common Treatment
HIV	Human Immunodeficiency Virus	Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help maintain a low and undetectable viral load, preventing the progression to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDs).
Herpes	Herpes Simplex Virus (Type 1 & Type 2)	Oral antiviral medications such as valacyclovir and acyclovir can reduce the frequency, duration and severity of outbreaks.
HPV	Human Papillomavirus	While HPV cannot be cured through medication, the virus often goes away by itself in most cases. HPV vaccines can prevent certain virus strains and cervical cancer. Treatment is instead focused on managing associated symptoms like genital warts.
Hepatitis B	Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)	Antiviral medications such as entecavir and tenofovir can help fight against infection and slow liver damage. Hepatitis B vaccination also helps prevent infection.

Disclaimer: This information is for informational purposes and is not medical advice. This list does not represent an exhaustive list of treatments provided. Please consult your doctor for personalised medical advice.

It is important to seek treatment early if you suspect you have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection. At ATA Medical, we offer various screening packages to test for STDs starting at $58 NETT and inclusive of GST. Female and male doctors are available to administer the tests based on your preference.

Living With an Incurable STD

Living with an incurable STD requires ongoing medical care, lifestyle adjustments, psychological support, and open communication with partners. With regular medical check-ups and consistent adherence to prescribed treatments, it is possible to live a healthy life. Support groups and counselling services can provide additional emotional and practical assistance.

Summary

Understanding the curability of different STDs and the available treatment options is vital for effective management and prevention. While bacterial STDs can often be cured with antibiotics, viral STDs require ongoing management to control symptoms and prevent complications. Early detection and timely treatment are crucial in minimising the risk of transmission and long-term health effects. Staying informed about the nature of various STDs and seeking appropriate medical care can help individuals maintain better sexual health and lead a long, healthy life.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, some STDs caused by bacteria, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis, can be permanently cured with appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Bacterial STDs can fully go away with treatment, but viral STDs like herpes, hepatitis B, and HIV, cannot be cured and remain in the body, requiring ongoing management.

Bacterial STDs are typically curable with proper treatment. Viral STDs such as herpes, hepatitis B and HIV are not curable but can be managed to control symptoms and reduce complications.

HIV is often considered one of the most serious STDs due to its lifelong nature and impact on the immune system and the potential for progression to AIDS if untreated.

No, although viral STDs such as herpes, hepatitis B and HIV stay with you for life. Bacterial STDs can be completely cured with antibiotics.

Viral STDs such as HIV, herpes, HPV, and hepatitis B are not curable but can be managed with appropriate treatment.

If both partners are free from STDs and remain monogamous, the risk of contracting an STD is virtually nonexistent through sexual contact. However, if one partner is exposed to an STD outside the relationship, transmission can occur.

Some STDs, like bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, can cause an unusual or unpleasant vaginal odour, but not all STDs have a noticeable smell.

Most STDs are not transmitted through kissing. However, herpes simplex virus (HSV) can be spread through oral contact, including kissing.

STDs have existed for thousands of years, with various origins linked to different bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Their transmission typically occurs through sexual contact and has evolved alongside human behaviour and societal changes.

Condoms significantly reduce the risk of transmitting most STDs, but they are not 100% effective. They are most effective against STDs spread by bodily fluids, like HIV and gonorrhoea, and less so against those spread by skin-to-skin contact, like HPV and herpes.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STD worldwide. It often has no symptoms and can go away on its own, but certain strains can cause genital warts and cervical cancer.

HIV is often considered one of the most serious STDs due to its long-term health impact, potential progression to AIDS, and the lifelong requirement for antiretroviral therapy.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the easiest STDs to contract due to its high prevalence and the fact that it can be spread through skin-to-skin contact.

In Singapore, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis are the top 3 most sexually transmitted infections in 2018, according to a study done.