To preface, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) should always be properly evaluated and treated by a healthcare professional when possible. Yet, many STD cases go undiagnosed and unreported. STDs can affect individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations and can be passed during a sexual encounter or via other intimate contacts involving the mouth, anus, or genitals.
However, if an individual is suspicious that they may have a STD and they are curious to see what the common treatment for it may be, reference Table 1 below. The potential of contracting a STD can be frightening, so having slight peace of mind knowing what a potential treatment option may look like can be helpful.
Table 1 describes first-line treatment options for some of the more common STDs in the United States. Of note, Table 1 does not provide an exhaustive list of all STDs. Additionally, Table 1 only shows first-line treatment options. Many other treatment options may be utilized depending on allergies, insurance status, medication availability, and other patient-specific factors.
STDs and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), per the CDC, can be considered synonymous terms.
Note: hepatitis and HIV/AIDs treatment regimens are not included in Table 1 due to high levels of patient variability and treatment complexity.
Table 1: First-Line Treatment Regimens for Common STDs
| Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) | First-Line Treatment Description | Medication Name(s) |
| Chancroid | Pill and IM options available x 1 dose | Azithromycin (oral) or Ceftriaxone (IM) |
| Chlamydia | Pill and IV options available x 5 to 10 days (length depends on medicine and route) | Azithromycin (oral) or Doxycycline (oral/IV) |
| Gonorrhea | Combination therapy: Pill + IM injection x 1 dose each | Azithromycin (oral) + Ceftriaxone (IM) |
| Herpes simplex (genital) | Pills 2 to 3 times daily x 7 to 10 days | Acyclovir or Valacyclovir or Famciclovir |
| Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (external warts) | Cream or gel applied topically 2 to 3 times weekly x 16 weeks | Podofilox or Imiquimod or Sinecatechins |
| Pediculosis Pubis (“Crabs”) | Cream applied topically x 1 dose | Permethrin or Pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide |
| Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) (outpatient) | Combination therapy: pill(s) x 14 days + IM/IV injection x 1 dose | Ceftriaxone IV/IM + Doxycycline (oral) +/- Metronidazole (oral) |
| Proctitis (acute) | Combination therapy: IM injection x 1 dose + pills 2 times daily x 7 days | Ceftriaxone (IM) + Doxycycline (oral) |
| Scabies | Cream or oral pills/solution x 2 to 4 weeks | Permethrin or Ivermectin |
| Syphilis | Intramuscular injection x 1 dose | Benzathine Penicillin G (Bicillin LA) |
| Trichomoniasis | Pills x 1 dose | Metronidazole (Flagyl) or Tizanadole |
Other helpful STD resources from the CDC:
- United States STD Statistics
- Information for Adolescents and Young Adults
- Information for Gay, Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM)
- Resources for STDs During Pregnancy
- Spanish Language STD Resources
- Guidance and Resources During Disruption of STD Clinical Services
References:
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Last updated 4 November 2016. Accessed 26 July 2020.
- Chancroid. CDC 2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines. Last updated 4 June 2015. Accessed 26 July 2020.
- Chambers HF. Chlamydia (or Chlamydophila) psittaci. Sanford Guide Antimicrobial Therapy. Last updated 9 January 2019. Accessed 26 July 2020.
- Kim K. Gonorrhea: Urethritis, Cervicitis, Proctitis. Sanford Guide Antimicrobial Therapy. Last updated 8 April 2019. Accessed 26 July 2020.
- Kim K. Herpes simplex, Genital. Sanford Guide Antimicrobial Therapy. Last updated 28 August 2018. Accessed 26 July 2020.
- Kim K. Papillomavirus, Warts. Sanford Guide Antimicrobial Therapy. Last updated 20 May 2020. Accessed 26 July 2020.
- Ectoparasitic Infections. CDC 2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines. Last updated 4 June 2015. Accessed 26 July 2020.
- Kim K. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Sanford Guide Antimicrobial Therapy. Last updated 9 April 2019. Accessed 26 July 2020.
- Proctitis, Proctocolitis, and Enteritis. CDC 2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines. Last updated 4 June 2015. Accessed 26 July 2020.
- Saag MS. Scabies. Sanford Guide Antimicrobial Therapy. Last updated 11 September 2019. Accessed 26 July 2020.
- Kim K. Syphilis, Primary. Sanford Guide Antimicrobial Therapy. Last updated 12 September 2018. Accessed 26 July 2020.
- Trichomoniasis. CDC 2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines. Last updated 4 June 2015. Accessed 26 July 2020.
About The Author
