There is no single “STD treatment.” Care depends on which infection is present, where it is, pregnancy or other health factors, and current resistance or treatment guidance. A clinician uses testing, an exam, and your history to choose treatment.
A common misconception
There is no single treatment that fits every STI. CDC treatment guidance is organized by infection and clinical circumstance, so an online symptom list cannot safely choose a medicine for you.
What treatment can and cannot do
CDC says all STIs are treatable with medicine and some are curable entirely. The treatment depends on which infection is present and your clinical circumstances. Treatment does not make a future exposure impossible.
Do not choose a treatment from an online symptom list. Ask a healthcare professional which medicine and follow-up fit your diagnosis.
What happens after a positive test
Take prescribed medicine exactly as directed and ask when sexual contact can safely resume. Your clinician may recommend partner evaluation and follow-up testing. Some infections have specific retesting or test-of-cure instructions; these depend on the diagnosis and site.
If symptoms persist or return, contact the clinician who treated you. Do not assume that persistent symptoms mean you need a larger dose or a second drug without evaluation.
If symptoms continue
Contact the clinician who treated you if symptoms persist or return. Tell the clinician about allergies and medicines you take so treatment can be chosen safely.
Sources and update note
Checked September 29, 2026. This guide uses the CDC STI Treatment Guidelines and CDC Getting Tested for STIs. Treatment guidance changes, so use current CDC or local public-health guidance and your clinician’s instructions.
Community option
Peer support may help with disclosure and dating after you have a treatment plan. PositiveSingles is a separate community option and not medical care. Links may be affiliate links, and the operator discloses that the operator’s mother is employed by PositiveSingles.