What STIs are curable?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can feel like a tricky topic to navigate, but understanding them is key to taking control of your sexual health. Whether you're dealing with a specific STI or just want to stay informed, this guide will break down the most common STIs and highlight which ones are treatable and preventable.

If you’re looking for fast, discreet, and judgement-free STI treatment, Hey Jane offers care for people experiencing Herpes outbreaks and trying to prevent future ones. To learn more, click here.

‍

Chlamydia 

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that’s super common but often doesn’t cause symptoms. It spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with a partner who has the infection. It’s completely treatable with a short course (typically one week) of antibiotics—such as doxycycline or azithromycin—prescribed by a health care provider. To prevent chlamydia, consistent condom use and regular STI screenings can help make sure both you and your partner(s) are protected. Make sure to get tested in all the places you have sex as you can get these infections in your throat, genitals or your rectum.

‍

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea (aka “the clap”) is another common bacterial infection that often flies under the radar without symptoms. Like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea can cause serious complications if left untreated, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). It spreads through sexual contact, but it can also be transmitted during childbirth if delivering vaginally. The good news is gonorrhea is treatable with an injectable antibiotic known as ceftriaxone (Ceftrisol Plus or Rocephin). Your provider will also likely treat you for Chlamydia, unless you test negative for it, as the infections often happen together. You can lower your risk of getting gonorrhea by using condoms and getting regular STI testing. 

‍

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that progresses in stages, starting with painless, open sores to more severe complications, like neurosyphilis, if left untreated. It spreads through direct contact with a syphilis sore during oral, vaginal, or anal sex and can also be passed to a fetus during pregnancy. The infection is completely curable with an antibiotic—usually penicillin—but early treatment is crucial. It can be harder to treat when it goes past the early stages, and any damage the syphilis does cannot be undone. Like chlamydia and gonorrhea, preventive measures for syphilis include consistent condom use and routine STI checks. 

‍

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection with over 100 strains, some causing genital warts or increasing cancer risk. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact during sex, even without penetration. Several strains are directly linked to certain types of cervical, throat, oral and rectal cancers. While there’s no cure for the virus itself, many cases will clear on their own, and treatments are available for warts or abnormal cells caused by HPV. Prevention is possible with the highly effective HPV vaccine and condom use. 

‍

Genital and oral herpes

Herpes, caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2, leads to outbreaks of sores or blisters. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact, including kissing, oral sex, genital contact, and from mother to child during birth. While herpes is not curable, antiviral medications—such as acyclovir (Sitavig and Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), and famciclovir (Famvir)—are first-line treatments that can help manage outbreaks and reduce the risk of spreading. If you’re experiencing any pain from your sores, you can take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), or aspirin (Bayer) for pain relief. When it comes to prevention, condoms are your best bet for lowering your risk. However, they often don’t cover enough skin to prevent the spread of herpes.

If you have been diagnosed with herpes, Hey Jane’s clinicians can prescribe medications to help treat HSV-1 and HSV-2 outbreaks. If eligible, you’ll have a consultation—entirely virtually via text, chat, phone, or video call—with one of our providers before being prescribed FDA-approved herpes medications. The prescription is sent to your local pharmacy for fast, easy pickup so you can start feeling better ASAP. Fill out our quick intake form to get started with herpes treatment with Hey Jane.

‍

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system and, if untreated, can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It spreads through bodily fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluids, anal fluids or breast milk. Although there’s no cure, antiretroviral therapy (ART) allows people with HIV to live long, healthy lives and lower the virus to undetectable levels that you can’t transmit to another person. You can lower your chances of getting HIV by getting on PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), using condoms, and getting PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) if you believe you’ve been exposed to the virus or have had unprotected sex with someone whose HIV status is unknown.

‍

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, or simply “trich,” is a parasitic infection that’s more common than you might think. It is typically found in the vagina, but it’s also possible for urine tests to pick up trich that has infected the penis. Luckily, it’s treatable with a single dose of antibiotics, such as metronidazole (Flagyl), tinidazole (Tindamax), or secnidazole (Solosec). To prevent trich, use condoms and get tested regularly—especially since many people don’t show symptoms. 

‍

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that spreads through bodily fluids, such as semen or rectal secretions (like mucus or pus), that affects your liver. Most people have just a short-term infection that may clear on its own, but for others, it may become chronic and cause severe liver damage. The recommended way to prevent Hep B is to get the vaccine, but you should also use condoms, avoid sharing personal items that may have been exposed to blood (i.e., razors, needles, toothbrushes, etc.), and get prophylactic treatment (Hep B vaccine or immune globulin) if you believe you’ve been exposed to the infection.

‍

Taking charge of your sexual health can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Understanding STIs and how to prevent or treat them is a great first step. Whether you’re looking for information, testing options, or telehealth care, Hey Jane is here to support you every step of the way. Schedule a free consultation—available by phone, chat, video call, or text—to discuss your reproductive health needs here.