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More about Sexually Transmitted Diseases:
Definition Causes and symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Prognosis Prevention Resources |
A sexually active person who has symptoms of an STD or who has had an STD or symptoms of infection should be examined without delay by one of the following health care professionals:
- a specialist in women's health (gynecologist)
- a specialist in disorders of the urinary tract and the male sexual organs (urologist)
| Drugs Used To Treat STDS | |
| Brand Name (Generic Name) | Possible Common Side Effects Include: |
| Achromycin V (tetracyline hydrochloride) | Blurred vision, headache, dizziness, rash, hives, appetite loss, nausea and vomiting |
| Amoxil (amoxicillin) | Behaviorial changes, diarrhea, hives, nausea and vomiting |
| Ceftin (cerfuroxime axetil) | Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, irritated skin |
| Doryx (doxycycline hyclate) | Itching (genital and/or rectal), nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, diarrhea, swelling |
| E.E.S., E-Mycin, ERYC, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, | Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, abdominal pain |
| Ilosone (erthromycin) | |
| Flagyl (metronidazole) | Numbness, tingling sensation in extremities, seizures |
| Floxin (ofloxacin) | Genital itching, nausea and vomiting, headache, diarrhea, dizziness |
| Minocin (minocycline hydrochloride) | Blurred vision, anemia, hives, rash, throat irritation |
| Noroxin (norfloxacin) | Headache, nausea, dizziness |
| Omnipen (ampicillin) | Itching, rash, hives, peeling skin, nausea and vomiting |
| Penetrex (enoxacin) | Nausea and vomiting |
| Zithromax (azithromycin) | Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain |
| Zovirax (acyclovir) | Fluid retention, headache, rash, tingling sensation |
- a family physician
- a nurse practitioner
- a specialist in skin disorders (dermatologist)
The diagnostic process begins with a thorough physical examination and a detailed medical history that documents the patient's sexual history and assesses the risk of infection.
The doctor or other healthcare professional will:
- describe the testing process. (This includes all blood tests and other tests that may be relevant to the specific infection.)
- explain the meaning of the test results
- provide the patient with information regarding high-risk behaviors and any necessary treatments or procedures
The doctor may suggest that a patient diagnosed with one STD be tested for others, as it is possible to have more than one STD at a time. One infection may hide the symptoms of another or create a climate that fosters its growth. At present, it is particularly important that persons who are HIV-positive be tested for syphilis as well.
NotificationThe law in most parts of the United States requires public health officials to trace and contact the partners of persons with STDs. Minors, however, can get treatment without their parents' permission. Public health departments in most states can provide information about STD clinic locations; Planned Parenthood facilities provide testing and counseling. These agencies can also help with or assume the responsibility of notifying sexual partners who must be tested and may require treatment.
— Maureen Haggerty
