What you should Do if Tested Positive with an STI?

Medical science has improved significantly in the present times to prevent many STIs (sexually transmitted infections). Yet a large number of people suffer from these diseases. Doctors associated with a sexual health clinic in London emphasise on spreading awareness about these diseases or infections to bring down the number of casualties. The majority of STIs have specific treatments and many of them are completely curable.

The doctors associated with the STI Clinic London further add that if an STI is not curable, there are ways to ensure it does not create major complications down the timeline.

But what should you do if you test positive with an STI?

Let’s explore the options in the following paragraphs.

• Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia: 

Both these sexually transmitted diseases hardly exhibit any symptom. Thus, it’s very difficult to know you are infected with either of the infections. Considering this factor, doctors point out that getting tested is the crucial step to receive treatment for the two infections. On being tested positive, a doctor prescribes a dose of antibiotics to clear out the infection. These medicines are widely available across both health centres and pharmacies. It is important to avoid having sex for the following few days while you’re on those antibiotics. If you have sexual intercourse at this stage, you are more likely to pass on the infection to your partner(s). The infection may also not get cleared away as a result. Medication is also provided for your partner or they may be asked to visit the clinic and get tested. After the course of the medicines gets over, you’ll have to reappear at the clinic for a repeat test to ensure the infection is indeed cleared away.

• Syphilis: 

Syphilis patients are given a shot of an antibiotic medicine to get them cured. You should avoid sex after being tested positive of Syphilis till getting the shot. Your partner(s) may also require to get tested or get the shot directly depending on the doctor’s decision.

• Herpes: 

Unlike the STIs mentioned above, Herpes is incurable. Once you have it, you have it for the rest of your life. However, there are specific medications available to heal up your sores. Your doctor will also prescribe medicines that will reduce the risk of your partner from getting infected with the disease. In fact, Herpes is usually not life-threatening. But certain varieties of these germs increase your chances of developing HIV infection. A pregnant woman can also pass on the infection to her child in the womb. In such cases, you should always consult your doctor about protecting your baby from the sexually transmitted infection.

• HIV (AIDS): 

Unfortunately an HIV infection cannot be cured. But medicines are available that slow down HIV progression. These days, doctors are prescribing PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis medications to prevent people at high risks of developing HIV from actually developing it. PEP or post-exposure prophylaxis medicines, on the other hand, are for them, who are diagnosed with HIV positive. But you’ve to take the PEP medicines within 72 hours of getting infected with the virus.
Considering the steadily increasing cases of STIs in the present-day society, you should better not be careless. Practice safe sex by using condoms. Try not to switch sexual partners frequently. There are many clinics that offer same day STD checks in London. Get yourself tested for common STIs at any such clinic at regular intervals.