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Which STIs can be cured and which can only be managed?

Bacterial and parasitic STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and trichomoniasis are usually curable with treatment, while viral STIs such as herpes, HIV and HPV can be managed but not cured.

Ces informations sont fournies à titre indicatif uniquement et ne constituent pas un avis médical. Consultez toujours un professionnel de santé qualifié pour toute préoccupation médicale personnelle. En cas d'urgence, appelez votre numéro d'urgence local.

STIs fall into two broad groups. Bacterial and parasitic infections - chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and trichomoniasis - are generally curable with the right course of treatment prescribed by a clinician. It is important to finish the full course, avoid sex until cleared, and ensure partners are treated to prevent reinfection.

Viral STIs behave differently. Genital herpes and HIV are lifelong but very manageable: herpes outbreaks can be reduced and HIV, with modern treatment, can be controlled so well that the virus becomes undetectable and untransmittable. Most HPV infections clear on their own, but some persist; the virus itself isn't cured, though warts and abnormal cell changes can be treated. Hepatitis C is now curable with newer medicines, while hepatitis B is usually managed long-term.

The right treatment depends entirely on the specific infection. Never attempt to self-treat - see a licensed doctor or pharmacist for diagnosis, the correct prescription and follow-up.

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