PRIVATE CARE GUIDE
Treatment is selected for the infection—not the symptom
Treatment may involve antibiotics, antiviral management, vaccination advice, symptom care or specialist referral. The exact choice depends on a confirmed or strongly suspected diagnosis, the infected site, pregnancy, allergies, recent treatment and signs of complications.
Private consultation
What types of treatment are used?
There is no universal STD medicine. Bacterial infections may require antibiotics; viral infections may need antivirals or ongoing specialist care; vaccines help prevent selected infections; complications can require urgent or specialist treatment.
Antibiotics
Used for specific bacterial infections. Choice matters because resistance, pregnancy and the infection site can change the regimen.
Antivirals
May shorten or suppress outbreaks, reduce viral activity or form part of long-term specialist care, depending on the virus.
Vaccination
Can help prevent HPV and hepatitis B in eligible people, but is not a substitute for treating a diagnosed infection.
Referral
Severe symptoms, pregnancy, neurological or eye involvement, pelvic inflammatory disease and suspected treatment failure may need specialist care.
Why avoid self-treating with leftover antibiotics?
The wrong antibiotic may not treat the infection, may delay diagnosis and contributes to antimicrobial resistance. Gonorrhoea is a particular resistance concern. A clinician needs the result, exposure site and relevant history before choosing care.
What should I know before I leave?
Ask what is being treated, how and when to take the medicine, common effects, interactions, what to do after a missed dose, how long to avoid sex, who else needs care, when to retest and how to get help if symptoms persist.
- The diagnosis and any additional tests
- The treatment goal and alternatives
- Written medicine instructions
- Partner and sexual-activity guidance
- Expected improvement and warning signs
- A follow-up or retesting plan
Medical sources
CONTINUE THE GUIDE
Private consultation
Discuss the result and next step privately.
Treatment may involve antibiotics, antiviral management, vaccination advice, symptom care or specialist referral. The exact choice depends on a confirmed or strongly suspected diagnosis, the infected site, pregnancy, allergies, recent treatment and signs of complications.