PRIVATE CARE FILE
STD infection guide: testing, treatment and follow-up
Each infection has a different assessment and follow-up pathway. Use this guide to prepare appointment questions; findings within a panel do not all need the same treatment.
Chlamydia
Often symptom-free. NAAT testing uses the relevant specimen; diagnosed infection is treated with clinician-selected antibiotics.
Follow-up: CDC generally recommends repeat testing around three months. Test-of-cure needs differ, particularly in pregnancy or with persistent symptoms.
Gonorrhoea
Genital, throat and rectal infections require appropriate site sampling. A clinician selects treatment with antibiotic resistance in mind.
Follow-up: throat infection generally needs a test of cure at 7–14 days under CDC guidance. Repeat testing around three months helps detect reinfection.
Syphilis
An early sore can be painless; symptoms can change or disappear. Blood results need clinical history and examination, sometimes with additional testing.
Follow-up: treatment depends on the stage, and follow-up blood tests assess response. Interpretation is more than a positive/negative label.
Genital herpes
Fresh sores can be assessed and swabbed. Antiviral treatment can relieve symptoms but does not remove the virus from the body.
Aftercare: avoid sexual contact during sores or warning symptoms and discuss outbreak management. Do not diagnose a rash from photographs.
HPV and genital warts
A clinician may diagnose warts by examination. Cervical HPV tests have specific uses; they are not a whole-body test for every exposure.
Aftercare: discuss wart treatment, vaccination and appropriate cervical screening where applicable. Do not apply ordinary wart removers to genital skin.
FAQ
Can a partner use the same prescription?+
Do not share medicines. A clinician should determine partner care based on the condition, allergies, pregnancy and other factors.
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