Handwritten question: Can an STI go away if you have it?
A real question from a young person, submitted anonymously.

Can an STI go away if you have it?

Sexual Health

It depends on which it is. Some can be cured, some can't, but all of them can be treated.

STIs like , , and are bacterial. They can be cured with antibiotics. You take the treatment, the infection clears up, and it's gone.

STIs like and are viral and can't be cured. But they can be managed with medication. People with HIV who take their medication live long, healthy lives, and herpes outbreaks can be controlled with treatment.

Either way, getting tested is the important bit. A lot of STIs have no obvious symptoms, so you might have one and not know. Testing is free and confidential at any .

Some can be cured and some can't. It depends on which one it is.

STIs caused by bacteria, like and , can be cured with antibiotics. You take the medicine, and the infection goes away.

STIs caused by viruses, like and , can't be cured. But they can be controlled with medicine. People with HIV take daily tablets and live normal, healthy lives. Herpes can be managed so outbreaks happen less often.

The important thing is to get tested. Many STIs have no symptoms, so you might not know you have one. Testing is free and private at any .

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