Treatments and Medication for Herpes, HPV, HIV, and Other STIs

Medication to treat a sexually transmitted infection (STI) depends on the type of infection you have. The only person who can determine the appropriate treatment is a healthcare provider. Most infections are treated with a prescription medication. For example, chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics, while herpes can be managed (though not eliminated) with antiviral medication.

STI treatment is individual and may be adjusted for any other issues that affect your overall physical health. Given the potential consequences of untreated STIs and the risk of passing them on to others, early and accurate treatment is important.

This article discusses some of the medications used to treat sexually transmitted infections and whether or not lifestyle changes and home remedies can help.

Antibiotics for Bacterial STIs

STIs caused by bacterial infections include syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. These diseases are curable when treated with the right antibiotics. Your healthcare provider will determine the course of treatment based on local and current rates of antibiotic resistance.

Resistance can be a consequence of people failing to take their antibiotics correctly and, in particular, is a growing problem for gonorrhea infections across the globe.

Antibiotics used to treat bacterial STIs may be administered as a single injection or pill or a course of pills taken over several days.

The antibiotic prescribed typically depends on the bacteria behind the infection. Here are common antibiotics prescribed for different infections:

• Chlamydia: Zithromax (azithromycin), Vibramycin (doxycycline)
• Gonorrhea: Rocephin (ceftriaxone) or, if allergic to it, Gentak (gentamicin) plus azithromycin
• Syphilis: Penicillin G or, if allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics such as doxycycline, Sumycin (tetracycline), Moxatag (amoxicillin), and ceftriaxone
• Chancroid: Azithromycin, ceftriaxone, Cipro (ciprofloxacin)

The CDC recommends taking a single 200 milligram (mg) dose of the antibiotic doxycycline within 24 to 72 hours of having unprotected sex. This can help prevent bacterial STIs.

If you are being treated for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, or chancroid, healthcare providers will generally advise you to wait one week after completing treatment before having sex. With syphilis, you should not have sex until a follow-up blood test confirms that the infection has cleared.

Antiviral Medications for STIs

STIs caused by viruses include herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV. These are usually treated with oral antiviral or antiretroviral medications. Most viral STIs can be managed but do not have cures.

Both herpes and HIV are currently life-long infections, but that may change with new research.

There are several medications available by prescription for the treatment of viral STIs:

• Herpes: Acyclovir, famciclovir, valacyclovir
• Hepatitis B: Interferon alpha-2b or pegylated interferon, adefovir, entecavir, tenofovir, lamivudine
  
• HIV/AIDS: Antiretroviral medications are used to treat HIV and AIDS. The proper medication for you will depend on the stage of your condition. Prescriptions used to treat HIV and AIDS include enfuvirtide (T20), emtricitabine, tenofovir, abacavir, rilpivirine, etravirine, efavirenz, dolutegravir, elvitegravir, tipranavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, darunavir, maraviroc, and ibalizumab.

STIs That Don’t Always Require Medication

Some viral STIs, such as HPV, aren't treated at all unless they cause problems. With HPV, most infections go away on their own within two years.

However, problems such as genital warts or cervical dysplasia may need treatment, so you should continue to be monitored by a healthcare provider if you have or have had HPV. Some topical medications that may be used to treat HPV include:

• Condylox (podofilox)
• Zyclara (imiquimod)
• Veregen (sinecatechins)

OTC Medications for STIs

While most viral STI treatments are available by prescription only, some OTC remedies are sometimes recommended:

• Herpes: Abreva (docosanol) is an OTC cream that can help shorten the duration of an outbreak of symptomatic oral herpes caused by HSV-1. In addition, oral pain relievers, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, and topical pain relievers can make you more comfortable during a herpes flare-up. 
• HIV/AIDS: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can relieve headaches and body aches, while topical creams containing capsaicin may ease peripheral neuropathy pain.

Home Remedies to Treat STIs

Following a healthy diet, reducing stress, getting moderate exercise, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco can help keep you feeling your best and reduce outbreaks of symptoms from viral STIs.

Home remedies for STIs depend on symptoms:

• Herpes: Apply a cold compress to the area during an outbreak; do not touch or scratch sores, keep sores clean; and reduce stress to prevent reoccurrences.
• Hepatitis B: Take care of your liver by avoiding alcohol and being careful about the use of medications that can harm the liver, such as acetaminophen. 
• HIV/AIDS: Because HIV can impact your immune system, it is important to stay up-to-date with vaccinations.

Surgical and Medical Procedures for STIs

Medical and surgical procedures are sometimes recommended for the treatment of viral STIs:

• HPV: Procedures to remove HPV genital warts include cryotherapy (freezing), electrocautery (burning), interferon injection into warts, laser treatment, and surgery.
• Hepatitis: In some cases, significant liver damage can occur from hepatitis infections, and a liver transplant may be needed.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for STIs

If you have a viral STI, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any herbal medicines or nutritional supplements to ensure doing so is safe given any other medications you may be taking.

There are a few complementary treatments that are being explored for the treatment of certain viral STIs:

• Herpes: Propolis, a sticky substance bees produce from tree sap, is found to speed the healing of herpes lesions. Algae extract is being studied as a possible herpes treatment. Some people also find relief from herpes pain with acupuncture. 
• HIV/AIDS: Medical marijuana may help with pain, reduce nausea, and stimulate your appetite. (Check your state laws regarding medical marijuana.) In addition, yoga and meditation can help ease pain and alleviate feelings of stress and depression that often come with an HIV diagnosis.
  

Summary

Medications used to treat STIs vary depending on which infection you have. If the infection is caused by a bacteria, your healthcare provider will prescribe an antibiotic. If it's caused by a virus, your healthcare provider may prescribe an antiviral medication, though these are typically used to manage the infection since most viral STIs can't be cured.

You should not try to treat an STI on your own or avoid seeking treatment. Untreated STIs can cause long-term problems like infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and even life-threatening health problems.