Guide to Treatment-Resistant STDs for Active Adults

Reading Time: 2 min

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be a source of stigma and embarrassment, and, unfortunately, this often keeps people from getting the care they need to stay healthy.

Our providers at All Day Medical Care Clinic offer STD testing in a safe and judgment-free environment. And, while sexual health may not be easy to talk about, you can be assured that you’ll find kindness, compassion, and professionalism during every visit.

If you engage in any sexual activity, whether it’s oral, vaginal, or anal, here’s what you need to know about treatment-resistant STDs and how to avoid them.

What makes an STD “treatment-resistant”

To start, a wide range of diseases and infections spread through sexual contact. They typically fall into two categories: curable and incurable. 

Generally speaking, medicines can often cure STDs that are caused by bacteria, yeast, or parasites. Examples of these infections include:

  • Syphilis
  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • Trichomoniasis

STDs considered incurable often develop because of a virus. Those infections stay in the body forever, but the virus can become dormant (no longer active). Viral STDs include hepatitis B, herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

While this breakdown is fairly straightforward, a new challenge has emerged in recent years. Some STDs that once responded to antibiotic drugs have become increasingly resistant to them. 

This change, known as “treatment-resistant” STDs, means that some previously treatable STDs are becoming more challenging to treat despite existing medications. The three most common STDs in this category are gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis.

Prioritizing your health

Studies show that approximately 68 million people have STDs in the United States — not including unreported infections — and 20 million new cases are diagnosed each year. Among those cases, half affect people ages 15-24. 

So, if you’re sexually active, there are some things you should do to help protect yourself and stay healthy.

Use protection

One way to help protect yourself from STD exposure is to use male and female condoms, whether you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex. 

Unlike other forms of birth control, plastic and latex condoms provide a barrier that limits skin-to-skin exposure and helps prevent contact between vaginal fluids and semen. This form of protection can reduce your exposure to most STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, and HIV.

Get Tested

The fact is, 1 in 5 people have an STD, and many don’t cause noticeable symptoms. Because of this, it’s essential to make regular STD testing part of your self-care regimen. We offer personalized recommendations on a case-by-case basis, but you should plan on testing:

  • When starting a new relationship
  • If you or your partner have multiple partners
  • When considering not using condoms, dental dams, or other barriers
  • If a partner cheats on you
  • When you have signs of an STD or learn a partner was infected
  • If you use intravenous drugs and share s

Have you been tested lately? If not, get professional, compassionate care by booking an appointment online or over the phone with All Day Medical Care Clinic today.

All Day Medical Care Clinic Team

Autor

All Day Medical Care Clinic Team

This article was prepared with the All Day Medical Care Clinic Team and its experienced clinic providers, ensuring accurate and reliable health information.

Guide to Treatment-Resistant STDs for Active Adults

Guide to Treatment-Resistant STDs for Active Adults

The Differences Between Flu and COVID-19

The Differences Between Flu and COVID-19

What is Common Cold?

What is Common Cold?

How Mental Health Issues Affect Men Differently

How Mental Health Issues Affect Men Differently

Secondary Trauma: Help Others, Protect Yourself

Secondary Trauma: Help Others, Protect Yourself

Work Injury? Get Evaluated and Plan Your Recovery

Work Injury? Get Evaluated and Plan Your Recovery

7 Habits for Your Heart-Healthy Living

7 Habits for Your Heart-Healthy Living

How to Cope with Chronic Illness During the Holiday Season

How to Cope with Chronic Illness During the Holiday Season

Mastering ADHD: Strategies for Adults in Daily Life

Mastering ADHD: Strategies for Adults in Daily Life

Types of Work Injuries

Types of Work Injuries

How Setting Goals Can Positively Impact Our Mental Health

How Setting Goals Can Positively Impact Our Mental Health

What is Mindfulness? Best Practice for Greater Well-being

What is Mindfulness? Best Practice for Greater Well-being

15 Ways to Keep Your Brain Young and Healthy

15 Ways to Keep Your Brain Young and Healthy

I Feel Constant Frustration: Can Anger Management Help?

I Feel Constant Frustration: Can Anger Management Help?

Holiday Blues: How to Manage, When to Seek Help

Holiday Blues: How to Manage, When to Seek Help

Importance of Mental Health Awareness for Healthcare Workers

Importance of Mental Health Awareness for Healthcare Workers

9 Ways to Boost Your Immunity This Fall

9 Ways to Boost Your Immunity This Fall

Allergies in Kids: Symptoms & Treatment

Allergies in Kids: Symptoms & Treatment

5 Signs Your Anxiety is Problematic

5 Signs Your Anxiety is Problematic

Are Your Immunizations Up-to-Date?

Are Your Immunizations Up-to-Date?

Marathon Running Safety: How to Train Safely

Marathon Running Safety: How to Train Safely

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health, Anxiety, and Depression

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health, Anxiety, and Depression

Understanding Your Options for Mental Health Treatment

Understanding Your Options for Mental Health Treatment

What is Croup?

What is Croup?

Parent’s Guide to Teen Depression

Parent’s Guide to Teen Depression

How Suboxone Works to Treat Opioid Addiction

How Suboxone Works to Treat Opioid Addiction

Home-Based Child Behavioral Disorder Help

Home-Based Child Behavioral Disorder Help

Essential Screenings for Women’s Health Exams

Essential Screenings for Women’s Health Exams

Noncardiac Chest Pain: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments 

Noncardiac Chest Pain: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments 

Understanding Hepatitis B: Protecting Your Health and Future

6 Benefits of Group Therapy

6 Benefits of Group Therapy

Can You Get Sick From The Flu Shot?

Can You Get Sick From The Flu Shot?

10 Home Remedies for Strep Throat Symptoms

10 Home Remedies for Strep Throat Symptoms

Erectile Dysfunction – Everything You Need to Know

Erectile Dysfunction – Everything You Need to Know

Heart Health Screenings: Everything You Need to Know

Heart Health Screenings: Everything You Need to Know

Depression and Sleep Problems: How Are They Connected?

Depression and Sleep Problems: How Are They Connected?

Five Reasons Why You Should Get an Annual Check-Up

Five Reasons Why You Should Get an Annual Check-Up

When Should I Go to the ER Instead of Urgent Care?

When Should I Go to the ER Instead of Urgent Care?

The Importance of Well-Baby Care

The Importance of Well-Baby Care

Protect Your Heart and Health: The Importance of Getting a Flu Shot

Protect Your Heart and Health: The Importance of Getting a Flu Shot

Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Why Relationships Are Key to Well-Being

Why Relationships Are Key to Well-Being

Tips for a Stress-Free and Enjoyable Holiday Season

Tips for a Stress-Free and Enjoyable Holiday Season

What to Know When Heart Disease Runs in Your Family

What to Know When Heart Disease Runs in Your Family

 Rett Syndrome

 Rett Syndrome

What to Expect During Your First Well-Woman Exam

What to Expect During Your First Well-Woman Exam

Overcoming Trauma: Finding Light in the Darkness

Overcoming Trauma: Finding Light in the Darkness

Your Complete Guide to Men’s Health Screenings by Ages

Your Complete Guide to Men’s Health Screenings by Ages

How Often Should I Get a Physical?

How Often Should I Get a Physical?

How Stress Can Increase Your Risk for Heart Disease

How Stress Can Increase Your Risk for Heart Disease

This will close in 0 seconds

We'll text you

Enter your info and we’ll text you shortly.

By clicking Send, I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and I consent to receiving text messages from this practice acknowledging that data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.