We received a question from one of our students asking, “Are STIs curable? Or are you permanently ill?” To answer this question in brief, there are some STIs that are curable and some that are not. STIs that currently do not have a cure include Oral Herpes, Genital Herpes, HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), Chronic Hepatitis B (HBV), and HPV (human papillomavirus). Although some STIs are incurable, there are treatments available to help manage symptoms.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Chlamydia is most reported. Gonorrhea is second most reported.
Of all new STDs, 50% are acquired by young people aged 15–24 years. Sexually active youth aged 15–24 years are at higher risk of acquiring STDs for a combination of behavioral, biological, and cultural reasons.
Abstinence from vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse is the only 100% effective way to prevent HIV, other STDs, and pregnancy. The correct and consistent use of male latex condoms can reduce the risk of STD transmission. However, no protective method is 100% effective, and condom use cannot guarantee absolute protection against any STD or pregnancy.
Why Not’s mission is “to educate and equip students in regards to their sexuality using a holistic approach with medical accuracy, empowering them to choose abstinence or renew their abstinence until marriage to maintain optimal health.”
Visit these resources for even more information on STIs.
https://www.stdcheck.com/blog/sexual-healing-which-stds-can-cannot-be-cured/
https://www.cdc.gov/std/healthcomm/fact_sheets.htm