Sexually transmitted infections treatment, diagnosis & prescriptions

Yes, you can. The healthcare provider will want to talk to you about your sexual history, as well as any symptoms or signs of sexually transmitted infections (STI) that you're experiencing.

In addition to a physical exam, the healthcare provider may want to run additional testing to confirm the bacteria or virus causing your sexually transmitted infection.

Once the doctor has confirmed the type of STI you're experiencing, they can provide a sexually transmitted infection diagnosis and treatment options.

Yes, our physicians can prescribe sexually transmitted infection medications online during your consultation. Once you accept a prescription for sexually transmitted infections, you’ll have the option to pick it up from any pharmacy or to have it delivered right to your door at no additional cost.

You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is the term used to describe viruses or bacteria that are transmitted sexually, enter our bodies, and begin to multiply.

STIs are also sometimes called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

There are over 20 known types of STIs, including:

• Syphilis
• Chlamydia
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Genital herpes
• Gonorrhea
• Hepatitis A, B or C
• Trichomoniasis
• HIV/AIDS
• Pubic lice or scabies

Each type of STI is contagious. Some are extremely contagious, and easily pass from one person to another. If you know you've got an STI, you should always tell your partner first, and make sure you use protection.

The symptoms and signs of sexually transmitted infections can vary, depending on what type of STI you're experiencing. Some may not have any symptoms at all.

Some of the most common symptoms caused by sexually transmitted infection include:

• Unusual or odd-smelling vaginal discharge
• Burning or painful urination
• Pain during sex
• Pain in the lower abdominal
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Discharge from the penis (other than urine and ejaculate)
• Fever
• Rash over torso, hands, or feet
• Swollen, sore lymph nodes (particularly in the groin, but can be widespread)
• Sores or bumps on the genitals, rectal area, or mouth

It’s important to treat STIs to prevent further spread to others, and to also prevent complications, such as:

• Upper genital tract infections
• Infertility
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Cervical cancer
• Chronic hepatitis
• Infection
• HIV

Many people with an STI do not have symptoms, making it even more important to see your healthcare provider for regular screening. This is especially true if you have any of the following risk factors in your sexual history:

• Females sexually active less than 25 years old
• Multiple sex partners
• Men who have sex with men
• HIV patients
• If you’re entering into a correctional facility

Individually, sexually transmitted infections are caused by either viruses or bacteria that lead to these infections. In the case of scabies or public lice, the sexually transmitted infections are caused by mite or lice infestations in the genital area.

You can get an STI by having unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex, or by coming in contact with blood or bodily fluids if you are sharing sex toys. The only way to reduce your risk of getting an STI is to use condoms correctly and consistently during all forms of sexual activity.

The first thing your healthcare provider will want to do is discuss your sexual history, as well as any symptoms or signs of sexually transmitted diseases you're experiencing.

In many cases, the healthcare provider will also want to run additional lab tests to help provide a clear diagnosis for your sexually transmitted infection. This could include:

• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Fluid samples from genital sores, intravaginal swabs, or penile swabs

Once the healthcare provider can accurately diagnose your sexually transmitted infection, they'll be able to suggest appropriate treatments for your sexually transmitted infection.

STIs caused by bacteria are normally easier to treat, whereas viral STIs can be managed, but not always cured.

If you receive a diagnosis for sexually transmitted infections, it's important to let any sexual partners you've had in the previous year know that they should also get tested. This way, they can also seek treatment for the sexually transmitted infections, and prevent further spread and potential life threatening complications.

Depending on the type of STI, the healthcare provider may suggest prescription sexually transmitted infection medications. This usually involves either antibiotic medications or antiviral drugs.

If you believe you could be showing signs of a sexually transmitted infection, you should talk to a healthcare provider right away.

All of these STIs are very contagious, and in many cases, you may need treatments to reduce sexually transmitted infection symptoms and prevent potentially life threatening complications. These treatments may require prescription sexually transmitted infection medications.

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