5 Common STDs You Can Treat Online Without Visiting a Doctor’s Office

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are illnesses that people can get through sexual contact—this includes vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Things like bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause these infections.

Some common types of STDs are:

• Chlamydia

• Herpes

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

• Molluscum Contagiosum (MC)

• Trichomoniasis

  
  

According to early data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 2.4 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis reported in 2023.

Key Notes

• Gonorrhea went down for the second year in a row—it dropped 7% from 2022 and is now lower than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Syphilis, overall, only went up by 1%, which is a smaller increase than in past years, when it rose by much bigger amounts.

• The most serious types of syphilis (called primary and secondary syphilis) actually went down for the first time in over 20 years—a 10% drop since 2022. Among gay and bisexual men, these cases also dropped by 13%, which is the first time this group has seen a decrease since the CDC started tracking their data in the mid-2000s.

• Syphilis passed from mothers to babies (called congenital syphilis) is still rising, but not as fast. In 2023, it went up by 3%, which is much lower than the 30% yearly increases seen in the past.

  
  

STD Symptoms

A lot of sexually transmitted infections (STIs or STDs) have little to no symptoms, so many people don’t even know they have one. That means someone can pass an STD to others without realizing it.

If an STD isn’t treated, it can sometimes lead to serious health problems and, in some cases, can be life-threatening, depending on the type.

If symptoms do show up, they might include:

• Bumps or sores near the genitals, mouth, or anus

• Redness, swelling, or intense itching around the penis or vagina

• Discharge (fluid) from the penis or vagina that smells bad or causes irritation

• Bleeding from the vagina that doesn’t seem normal

• Pain during sex

• A skin rash

• Losing weight, having diarrhea, or sweating at night

• Body aches, fever, or chills

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (called jaundice)

• Pain or burning when peeing, or needing to pee often

If you think you might have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but don’t want to visit a doctor’s office, you can try a few things: talk to a doctor online using telehealth.

Online STD Treatment - Which Ones Can You Treat Online?

1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV):

HPV is one of the most common STDs, especially among teens and young adults. 

Many people who get HPV don’t show any symptoms, and in most cases, the body clears the virus on its own within 1–2 years.

However, some types of HPV can cause genital warts or even lead to cancers (like cervical or throat cancer), which is why regular check-ups and vaccines are important. 

The HPV vaccine helps protect against the most dangerous types.

2. Herpes:

Herpes doesn’t go away on its own, but symptoms (like cold sores or genital sores) can come and go. Some people have only one outbreak, while others have recurring ones. Around 89% of people who get symptoms from genital herpes will have flare-ups from time to time, when the virus becomes active again. The good news is that these outbreaks are usually milder than the first one. Even if you don’t have symptoms, you can still pass herpes to someone else. There’s no cure, but genital herpes online prescription can help reduce outbreaks and lower the risk of spreading it.

3. Molluscum Contagiosum (MC):

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by a virus. It shows up as small, raised bumps on the skin, usually around the private parts.

Even though it’s considered an STI, it can also spread through non-sexual contact.

You can get it by:

• Touching someone’s skin during sex

• Sharing things like towels, clothes, or bedding with someone who has them

The bumps usually show up between 2 and 7 weeks after being exposed to the virus, but sometimes they can take up to 6 months to appear. So, when you see that coming, an online consultation for your primary health care can be a suitable option.

4. Chlamydia:

It is known as a “silent infection.” That’s why most people didn’t notice any symptoms in the beginning.

In fact, up to 96% of people with chlamydia don’t have symptoms at all. However, it can still lead to health problems later if it’s not treated.

When symptoms do show up, they might include:

• Pain

• Burning when you pee

• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina

Chlamydia usually spreads through:

• Sex without a condom (vaginal, oral, or anal)

• Genital contact

A pregnant person with chlamydia can also pass it to their baby during childbirth. So, it is essential to seek chlamydia treatment online from a well-qualified doctor.

5. Trichomoniasis (Trich):

Trichomoniasis (often called "trich") is an infection caused by a tiny parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis.

In women, it usually affects the vagina and urethra (the tube you pee through).

In men, it mostly affects the urethra, but sometimes the tip of the penis or prostate gland (a small gland near the bladder) can be infected too.

You can get trichomoniasis by:

• Having sex without a condom

• Sharing sex toys that haven’t been washed or covered with a clean condom

You don’t need to have a lot of sexual partners to get it. Anyone sexually active can catch the infection and pass it on.

Trich is not usually passed through:

• Oral or anal sex

• Kissing or hugging

• Sharing food, drinks, or cutlery

• Using the same toilet

So, it is important to check for the symptoms and options available for trichomoniasis treatment online.

How To Cure STD Without Going To A Doctor?

Sometimes going to a clinic can be time-consuming or expensive. If that’s the case, getting care online might be a better option—even for some STDs.

Thanks to technology, online STD treatment is now more affordable, convenient, and safe. Here are some ways to do it:

Home Test Kits:

You can order STD tests online and take them at home—no doctor’s office visit needed.

These tests are available for many STDs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and more.

Research shows home tests are accurate and can save money.

If your results show you need treatment, you may still need to talk to a doctor online or in person.

Telemedicine (Virtual Appointments):

You can talk to a real doctor through your phone or computer using video calls or messages.

The doctor can help diagnose and treat your STD, just like in person.

It’s usually faster and cheaper because there are no travel or clinic fees.

Online Prescriptions:

If you need medicine like antibiotics or antivirals, you can get a prescription online.

Just make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully so the treatment works.

Online care can be a safe and easy way to take care of your health. Just be sure to use trusted websites or services and reach out to a doctor if you’re unsure.

To Sum Up

STDs are more common than most people may know - and most of them can be treated safely and effectively. Thanks to virtual care and online prescriptions, getting help is now easier than ever. 

There are reliable options available to get the needed treatment online. The key is to act early and stay informed. 

So, connect with our HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform, protecting your privacy every step of the way.

You don't need insurance before getting started and e-prescriptions are sent directly to your local pharmacy. 

Take your first step for fast and reliable online STD care.