User:2000yearslater/Drugs and sexually transmitted diseases
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Drugs and medications could be used to treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STDs are infections that can be spread through sexual activities.[1] Leaving STDs untreated could lead to severe or lifelong complications. Hence, immediate treatment is crucial to prevent the further spread of STDs to sexual partners.[2] Comprehensive counseling intervention serves as the primary means for prevention against STDs. Since most STDs remain asymptomatic, people who are sexually active should be tested regularly by microscopic examinations and blood tests.[1][2]
Drugs and medications used to treat STDs are typically divided into two classes: antiviral medications for STDs caused by viruses and antibiotics for STDs caused by bacteria or parasites.[3] STDs caused by viruses cannot be cured. Nonetheless, medications can be used to alleviate the symptoms and lower the risk of transmitting viral infection.[4] For example, the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) can be used to slow the progression of AIDS and reduce can reduce patients' mortality rate.[5] Vaccines are also highly effective in preventing human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B.[3] On the other hand, STDs caused by bacteria can be cured by immediate treatment. However, a full course of antibiotics should be taken to prevent antibiotic resistance.[4] The most common antibiotics prescribed are azithromycin, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, and ceftriaxone.[6]