Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Find answers to common questions about appointments, general services, and testing/treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Can STIs Be Cured?

Will an STI go away on its own? Can it heal naturally?: In general, STIs do not heal on their own. Even if symptoms disappear, the pathogens remain in the body and the infection can progress if left untreated. If you have symptoms or have been exposed, please make sure to get tested and treated.

If I get a sexually transmitted infection, can it be cured with treatment?: Most STIs can be cured if medications are taken as directed by a doctor.
Some infections, such as HIV or genital warts (condyloma acuminatum), cannot be completely cured, but proper treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and reduce the risk of transmission to others.
If you have engaged in high-risk activities, we strongly recommend getting tested as soon as possible.

If I test positive for HIV, will I die? Isn’t it an incurable disease?: Even if you are infected with HIV, proper treatment means it is not a death sentence.While current medicine cannot completely eliminate the virus from the body, taking medication consistently allows you to maintain your health.
For example, a person who starts treatment at age 20 can expect an average life expectancy of 78 years—almost the same as someone who is not infected with HIV.

I completed treatment for chlamydia, but my symptoms persist.: Chlamydia can sometimes be resistant to antibiotics, and treatment may not always be effective depending on the medication used. Therefore, a follow-up test to confirm that the infection has been cured is necessary. Please take the test at least two weeks after finishing your medication and inform the staff if your symptoms have not improved.
If your follow-up test is negative but symptoms persist, it may indicate another bacterial infection, so please consult a doctor.

I’ve heard that once you get syphilis, it stays in your blood forever. Does that mean it cannot be cured?: No, syphilis can be completely cured with treatment.
What remains in the blood is called the TP antibody, which does not cause any health problems even if it persists.
However, the TP antibody is what is tested when checking for syphilis, so people who have had a past infection may still test positive even after being cured. In such cases, alternative testing methods may be used depending on the situation.

Can STIs come back after treatment?: STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis do not recur if treated correctly. However, reinfection is possible, so it’s important to practice prevention.
Some conditions, such as herpes, bacterial vaginosis, and candidiasis, can recur. Treatment can help control symptoms, so if a recurrence occurs, please seek medical attention promptly.