Yes, all sexually transmitted diseases can be treated, but for some, there is no cure.

Let’s look at the more common STDs and their treatments.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the newly discovered virus for which there is no cure. However, there is a vaccination which may prevent it.

Chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics.

Herpes, on the other hand, can be treated but there is no cure. It can flare up multiple times a year.

Gonorrhea can be treated with drugs, as can syphilis and genital warts.

HIV/AIDS can be treated as well, but as we all know, there is no current cure.

Hepatitis B can be treated, but again, no known cure.

Pubic lice, or more commonly known as crabs, can be treated.

Trichomoniasis causes an infection predominantly in women, and is caused by unprotected sex. It can be treated and cured with antibiotics.

Chancroid is another common STD, and can be treated with antibiotics. It is contracted through unprotected sex and/or having more than one sexual partner.

As is clearly indicated, most of the sexually transmitted diseases mentioned herein can be treated. The problem is that, as with any antibiotic, one can become immune to it thus yielding no effect.

It should also be mentioned that sex is just one in a long line of methods in which one can contract an STD, such as using sex toys, or having contact with genitalia orally. The bottom line is that no sex is the safest way to prevent STDs. According to experts, not even a condom can prevent Herpes.

While the statistics on STDs are frightening, the only way to prevent the passing along of an STD is through abstinence or pre-screening partners. In addition, education plays an important part in teaching teens the effects of STD; not only in the home, but as part of a daily curriculum in schools.

When HPV was revealed for the first time, ads on TV were abundant. The notion that this disease is caused by a virus was unheard of. Yet, it exists. It can cause cervical cancer. There is no cure to date.

While we, as a society, are trying to find the means to cure these sometimes deadly diseases through research, it is incumbent upon all of us to keep the dialogue open with our children, our partners, and our friends so that perhaps we can stop the spread of these diseases once and for all.