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Treatment of STIs: Which STIs are curable and which are not?
By
Alexandra Da Silva
Published in
The management of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) is divided into two main categories according to their origin: those of bacterial, fungal or parasitic origin, which are completely curable with the appropriate treatment; and those of viral origin, which in many cases require prolonged monitoring. Knowing the difference is key to acting in time and receiving the correct treatment.
STDs that cannot be cured
These infections are caused by viruses that may remain latent in the body. The goal of treatment is not to eliminate the pathogen, but to control its replication and reduce symptoms, allowing a normal quality of life.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) - Antiretroviral treatment makes the viral load undetectable and non-transmissible. Although the virus persists, the person can lead a completely normal life. Without immunity, the infection can reactivate if treatment is stopped.
Hepatitis B – En su estado crónico, no existe tratamiento que elimine el virus por completo. El enfoque terapéutico protege el hígado y frena la progresión de la enfermedad. Existe vacuna preventiva. La vacuna sí genera inmunidad, quien se ha vacunado está protegido.
Genital herpes - The virus remains dormant in the nervous system and can cause recurrent outbreaks. Antiviral drugs reduce the frequency and intensity of outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission. Without immunity, outbreaks may recur throughout life.
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) - There is no treatment that eliminates the virus, but the immune system suppresses it naturally in many cases. Treatment is directed at the lesions it can cause. There is a highly effective preventive vaccine. The vaccine generates immunity against the most dangerous genotypes.
Curable STIs
This group includes infections that can be completely eradicated from the body. Once the course of treatment is completed and cure is confirmed, the person is free of the pathogen.
Syphilis - Bacterial infection, 100% curable at all stages with antibiotics. The earlier it is detected, the easier it is to treat. Without immunity, re-infection is possible after cure.
Chlamydia - Very common bacterial infection. It is completely eliminated with a course of antibiotics prescribed by a health professional. Without immunity, reinfection is common if the partner is not treated.
Gonococcus (Gonorrhoea) - Treatable bacterial infection. It is important to adhere to the full course of treatment because of the increasing risk of antibiotic resistance. Without immunity, a previous infection does not protect against new infections.
Mycoplasmas and Ureaplasmas - Bacteria affecting the urogenital tract. They are treated with species-specific antibiotics for the indicated period. Without immunity, reinfection is possible.
Trichomonas (Trichomoniasis) - Common and highly treatable parasitic infection. Both partners should be treated at the same time. Without immunity, reinfection is possible if both partners are not treated.
Candidiasis - Fungal infection, curable with antifungals. May be related to imbalances in own flora and tends to recur in predisposed individuals. Without immunity, may recur in response to triggers.
Hepatitis C - Viral exception, direct-acting antivirals achieve cure rates higher than 95%. Without immunity, cure does not protect against reinfection.
Treatment for Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and it is 100% curable in all its stages. The earlier it is detected, the simpler and more effective the treatment.
It is eliminated by a course of antibiotics. Duration and dosage depend on the stage of infection. Subsequent medical follow-up is essential to confirm, by serological tests, that the activity of the bacteria has completely ceased.
Treatment for Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial STIs and often occurs without symptoms, which makes diagnosis by testing particularly important. It responds very well to antibiotic treatment.
It is treated with antibiotics. It is recommended that recent sexual partners also be treated to prevent reinfection. It is advisable to repeat the test in 3 to 4 weeks after completion of treatment to confirm cure.
Treatment for Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea, caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is curable, but requires special attention because of the increase in antibiotic-resistant strains. Treatment should always be supervised by a physician. Given the risk of resistance, self-treatment and modification of the prescribed protocol is not recommended.
It is recommended that repeat the test within 1 to 2 weeks after to confirm cure, especially in pharyngeal or rectal infections where resistance is more common.
Treatment for Mycoplasmas and Ureaplasmas
Mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas are atypical bacteria that affect the urogenital tract. They do not always cause symptoms, but may be associated with urethritis, cervicitis or fertility complications if left untreated.
They are treated with different antibiotics, depending on the species detected and the resistance profile. Subsequent follow-up is important, because Mycoplasma genitalium in particular has rates of resistance increasing that may require adjustment of treatment.
Treatment for Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It is very common and entirely curable. It affects both men and women, although the symptoms tend to be more evident in women. It is essential that both partners are treated simultaneously to prevent re-infection.
Treatment for Candidiasis
Candidiasis is caused by fungi of the genus Candida, usually Candida albicans. Although not always strictly classified as an STI, it can be transmitted through sexual contact and treatment is simple and very effective.
It is treated with antifungals in single oral doses, or in topical form (cream or vaginal ointment), depending on the type of treatment. The course of treatment is usually resolved within a few days. In recurrent cases, the doctor may prescribe longer maintenance treatment.
Treatment for Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection caused by HCV. Unlike other sexually transmitted viruses, it is now curable thanks to advances in drug treatment.
Current antivirals achieve cure rates higher than 95%. Cure is confirmed by the absence of viral RNA in the blood 12 weeks after the end of treatment, called sustained viral response (SVR).
Have passed Hepatitis C and have been cured does not create immunityreinfection is possible. People who have been cured must maintain the same preventive measures against future infections.
Brief summary
Type
Pathogens
Is there a cure?
Treatment
Bacterial
Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonococcus, Mycoplasmas and Ureaplasmas
Yes
Antibiotics
Parasitic
Trichomonas
Yes
Antiparasitics
Fungal
Candidiasis
Yes
Antifungals
Viral (exception)
Hepatitis C
Yes
Direct-acting antivirals
Viral
HIV, Hepatitis B, Genital Herpes and HPV
No
Chronic or symptomatic treatment
How do I get treatment quickly if I have tested positive?
Receiving a positive result can be uncertain, but the most important thing is to act quickly. The earlier treatment is started, the less chance there is of the infection causing complications or being passed on to others.
Todos los tests de Ailin incluyen un informe médico personalizado con la interpretación de tus resultados. Además, puedes concertar una STI consultation con un médico directamente desde tu área de usuario: el especialista puede orientarte, resolver tus dudas y, si procede, prescribe the treatment you need. You will have diagnosis and treatment without having to travel or wait unnecessarily.
The importance of regular check-ups
Most STIs go without symptoms for weeks or even months. This means that a person can be infected, and transmit the infection, without knowing it. This is why regular screening is an essential part of sexual health care, not just a symptom response measure.
With the Ailin's subscription you can plan your check-ups from home as often as you need to: quarterly, half-yearly or annually. Each kit includes an approved laboratory analysis, a personalised medical report and access to a medical consultation if you need to start treatment or resolve any doubts.
Repeating the test is especially important for the following STIs:
Gonorrhoea - Repeat 1-2 weeks later treatment, to confirm cure, especially in pharyngeal or rectal infections where antibiotic resistance is more frequent.
Chlamydia - Repeat 3-4 weeks later treatment, to verify that the infection has been completely eliminated, especially if there is a risk of re-infection because the partner has not been treated at the same time.
Mycoplasmas and Ureaplasmas - At least a control test after the end of treatment. The high rates of antibiotic resistance, especially from Mycoplasma genitalium, The results of the study, however, make it essential to confirm cure in order to rule out the need for treatment adjustment.
HIV Every 3-6 months if you are MSM (men who have sex with men) sexually active or have a partner with HIV; at least once a year if you have other risk factors. HIV can be present for years without symptoms. Early detection allows you to start treatment as soon as possible, protect your own health and prevent transmission. MSM are the group with the highest incidence of new diagnoses in Spain, so international organisations recommend more frequent screening.
Syphilis - Cure is confirmed by physician-ordered serological follow-up, not by self-repetition of the screening test.
Hepatitis C - Cure is confirmed by a viral RNA test 12 weeks after the end of treatment, which is managed directly by the specialist.
Hepatitis B, genital herpes and HPV - As these are non-curable viral infections, post-treatment retesting does not apply. It is recommended that these be included in any comprehensive sexual health screening as part of a general periodic check-up.
Trichomonas and Candidiasis - In most cases cure is clinically evident. Repeat testing is only recommended if symptoms persist after treatment or if reinfection is suspected.
Bibliography
Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) [Internet]. Ginebra: OMS; 2024 [citado 29 abr 2026]. Disponible en: https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)
Ministerio de Sanidad; Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC). Documento de Consenso sobre diagnóstico y tratamiento de las infecciones de transmisión sexual en adultos, niños y adolescentes [Internet]. Madrid: Ministerio de Sanidad; noviembre 2024 [citado 29 abr 2026]. Disponible en: https://www.sanidad.gob.es/ciudadanos/enfLesiones/enfTransmisibles/sida/publicaciones/recomendaciones.htm
National Epidemiology Centre; Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Epidemiological surveillance of sexually transmitted infections in Spain, 2023. Madrid: ISCIII; 2024.
Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, Johnston CM, Muzny CA, Park I, et al. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021;70(4):1-187.
European Association for the Study of the Liver. EASL recommendations on treatment of hepatitis C: Final update of the series. J Hepatol. 2020;73(5):1170-218.
European Association for the Study of the Liver. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of hepatitis B virus infection. J Hepatol. 2025 May.
