# What should I do if I am diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-diagnosed-with-a-sexually-transmitted-infection
Language: en
Category: infectious
Publisher: ClinicsJo
Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.443Z
Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.443Z
Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-to-do-if-diagnosed-with-a-sexually-transmitted-infection

If you are diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI), the first and most crucial step is to strictly follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor. Treatments vary depending on the type of infection; some can be cured with antibiotics, while viral infection symptoms can be managed with antiviral medications. It is also essential to inform your sexual partners to enable them to undergo testing and treatment, which reduces the risk of reinfection and transmission.

## Understanding the Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

After the diagnosis, your doctor will explain what type of STI you have and whether it is caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-diagnosed-with-a-sexually-transmitted-infection#source-S1>). Bacterial or parasitic STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis, can be treated with antibiotics [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-diagnosed-with-a-sexually-transmitted-infection#source-S1>). It is very important to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms disappear, to ensure the infection is completely eradicated.

As for viral STIs, such as HIV, genital herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV), there is currently no cure [\[2\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-diagnosed-with-a-sexually-transmitted-infection#source-S2>). However, antiviral medications are available that can help control symptoms and reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to others [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-diagnosed-with-a-sexually-transmitted-infection#source-S1>). Your doctor will discuss the treatment options available to you and how to manage them.

## Informing Sexual Partners

Informing current and past sexual partners is a critical step after being diagnosed with an STI [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-diagnosed-with-a-sexually-transmitted-infection#source-S3>). This allows them to undergo testing and treatment if necessary, preventing the spread of the infection and reducing your own risk of reinfection [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-diagnosed-with-a-sexually-transmitted-infection#source-S3>). This can be difficult, but your healthcare provider can offer advice and support on how to handle this situation.

## Abstaining from Sexual Activity and Future Prevention

After starting treatment, it is important to abstain from sexual activity for the duration specified by your doctor to avoid transmitting the infection or becoming reinfected [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-diagnosed-with-a-sexually-transmitted-infection#source-S1>). For future protection, the risk of acquiring STIs can be reduced by using condoms correctly every time you have sex, reducing the number of sexual partners, and talking with partners about testing before engaging in sexual activity [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-diagnosed-with-a-sexually-transmitted-infection#source-S1>). Vaccines are also available for certain STIs, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-diagnosed-with-a-sexually-transmitted-infection#source-S1>).

## Medical Follow-up and Periodic Screening

It is essential to adhere to follow-up appointments with your doctor to ensure the treatment is successful and to monitor your health. In some cases, you may need to be retested after a certain period to confirm the complete cure of bacterial or parasitic infections [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-diagnosed-with-a-sexually-transmitted-infection#source-S1>). For viral infections, follow-up will be necessary to manage symptoms and ensure the effectiveness of antiviral medications.

For additional information about prevention and screening, you can visit [Sexually Transmitted Infections: Prevention and Screening in Jordan (Arabic)](<https://clinicsjo.com/ar/articles/sexually-transmitted-infections-prevention-screening-jordan>).

## Medical references

- [Sexually Transmitted Infections](<https://medlineplus.gov/sexuallytransmittedinfections.html>)

- [Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)](<https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/stds>)

- [About STIs and Pregnancy](<https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/about-stis-and-pregnancy.html>)

General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment.

Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-diagnosed-with-a-sexually-transmitted-infection#answer