A positive STI test can bring up so many new emotions, including stress, shame, or fear. We’re here to tell you: take a breath. Most STIs are treatable, and many are curable. The most important thing is what you do next. Treatment protects your health and helps stop the spread.

Step 1. Understand What STI You Tested Positive For

Different infections require different treatment plans. Some are bacterial and cured with antibiotics. Others are viral and managed with medication and monitoring. Your provider will explain what your result means, what the treatment is, and what to do while you recover.

What STI Treatment Often Looks Like

Bacterial STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are typically treated with antibiotics. Some treatments are a single dose, while others require a short course. Your provider may ask you to return for a follow-up test to confirm the infection cleared or to check for reinfection.

Viral STIs like HIV, herpes, and HPV are managed differently. HIV is treated with antiretroviral therapy that protects your immune system and reduces transmission risk. Herpes can be treated with antiviral medications that reduce outbreaks and lower risk to partners. HPV often clears on its own, but certain types require monitoring through routine cervical screening for people with a cervix.

Step 2. Pause Sex for the Recommended Window

Your provider will tell you when it is safe to have sex again. This is important even if you feel better quickly. Having sex too soon can spread the infection or lead to reinfection. Use that time to plan prevention for the future.

Step 3. Tell Partners and Plan Partner Treatment

Partner treatment matters. If a partner does not get treated, you can get reinfected even after successful treatment. This can feel awkward, but it is an act of care.

You can say:

• “I tested positive for an STI, and I’m getting treated. You should get tested and treated too.”
  
• “I want us both to be healthy. Here is where you can go in St. Louis.”
  

If you want help with language, Health Stop STL can support you with partner notification options.

Step 4. Retest When Recommended

Many people need retesting after treatment, especially for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Retesting is not about blame. It is about confirming cure or catching reinfection early. If you have new or multiple partners, move into a regular testing rhythm every three to six months.

STI Prevention After Treatment

Use condoms or internal condoms consistently. Ask about PrEP for ongoing HIV prevention. If you are eligible and have condomless sex with male partners, ask about DoxyPEP as an additional tool after exposure. Keep supplies on hand and make testing routine.

How Health Stop STL can help

Health Stop STL provides free STI and HIV testing and can connect you to treatment and follow-up. You can ask for throat and rectal swabs if you need them. The team can help you make a retest plan and connect to prevention options. Care is confidential, and no insurance or ID is required.

Bottom line: Get treated, help partners get treated, and build a routine that makes future care easier.