Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are severe and delicate health issues. Many people are uncomfortable even considering the option they may have contracted this kind of infection, so it’s just natural they want to know exactly what doctor is the specialist in STDs.
Moreover, how can this doctor help? Are STDs curable at all?
Let’s answer these questions one at a time.
What doctor specializes in STDs?
All STDs are infections, so the doctor who specializes in the treatment of STDs is an infectiologist, often called just an infectious disease doctor.
But do you really need an infectiologist to treat STDs? After all, general practitioners treat many infections as well, don’t they?
The problem is that many severe infections can be silent for years. Also, they often look very similar to some common conditions. As a result, sometimes these infections aren’t diagnosed for a long time, up until the damage done to the patient’s health becomes too great.
It takes profound experience and specialized knowledge to diagnose some STDs early and prevent them from developing into conditions that may compromise one’s general health and, in many cases, fertility.
Infectiologists are experts in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of all kinds of infections, and that’s why they are way ahead of the general practitioner’s knowledge curve when it comes to sexually transmitted diseases.
How can an infectiologist help with STDs?
First and foremost, an experienced infectious disease doctor is more likely to make an accurate diagnosis of the patient’s condition. Time is often a matter of utmost importance in these cases, since many STDs can become chronic. Chronic diseases are usually more resistant to therapy and may cause extensive complications.
Of course, infectiologists are also experts in the latest advances of antibacterial and antiviral therapy, since these are essential for the treatment of infections, including STDs.
Last but not least, it’s important to remember that many infections come hand in hand, and combinations of infections have their own peculiarities in terms of management. Infectious disease specialists are the doctors with the most knowledge on this matter.
Are STDs treatable at all?
Although STDs are extremely unpleasant, and many people find them embarrassing, these infections are fairly treatable in most cases. Of course, the earlier the diagnosis is established, the higher will be one’s chances to avoid complications and long-term health issues.
At the moment, the 4 incurable sexually transmitted diseases are:
- Hepatitis B infection
- Herpes simplex virus infection
- HIV infection
- Human papillomavirus infection
On the bright side of things, both vaccines and medications are being developed to treat these conditions. While we wait for an effective cure, the guidance of an experienced infectiologist will help patients with incurable STDs to manage their diseases until a solution is found.
Conclusion
Infectiologists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases.
If you suspect that you or someone you love may have contracted an STD, don’t hesitate! Early diagnosis is essential to ensure the successful management of the condition and avoid potential complications. The faster you act, the better your outcome will be!