Can STIs Go Away on Their Own?

Though not all STIs are symptomatic, they must be treated as they do not disappear on their own. Leaving an STI untreated can lead to major, long-term health complications. 

STI treatment can be as simple as taking a course of antibiotics or as complex as long-term medical care and procedures. 

What Are Common Symptoms of STIs?

STIs are sexually transmitted infections that are most commonly passed through sexual intercourse or bodily fluids. They can be viral, bacterial, or parasitic. Two of the most common STIs are chlamydia and gonorrhea, both of which can be successfully treated. Many STIs do not have any signs or symptoms but can still be dangerous to your health. If symptoms are present they may range from mild to severe and include:

• Painful urination
• Pain during intercourse
• Lower abdominal pain
• Itching or irritation
• Fever
• Swollen lymph glands

What Happens if STIs Go Untreated?

If you are sexually active, it is important to be treated for STIs regularly. If you are pregnant, it is also recommended to be tested for STIs, as they can be passed to the baby during pregnancy and childbirth.

Untreated STIs can lead to various complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease in women. PID is a serious infection that can lead to issues such as infertility and ectopic pregnancy, the latter of which is dangerous and requires emergency medical treatment.

Medical complications from lack of STI treatment may include heart disease, certain cancers, infertility, and chronic pain in both men and women. These issues can be lifelong and treated but not cured. 

Free STI Testing at Liberty Women’s Clinic

If you believe you may have an STI, Liberty Women’s Clinic offers limited STI testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea as part of our pregnancy services or as a single offering. 

Contact us about STI testing today. We’re here to help you receive the answers you need. Or, if you’re experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, meet one of our clinic nurses for a free and confidential consultation.

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counseling and/or medical advice.