Can you cure an STI without going to the doctor?

STDs (sometimes called sexually transmitted infections or STIs) are infections most people get through sexual activity. They’re caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and can result in a variety of symptoms and long-term effects.

“Sexual activity” doesn’t mean just sex. Some STDs can be transmitted through other forms of sexual contact, like oral sex, foreplay, kissing, physical touch, blood-to-blood contact, and even sharing sex toys.

Some common sexually transmitted infections include Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Herpes, and HIV. However, other STIs, like Hepatitis B, Mycoplasma, and Trichomonas, are less well-known but still pose a risk.

Visit our STI page for a full breakdown of different infectious diseases and how they operate.

Anyone who’s having sex can get an STI. “Sex” can include vaginal, oral, and anal sex, as well as activities like sharing sex toys or engaging in genital-to-genital contact. You don’t even need ejaculation for transmission—bodily fluids like pre-ejaculate, vaginal secretions, and blood can carry infectious agents.

You will be more at risk of getting an STI if:

• You have unprotected sex
• You have multiple sex partners
• You use drugs and other chemical substances during sex
• Your sexual partner currently has, or has had, STIs in their sexual history
• You have a weakened immune system
• You inject intravenous drugs

While everyone who has sex is technically at risk of getting an STI, there remains a higher risk for women. The vaginal lining is thinner and more delicate than the lining of the penis, making it easier for pathogens to penetrate. Women are also less likely to experience symptoms of certain STIs and are more likely to confuse symptoms with other less severe conditions, like yeast infections.

While many STIs are asymptomatic (meaning they show no signs at all), others can present with symptoms that are easy to overlook or confuse with other conditions. It’s essential to know the symptoms so that you can seek medical testing and treatment.

So, what should you be watching out for?

Unusual discharge

A change in the colour, consistency, or smell of discharge from the vagina or penis can be a sign of infections like Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, or Trichomonas. Discharge may appear white, yellow, green, or frothy and may have an unpleasant odour.

Pain or burning when urinating or having sex

This symptom is often associated with urinary tract infections, but it can also indicate an STI such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, or Herpes.

Genital or anal discomfort

Infections like Herpes, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, and Trichomonas may cause itching, redness, or soreness around the genital or anal area. These symptoms can also mimic non-STI conditions like thrush.

Blisters, chancres, or warts

Painful sores, warts, or chancres (a type of sore that is round, firm, and painless) around the genitals can be hallmarks of Genital Herpes, HPV, or Syphilis, respectively. These blemishes can also appear on or around the anus and mouth.

Abnormal bleeding

Bleeding between periods or after sex can be a sign of bacterial infections like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea in women.

Lower abdominal or pelvic pain

Persistent pain in the lower abdomen may indicate PID, which can result from untreated Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea and may lead to fertility issues if not addressed.

Flu-like symptoms

Many viral infections like HIV, Hepatitis B, and Herpes can cause flu-like symptoms like fever, nausea, fatigue, and muscle aches at certain points of the infection.

Preventing sexually transmitted diseases is a key part of protecting your sexual health and avoiding the complications that can come with infection.

The most effective way to reduce your risk is to practice safe sex every time you engage in vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Using condoms correctly and consistently is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of STDs between sexual partners.

Limiting your number of sexual partners and having open conversations about sexual history can also help lower your risk. Regular STD testing is essential, especially if you have new partners or are part of a high-risk group.

Vaccination is another powerful tool in disease control. Vaccines are widely available for infections like HPV and Hepatitis B.

No, you can’t cure an STI at home.

While some home over-the-counter remedies, like tea tree oil, garlic, and echinacea, may help reduce the severity of some symptoms, most STIs need some medical intervention to be cleared from your system. These typically come in the form of antiviral and antibiotic treatments.

If you think you have one, you should seek STI treatment as soon as possible. Doing so will help you avoid the adverse effects of untreated infections, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, birth complications, and damage to major organ systems.

However, while you can’t cure an STI with home remedies, your immune system may take care of some infections on its own.

While some people who have sex are exposed to infected bodily fluids, that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to get an infection. Your immune system may fight off any foreign pathogens before they can establish a foothold in your body.

In fact, the vast majority of people who get HPV or Hepatitis C will have the infection for a short period before the immune system clears it. People who get these infections will likely not know they have them and will rarely experience symptoms.

You can’t cure an STI at home. You can only know if you have one by getting tested.

If you think you’ve been exposed to an STI, or if you have symptoms of one, Better2Know is here to help. Our team of Sexual Health Advisors can speak to you about your situation and help you book a discreet STI test at a sexual health clinic near you. You don’t have to deal with this situation alone.

Click the button below to book your test today and get the clarity and peace of mind you need.

This article first appeared on 24/10/2023. Last updated 03/10/2025.