Many people faced with a possible sexually transmitted infection (STD) are tempted to seek home remedies for their infection. It’s understandable: Getting tested and treated for an STD can be intimidating. However, it is important to know that no matter what STD you have, there is nothing you can do at home to cure or treat the STD. If you think you have an STD, you should first get tested: this is the only way to know for sure whether you have an STD.
If you have tested positive for an STD, you can be treated if necessary. If you have a curable STD, you will likely be prescribed antibiotics or other medications to treat the infection. If you have an incurable or viral STD, you may still be able to receive treatment to minimize your symptoms and prevent the spread of the disease to your sexual partners.
That said, there may be some things you can do at home to manage symptoms while you are being treated by a doctor.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties, although research has not consistently shown it to be effective for treating various skin infections. If you want to try it, dilute a few drops of tea tree oil in water and gently apply it to the infected areas. However, skin irritation is possible, so ask your provider if you have any concerns.
Garlic
Garlic has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It is a prebiotic, which means it is a food source for the bacteria in your intestines. It can balance the intestinal flora and stimulate the growth of good bacteria. Research isn’t clear that adding garlic to your diet can help keep your gastrointestinal tract healthy, but if you want to try it, garlic has few downsides.
Yogurt
Yogurt contains probiotics, or live microorganisms, which have health benefits. It specifically contains good bacteria that can help keep your intestinal flora in balance. If you take antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection or STD, that antibiotic kills the good bacteria in your intestines as well as the infectious bacteria, and that can lead to diarrhea. Eating yogurt can help your body maintain a healthy amount of good bacteria. Some research shows that taking probiotics while taking antibiotics can reduce the risk of diarrhea.
Cranberry juice
Some studies have shown that cranberry juice may prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by making it harder for bacteria to stick to the lining of the urinary tract. Although it may help prevent urinary tract infections, cranberry juice probably won’t treat them. UTI prevention has only been shown with pure, unsweetened cranberry juice, but not with cranberry juice cocktails, which contain little real cranberry juice and often contain sugar.
Aloe
If you are dealing with STD symptoms that are leaving you with itchy or irritated skin, you may find some relief with pure aloe vera gel. Aloe is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, and pure aloe vera gel moisturizes and promotes wound healing. Pure aloe (without additives; check the label) is also safe for use in sensitive genital areas. Some research suggests that aloe may speed the healing of herpes lesions.
It is important to note again that while the above treatments may help you deal with the symptoms of an STD or the side effects of treatment, they will not treat or cure the STD. The only way to treat or cure an STD is with medications prescribed by a doctor. If you have symptoms of an STD, don’t try to use home remedies to treat it. Get tested and seek treatment if necessary.