Can STDs Be Treated Online?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which are now more commonly referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are viruses, bacteria, or parasites that you can get from vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The most common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and HIV. If a partner has shared they have an STI or if you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s important to get immediate testing to stop the spread and prevent irreversible long-term health complications, such as infertility.

If you know what type of STI you have, online treatment may be a more convenient option than visiting a clinic and pharmacy in person. Keep reading to learn more about what online STI treatments can entail.

How Does Online STD Treatment Work?

You might find that purchasing STI treatment online is more convenient than going to a clinic. Many people may choose online treatment for convenience and privacy.

No matter what telehealth provider you use, you will need a valid prescription to get STI treatment. However, platforms like TelyRx works with independent, licensed physicians who can review your health and physical attestation for safety. If approved for treatment, they’ll write a prescription, and the medication will be delivered to your doorstep. Many telehealth platforms understand the importance of privacy and will ship medication in discreet packaging.

The expansion of telehealth services has allowed for more health conditions — like STIs — to be treated entirely online. However, some people may still be skeptical about services like online pharmacies.

Here are some ways to verify an online pharmacy’s legitimacy:

• Check for official verification: Use the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s (NABP) Safe Pharmacy tool to verify that a pharmacy is approved and adheres to consumer protection standards.
• Verify state licensure: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) BeSafeRx locator provides the licensing database for online pharmacies available in your state.
• Confirm contact details: Legitimate online pharmacies should display a physical U.S. address and a customer service telephone number on their website.

An online pharmacy is likely not legitimate if:

• It doesn’t have a NABP-verified license
• It doesn’t require a prescription to receive medications
• It doesn’t share contact information to speak with a licensed pharmacist
• It offers unbelievably low prices
• It only accepts cryptocurrency, peer-to-peer transfers, or wire transfers
• Medications arrive in damaged packaging, have no expiration date, or are labeled in a foreign language
• Medications include unapproved ingredients or don’t feature an FDA-required warning

It’s always best to verify an online pharmacy before purchasing medication. If something feels like a scam, look for another pharmacy.

TelyRx is a HIPAA-compliant and LegitScript-certified online platform that carries FDA-approved medications (including online STI treatments) from licensed U.S. pharmacies. Medications are prescribed by independent, licensed doctors when appropriate and dispensed by licensed pharmacies.

At-Home STI Treatment Options

Most at-home STI treatments are either oral or topical medications, depending on what STI you’re being treated for. These medications are no different than any other medication you might take at home. As long as you follow the prescribing physician’s instructions, these medications can generally be taken at home.

Common STI Treatments

Here’s a look at the most common STI treatments:

How To Get Online STD Treatment

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting an STI treatment online through TelyRx:

1. Get tested for STIs (if you haven’t already), or otherwise confirm which STI you need treatment for.
2. Submit a request for an STI medication through our treatment catalog, depending on what you need.
3. An independent, licensed doctor in your state will review your request.
4. If approved for treatment, the doctor will write a prescription.
5. A licensed pharmacy fills the prescription.
6. Your medication is shipped in discreet packaging to your home.

When You Should Get In-Person STD Treatment

Sometimes, getting in-person care can be the better route than online STI treatment. You may need in-person care if:

• You have symptoms but have not gotten a diagnosis.
• You’re experiencing very severe symptoms, such as pain, fever, or swelling.
• You need injectable treatment, which is common for gonorrhea or syphilis.
• Your symptoms don’t improve after treatment.

STIs can be a touchy subject for many, but you shouldn’t feel embarrassed or ashamed to seek help. It’s better to get treatment than to potentially face long-term complications if symptoms are left unmanaged. 

Your Next Steps

Online STI treatment can offer more privacy, discretion, and convenience, as everything’s handled entirely online. If you decide to go the online route, make sure you’re using verified and licensed online pharmacy platforms like TelyRx.

If you aren’t sure of which STI you have or are experiencing very serious symptoms, it’s better to seek in-person care. Ultimately, what matters most is getting effective treatment that can relieve symptoms and prevent long-term complications.