Question: why is it important for people not to treat stds on their own

Michael Kimwele answered on 21 Jul 2025:

It is important for people not to treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) on their own because self-treatment can lead to misdiagnosis, incomplete or incorrect use of medication, and the development of drug-resistant infections. Without proper medical evaluation, individuals may overlook co-infections or underlying complications, and symptoms may temporarily subside without actually curing the disease. This not only endangers the individual’s health—potentially leading to infertility, chronic pain, or more severe illnesses—but also increases the risk of unknowingly spreading the infection to others. Professional diagnosis and treatment ensure the right medication is used at the right dosage, and follow-up testing helps confirm that the STD has been fully treated.