Online Treatments for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Are Not Effective

Unfortunately, many people turn to the Internet to find out how to treat, and hopefully cure, sexually transmitted infections/diseases. How safe are these treatments, and are they effective? In a recent press release, researchers detailed their findings, which are frightening.

This study was conducted by the University of East Angelia's School of Medicine, Health Policy and Practice, located in Norwich, U.K. Researches determined that less than 25 percent of the companies selling products via the Internet to treat sexually transmitted infections/diseases should be treated was correct.

That means that a whopping 75 percent of the treatments that were touted as effective on the Internet were incorrect treatments for the specific sexually transmitted infection/disease that it claimed to cure.

Their findings
Fewer than 25 percent of web sites that were selling these products provided any information regarding the risk of having potential side effects from using their treatment for sexually transmitted infections and diseases.

Additionally, they did not mention any possible side effects or interference that might be caused by taking the medications along with prescription medications.

Nor did the sites discuss potential problems if the individual taking their medication for sexually transmitted infections and disease was breastfeeding or pregnant.

Finally, fewer than 25 percent of the web sites selling remedies offered any advice regarding how to avoid spreading the sexually transmitted infections/disease to others, or how to prevent a re-infection.

"It may be easy and convenient to buy your own treatment on the Internet but we think that people are taking significant risks in doing so. Treatment of sexually transmitted infections is not a simple one-off step of popping the pills or slapping on the creams. Some of these remedies will inevitably fail if sexual partners are not treated and if patients don't take steps to avoid re-infection," said Dr Roberto Vivancos.

Many people are afraid of being stigmatized by admitting that they have a sexually transmitted infection, and are afraid to seek medical treatment from their medical provider. They prefer the anonymity that purchasing a treatment on the Internet offers.

These remedies have not been proven to be safe, and may infact, be harmful for many people. If both of the people who are in a sexual relationship are not treated, the treatment will not be successful and will fail over and over again.

Researchers identified a total of 52 different companies who sold a total of 77 different treatments for sexually transmitted infections. They were even offered for sale on eBay. They claimed to help treat chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, and genital warts. Researchers caution that some of these diseases can cause permanent damage and can make a person sterile.

Source:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-11/uoea-irf111907.php
Internet remedies for STIs pose significant public health hazard