Federal regulators say some companies are selling products that make unproven claims to treat sexually transmitted diseases—claims that could pose a threat to public health. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says only prescription medicines and diagnostic tools available through a health care professional are effective for STD diagnosis and treatment. FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are warning manufacturers and distributors that they could face legal action if the products aren’t removed from the market. The agencies say at least 15 products claim to treat, prevent, or cure STDs and are being sold online and at some retail outlets.

The products—some of which are sold as dietary supplements—claim to treat a range of sexually transmitted diseases, including herpes, chlamydia, genital warts, HIV, and AIDS. Specific brand names being targeted by FDA and FTC include: Medavir, Herpaflor, and Viruxo. To see a complete list of the phony STD remedies, go to this SITE.

FDA’s Dr. Debbie Birnkrant says she’s concerned that someone with an STD will waste precious time using a product that doesn’t work, leading to a delay in medical treatment and possible spread of the infection. “If you aren’t treating your STD with an FDA-approved medication, you’re not just putting your own health at risk—you could be endangering your partner,” she says.

Prescription Only

Birnkrant says there are no non-prescription drugs or dietary supplements that can treat, cure, or prevent sexually transmitted disease. Condoms are the only non-prescription product that can prevent STDs by reducing the chance that an infected person will pass on the disease. STDs can only be diagnosed and treated under the supervision of a health care professional. Some STDs have symptoms that include sores or a discharge, but the majority of infected people have no symptoms at all. Because of this, Birnkrant says people who are sexually active, have had unprotected sex, or have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease should get medical attention, especially if they have these symptoms:

• burning sensation with urination

• pelvic pain

• discharge from the penis or vagina

• blisters

• sores

There are FDA-approved medications available to treat many sexually transmitted diseases. These products have met federal standards for safety, effectiveness, and quality—and they’re available only by prescription, Birnkrant says. To learn more about sexually transmitted diseases and to learn where you can be tested, go to www.hivtest.org/STDTesting.aspx.

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Comments

Yes, it goes without saying that you need to see a doctor when you suspect that you have such a condition. It's embarrassing I know but doctors have generally seen it all before. Go to a general clinic if you don't want to go to your GP.

Venereal diseases are among the most common infectious diseases in the world, since these conditions involve the transmission of an infectious organism between sex partners, is irresponsible to sell unsafe products.

Because of the embarrassment, lot of people using not regulated products only because they don't require prescription and there is no need to go to the doctor. It's highly important to consult with certified doctor in such cases.

This is especially sad because left untreated, some conditions can lead to infertility and other serious complications. I never can understand why advertisers seem to have more rights than the people they stand to harm in this country

This is sad. I think people are desperate to get rid of their STD and resort to these because of the embarrassment.

Does any one have any experience buying a good home HIV tests? I don’t want to go to the doctor or wait 2 weeks for mail in results. I’m looking to know that the test works as I hear a lot of them are no good. I need a test that is proven good. Any suggestions?

People are unaware of the highly contagious nature of the herpes simplex virus. The WHO estimates that 85% of the worlds population if infected with it. Medical researchers have said that even if they find a cure that can remove the virus from the body, it is likely that you would be reinfected with it because it is so widespread.

Well,I think that internet,television and radio should warn us about these diseases much more often, because sexually transmitted diseases has became so popular,that it's looks like an epidemic of the world. I'm not a scientist, but I guarantee you, the worst problem of humans will be sexually transmitted diseases.

I recently created my very first website, and in my research I was quite amazed to find that genital warts are a result of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Since I have never suffered from a STD, I am now more aware of how various diseases affect people in general, and I must admit, it is a shame that some are selling their products to an unsuspecting public, especially where people are desperate for a cure.

I dont think that there is any vaccine invented yet for STD.

I think it is sad that these companies can get away with this. Sexually transmitted diseases are bad enough, but giving people false hope who have a disease, is disgusting

what is STD Treatment? i never heard before. and what is the relationship about sexuality and STD?

I heard there was an injection that works for many STDs almost immidiately. Do you think that is possible?

This is not something to joke about, selling drugs for STD's have to do what they say, or they're messing with people's life! Good blog for raising awareness.

Even though it may seem as if there is no hope for you when it comes to being diagnosed with an active herpes outbreak, you need to remember that this is not the end of the line. There are still plenty of steps that can be taken to protect your body against outbreaks and to treat the blisters and sores that appear on your body as a result.