STI Prevention and Recovery Support Protocol
Primary Stack
Core supplements with strongest evidenceSupports immune function and healing; deficiency common with some STIs
Supporting Studies (1)
Supports immune response; deficiency linked to increased infection susceptibility
Supporting Studies (1)
Supporting Stack
Additional supplements for enhanced resultsSupports vaginal/urogenital microbiome; may enhance mucosal immunity
Supporting Studies (1)
Supports immune function and tissue repair
Supporting Studies (1)
May help reduce herpes outbreaks by inhibiting arginine
Supporting Studies (1)
How This Protocol Works
Simple Explanation
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections spread through sexual contact. They require medical diagnosis and treatment.
COMMON STIs:
SYMPTOMS (many STIs are asymptomatic):
CRITICAL: STIs require medical diagnosis and treatment. Supplements do NOT treat STIs.
PREVENTION:
WHEN TO GET TESTED:
* Medical treatment is essential for STIs.
* Supplements support overall immune health.
* Lysine may help with herpes outbreaks.
* Prevention is the best approach.
Expected timeline: Bacterial STIs typically clear with appropriate antibiotics. Viral STIs (herpes, HIV, HPV) are managed long-term. Supplements provide immune support.
Clinical Perspective
STIs: Require appropriate medical treatment. Chlamydia/Gonorrhea: antibiotics per CDC guidelines; increasing resistance in gonorrhea. Syphilis: penicillin. Herpes: antivirals (acyclovir, valacyclovir). HIV: ART. HPV: often clears spontaneously; screen for cervical cancer.
Supplements: No evidence supplements treat active STIs. Support role only: immune function, prevention of recurrences (lysine for herpes has some evidence). Probiotics may support vaginal health and reduce BV (which increases STI susceptibility). Focus on medical treatment, prevention (condoms, PrEP, vaccination).
* Zinc (C-grade): Immune function. Systematic review: (PMID: 22566526). 15-30mg daily.
* Vitamin D (C-grade): Immune support. Review: (PMID: 28750270). 2000-4000 IU daily.
* Probiotics (C-grade): Urogenital health. Systematic review: (PMID: 24045160). 10-20B CFU daily.
* Vitamin C (C-grade): Immune/tissue. Review: (PMID: 23440782). 500-1000mg daily.
* Lysine (C-grade): Herpes outbreaks. Study: (PMID: 3115841). 1000-3000mg daily.
Protocol notes: Testing: CDC guidelines; expedited partner therapy for chlamydia/gonorrhea. Herpes: suppressive therapy for frequent outbreaks; lysine adjunctive only. HPV: vaccination (up to age 45); cervical screening. HIV: test all adults; PrEP for high-risk; ART for infected. Resistance: gonorrhea increasingly resistant; follow current guidelines. Pregnancy: screen and treat to prevent transmission. Partner notification: essential for control. BV: increases HIV acquisition; treat and use probiotics.