Part of treating STDs involves managing emotions, experts say

Chronic sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like herpes, hepatitis C and HIV last a lifetime. Beyond treating the symptoms of these infections, it can be just as difficult or more so to manage the emotions that come with them, according to the Des Moines Register.

The Cleveland Clinic has reported that more than 30 percent of people with chronic STDs experience the symptoms of depression.

The news source added that the level of depression depends on the severity of the disease, so that individuals with HIV are significantly more likely to have a mood disorder than those diagnosed with chlamydia or syphilis.

Many support groups exist for those who have contracted chronic STDs, and the news service said that the Polk County Health Department offers a number of therapeutic programs for people with herpes, HIV and hepatitis C.

Without treatment, chronic STDs can cause complications ranging from infertility and pelvic inflammation to organ failure and even death. Individuals who suspect that they have contracted an STD may consider using online testing services.

More than 19 million people in the U.S. have an STD, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates.