Sexually Transmitted Infections Diagnosis and Management
The syndromic approach to Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) diagnosis and management is to treat the signs or symptoms (syndrome) of a group of diseases rather than treating a specific disease. This allows for the treatment of one or more conditions that often occur at the same time and has been accepted as the management of choice. This guide includes the current STI syndromic management algorithms.
STIs are preventable and many are treatable. Early access to care helps prevent further transmission to partners and from mother-to-child, acquisition of additional STIs, and decreases the risk of STI related complications. Screening for STIs at any and all health care visits, can promote STI prevention and management and provide an opportunity for additional health promotion and education. Where possible, STI screening and prevention should become routine and integrated into all health visits.
In order to perform a proper clinical assessment it is important to take a good sexual history and undertake a thorough ano-genital examination. The history should include questions concerning symptoms, recent sexual history, sexual orientation, type of sexual activity (oral, vaginal, anal sex), the possibility of pregnancy (females), use of contraceptives including condoms, recent antibiotic history, any drug allergies, and recent overseas travel.
General Measures
- Counselling and education, including HIV testing
- Condom promotion, provision and demonstration to reduce the risk of STIs
- Compliance/adherence with treatment
- Contact treatment/partner management
- Circumcision promotion with appropriate counselling concerning condoms
- Contraception and conception counselling