Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) are relatively common. Their presentations range from symptom-free to highly painful, debilitating and life-threatening. The approach to each type of infection varies, and depends on the ability to screen, the availability and effectiveness of treatment, and the likelihood of long-term sequelae. For many infections, prophylaxis is possible; other infections are more challenging to prevent. Unless sexual partners are also treated, re-infection is a concern, as is the further spread of disease to subsequent sexual contacts. Some infections, once effectively treated, lead to an asymptomatic carrier state that may or may not re-emerge as an active problem and/or cause sexual contacts to become ill.  This review contains 10 tables, and 44 references. Key Words: sexually transmitted infections, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, herpes simplex, granuloma inguinale, lymphogranuloma venereum, chancroid, trichomoniasis