Sexually transmitted infections

In the recent white paper ‘Choosing Health: making healthy choices easier’, the UK Government outlined the actions required to prioritise sexual health care in the NHS. This is in response to an unprecedented rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in recent years. There has been an increase in high-risk sexual activity, ignorance regarding consequences and higher incidence of infection resulting from migration from developing countries. Acquisition abroad via so-called ‘sex tourism’ is also a factor in prevalence, as is the development of drug-resistant infections.

Early identification of infection is crucial to prevent or ameliorate sequelae. Obstetricians and gynaecologists will often be patients’ first point of contact; thereafter, liaison with genitourinary medicine colleagues is vital. Special consideration of safe treatments and prevention of vertical transmission in pregnant patients present obstetricians with extra challenges.