This document discusses sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It defines STIs as infectious diseases spread through sexual contact. It describes how bacteria and viruses can infect mucosal tissues in the genitals and rectum, causing STIs. Common STIs include HPV, HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Risk factors include having multiple partners, inconsistent condom use, and a history of other STIs. Signs and symptoms, diagnostic testing, and treatment options are provided for several specific STIs.
Group of communicable diseases in which sexual contact is the most important mode of transmission.
Importance:
1. Increasing incidence worldwide.
2. The cost and difficulties in the treatment of the diseases and their complications.
3. It is a socioeconomic problem as well as behavioral one since it is linked to addiction, low level of religious values, increase age of marriage, etc.
Introduction to Sexually transmitted diseases with a concentration on certain diseases like syphilis - herpes - chancroid- gonorrhoea - chamydia - bacteria vaginosis- trichomoniasis-candidiasis- human papilloma virus
Group of communicable diseases in which sexual contact is the most important mode of transmission.
Importance:
1. Increasing incidence worldwide.
2. The cost and difficulties in the treatment of the diseases and their complications.
3. It is a socioeconomic problem as well as behavioral one since it is linked to addiction, low level of religious values, increase age of marriage, etc.
Introduction to Sexually transmitted diseases with a concentration on certain diseases like syphilis - herpes - chancroid- gonorrhoea - chamydia - bacteria vaginosis- trichomoniasis-candidiasis- human papilloma virus
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects both men and women. Characteristics of genital herpes include pain, itching and sores in your genital area. Unfortunately, you may not encounter any signs or symptoms of genital herpes.
Gonorrhea
is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacterium.
Gonorrhea can grow easily in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive
tract, including the cervix (opening to the womb), uterus (womb), and
fallopian tubes (egg canals) in women, and in the urethra (urine canal)
in women and men. The bacterium can also grow in the mouth, throat,
eyes, and anus.
People get gonorrhea by having sex with someone who has the disease.
“Having sex” means anal, vaginal, or oral sex. Gonorrhea can still be
transmitted via fluids even if a man does not ejaculate. Gonorrhea can
also be spread from an untreated mother to her baby during childbirth.
People who have had gonorrhea and have been treated may get infected
again if they have sexual contact with a person infected with
gonorrhea.
Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects both men and women. Characteristics of genital herpes include pain, itching and sores in your genital area. Unfortunately, you may not encounter any signs or symptoms of genital herpes.
Gonorrhea
is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacterium.
Gonorrhea can grow easily in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive
tract, including the cervix (opening to the womb), uterus (womb), and
fallopian tubes (egg canals) in women, and in the urethra (urine canal)
in women and men. The bacterium can also grow in the mouth, throat,
eyes, and anus.
People get gonorrhea by having sex with someone who has the disease.
“Having sex” means anal, vaginal, or oral sex. Gonorrhea can still be
transmitted via fluids even if a man does not ejaculate. Gonorrhea can
also be spread from an untreated mother to her baby during childbirth.
People who have had gonorrhea and have been treated may get infected
again if they have sexual contact with a person infected with
gonorrhea.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the obligate human pathogen that causes the sexually transmitted disease (STD) gonorrhea. This Gram-negative diplococci/gonococci does not infect other animals or experimental animals and does not survive freely in the environment. The gonococcal infection occurs in the upper or lower tract, pharynx, ophthalmic area, rectum, and bloodstream. During the 1980’s gonorrhea was also referred to as “the clap” when public awareness was quite minimal. This was one of the venereal diseases prostitutes hoped to contract since it resulted in infertility by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). As documentation, diagnostic testing, and public awareness improved, there has been a decline in incidence reports, however, it is still considered a very common infectious disease.
Hearing the word “tumor” may naturally cause fear or panic. But a tumor is simply an abnormal buildup of tissue that occurs when cells divide too quickly or don’t die off as they normally should. A lung tumor is a tumor that occurs in the lung tissue itself or in the airways that lead to the lungs. Your airways include your:
Nose.
The inside of your nose (nasal cavity).
Throat (pharynx).
Voice box (larynx).
Windpipe (trachea).
The large tubes that carry air from your windpipe to your lungs (bronchi).
Lungs.
Lung tumors can either be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).
If a healthcare provider tells you that you have a lung tumor and it “looks like it’s benign,” what does that mean? Should you have concerns?
When compared to malignant tumors, benign lung tumors:
Aren’t cancerous, so they won’t spread to other parts of your body.
Grow slowly or might even stop growing or shrink.
Aren’t usually life-threatening.
Usually don’t require removal.
Can expand and push against nearby tissues but won’t invade, destroy or replace other tissues.
These lecture slides, by Dr Sidra Arshad, offer a quick overview of physiological basis of a normal electrocardiogram.
Learning objectives:
1. Define an electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrocardiography
2. Describe how dipoles generated by the heart produce the waveforms of the ECG
3. Describe the components of a normal electrocardiogram of a typical bipolar leads (limb II)
4. Differentiate between intervals and segments
5. Enlist some common indications for obtaining an ECG
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 11, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 9, Human Physiology - From Cells to Systems, Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
3. Chapter 29, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
4. Electrocardiogram, StatPearls - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549803/
5. ECG in Medical Practice by ABM Abdullah, 4th edition
6. ECG Basics, http://www.nataliescasebook.com/tag/e-c-g-basics
These simplified slides by Dr. Sidra Arshad present an overview of the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract.
Learning objectives:
1. Enlist the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract
2. Briefly explain how these functions are carried out
3. Discuss the significance of dead space
4. Differentiate between minute ventilation and alveolar ventilation
5. Describe the cough and sneeze reflexes
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 39, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 34, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
3. Chapter 17, Human Physiology by Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
4. Non-respiratory functions of the lungs https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/13/3/98/278874
New Directions in Targeted Therapeutic Approaches for Older Adults With Mantl...i3 Health
i3 Health is pleased to make the speaker slides from this activity available for use as a non-accredited self-study or teaching resource.
This slide deck presented by Dr. Kami Maddocks, Professor-Clinical in the Division of Hematology and
Associate Division Director for Ambulatory Operations
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, will provide insight into new directions in targeted therapeutic approaches for older adults with mantle cell lymphoma.
STATEMENT OF NEED
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare, aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) accounting for 5% to 7% of all lymphomas. Its prognosis ranges from indolent disease that does not require treatment for years to very aggressive disease, which is associated with poor survival (Silkenstedt et al, 2021). Typically, MCL is diagnosed at advanced stage and in older patients who cannot tolerate intensive therapy (NCCN, 2022). Although recent advances have slightly increased remission rates, recurrence and relapse remain very common, leading to a median overall survival between 3 and 6 years (LLS, 2021). Though there are several effective options, progress is still needed towards establishing an accepted frontline approach for MCL (Castellino et al, 2022). Treatment selection and management of MCL are complicated by the heterogeneity of prognosis, advanced age and comorbidities of patients, and lack of an established standard approach for treatment, making it vital that clinicians be familiar with the latest research and advances in this area. In this activity chaired by Michael Wang, MD, Professor in the Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma at MD Anderson Cancer Center, expert faculty will discuss prognostic factors informing treatment, the promising results of recent trials in new therapeutic approaches, and the implications of treatment resistance in therapeutic selection for MCL.
Target Audience
Hematology/oncology fellows, attending faculty, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
Learning Objectives
1.) Identify clinical and biological prognostic factors that can guide treatment decision making for older adults with MCL
2.) Evaluate emerging data on targeted therapeutic approaches for treatment-naive and relapsed/refractory MCL and their applicability to older adults
3.) Assess mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies for MCL and their implications for treatment selection
NVBDCP.pptx Nation vector borne disease control programSapna Thakur
NVBDCP was launched in 2003-2004 . Vector-Borne Disease: Disease that results from an infection transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Examples of vector-borne diseases include Dengue fever, West Nile Virus, Lyme disease, and malaria.
Ethanol (CH3CH2OH), or beverage alcohol, is a two-carbon alcohol
that is rapidly distributed in the body and brain. Ethanol alters many
neurochemical systems and has rewarding and addictive properties. It
is the oldest recreational drug and likely contributes to more morbidity,
mortality, and public health costs than all illicit drugs combined. The
5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM-5) integrates alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence into a single
disorder called alcohol use disorder (AUD), with mild, moderate,
and severe subclassifications (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
In the DSM-5, all types of substance abuse and dependence have been
combined into a single substance use disorder (SUD) on a continuum
from mild to severe. A diagnosis of AUD requires that at least two of
the 11 DSM-5 behaviors be present within a 12-month period (mild
AUD: 2–3 criteria; moderate AUD: 4–5 criteria; severe AUD: 6–11 criteria).
The four main behavioral effects of AUD are impaired control over
drinking, negative social consequences, risky use, and altered physiological
effects (tolerance, withdrawal). This chapter presents an overview
of the prevalence and harmful consequences of AUD in the U.S.,
the systemic nature of the disease, neurocircuitry and stages of AUD,
comorbidities, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, genetic risk factors, and
pharmacotherapies for AUD.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HEALTHCARE.pdfAnujkumaranit
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. It encompasses tasks such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding. AI technologies are revolutionizing various fields, from healthcare to finance, by enabling machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.
Knee anatomy and clinical tests 2024.pdfvimalpl1234
This includes all relevant anatomy and clinical tests compiled from standard textbooks, Campbell,netter etc..It is comprehensive and best suited for orthopaedicians and orthopaedic residents.
2. • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are
infectious diseases that are spread through
sexual contact with the penis, vagina, anus,
mouth, or sexual fluids of an infected
person.
3. • Mucosal tissues in the urethra in men, vagina in women,
rectum, and mouth are susceptible to the bacteria and
viruses that cause STIs.
• Common STIs are
– Genital human papillomavirus (HPV), can spread from direct
skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
– human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), may be contracted via
blood or blood products or be transmitted from mother to
baby during pregnancy or labor and delivery.
– Some STIs can spread through autoinoculation (spread of
infection by touching or scratching an infected area and
transferring it to another part of the body).
– STIs cannot typically be transmitted from casual contact or
inanimate objects.
4. SI Diseases Causes
I Bacterial Infections
Chlamydial Chlamydia trachomatis
Gonorrhea Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Syphilis Treponema pallidum
II Viral Infections
Genital herpes Herpes simplex virus (HSV 1 or 2)
Genital warts (condylomata
acuminata)
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Human immunodeficiency
virus infection (HIV)
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Hepatitis B and C Hepatitis B and C viruses
Molluscum Molluscum contagiosum
III
Parasitic/Protozoan
Infection
Tricomoniasis Tricomonas vaginalis
5. Risk Factors for STIs
High-Risk Behaviors
• Alcohol or drug use (inhibits judgment)
• Having new or multiple sexual partners
• Having more than 1 sexual partner
• Having sexual partners who have/have
had multiple partners
• Inconsistent or incorrect use of condoms
or other barrier methods
• Sharing needles used to inject drugs
High-Risk Medical History
• Having 1 STI is a risk factor for getting
another
• Not being vaccinated for STIs or other
infections that may be transmitted through
some forms sexual activity (HPV, hepatitis
A and B)
• Receiving multiple courses of non
occupational poste xposure prophylaxis
for HIV infection
High-Risk Populations
• Adolescents and young
adults (age <25)
• Ethnicity
• Men who have sex with
men
• Persons in correctional
facilities
• Transgender persons
• Victims of sexual
assault
• Women
7. Etiology and Pathophysiology
• Chlamydial infections are caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, a
gram-negative bacterium and intracellular pathogen.
• Chlamydia is transmitted through exposure to sexual fluids
during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
• Ejaculation does not have to occur for it to be transmitted.
• The incubation period for chlamydia is 1 to 3 weeks.
• The common site for infection in men is the urethra. Infections
in the male urethra are called urethritis.
• The common site for infection for women is the cervix.
Infections in the female cervix are called cervicitis.
• Both men and women can get chlamydia of the rectum from
receptive anal sex or the oropharynx from giving oral sex.
Because the vagina acts as a natural reservoir for infectious
secretions, STI transmission is often more efficient from men to
women than it is from women to men.
8. Clinical manifestations
• No symptoms
• Pain with urination
• Urethral discharge.
• Pain or swelling of the
testicles
• Mucopurulent discharge
(mucus with pus),
• Bleeding
• Dysuria
• Pain with intercourse.
Symptoms of rectal
chlamydia
• Anorectal pain
• Discharge
• Bleeding
• Pruritus
• Tenesmus
• Mucus-coated stools
• Painful bowel
movements.
9. Diagnostic Studies
• Accurate sexual history
• A physical examination
• Laboratory tests specific to each infection.
• Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT):- is
used to identify small amounts of DNA or
RNA in test samples.
10. Treatment
• The preferred treatment is a single dose of
azithromycin (Zithromax) or doxycycline
(Vibramycin) twice a day for 7 days
11. Role of nurse in Treatment (Drug
alert)
• Patients should avoid prolonged or
excessive exposure to sunlight.
• Take doses on an empty stomach either 1
hour before eating or 2 hours after eating.
• Avoid taking with antacids, iron products, or
dairy products.
• Pregnant women should not take
doxycycline
13. Etiology
• Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria
gonorrhoeae, a gram-negative, diplococcus
bacterium.
14. Pathophysiology
• Gonorrhea can be transmitted by exposure to
sexual fluids during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
• Ejaculation does not have to occur for it to be
transmitted. The incubation period ranges
from 1 to 14 days.
• The most common site for infection for men is
the urethra and for women, the cervix. Both
men and women can get gonorrhea of the
rectum from anal sex or of the oropharynx
from oral sex.
15. Clinical manifestations
Male
• Dysuria
• Purulent urethral discharge
• Epididymitis
In female
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Dysuria
• Frequency of urination
• Bleeding after sex
• Redness and swelling can
occur at the cervix or urethra
along with a purulent
exudate
Symptoms of rectal infection
include
• Mucopurulent rectal
discharge
• Bleeding
• Anorectal pain
• Pruritus
• Tenesmus
• Mucus-coated stools,
• Painful bowel movements.
Patients with gonorrhea in
the throat
• A sore throat within days of
performing oral sex.
16. Diagnostic Studies
• History and physical examination
• Gram-stained smears of urethral or
endocervical exudate
• Culture for Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) to
detect N. gonorrhoeae
• Testing for other STIs (syphilis, HIV,
chlamydial infection)
17. Treatment
• The first-line treatment is dual therapy with
IM ceftriaxone with oral azithromycin as a
single dose.
19. Trichomoniasis
• Trichomonas can be transmitted by
exposure to sexual fluids during vaginal,
anal, or oral sex, even if ejaculation does not
occur.
• The incubation period is usually 1 week to 1
month but can be much longer.
• The most common site for infection in men
is the urethra and in women is the cervix.
20. Clinical Manifestations
Men
• Burning with urination and ejaculation,
• Urethral discharge.
Women
• Painful urination
• Vaginal itching
• Painful intercourse
• Bleeding after sex
• A yellow-green discharge with a foul odor.
• The cervix can have a “strawberry” appearance.
21. Diagnostic Evaluations
• NAAT testing of vaginal or endocervical
secretions or urine.
• Culture, point-of-care testing,
• Direct visualization of trichomonads under the
microscope.
• Identification of motile trichomonads in the
vaginal secretions confirms infection.
• Tests can be done on liquid-based cervical Pap
samples.
22. Role of nurse in Treatment (Drug
alert)
• Patients and their partners should be treated with either
metronidazole or tinidazole.
• Teach patients to abstain from sexual contact for 7 days
after treatment or until all sexual partners have
completed a full course of treatment and abstained from
sexual contact for 7 days.
• Tell patients to return if symptoms persist or recur. A
• ny sexual partner within the preceding 60 days should
be treated.
• Teach patients to use condoms or other barrier methods
with every sexual contact.
• Because of a high rate of recurrence, repeat testing 3
months after treatment is recommended.
24. • Genital herpes is a common, lifelong,
incurable infection.
• There are 2 strains of herpes:
– Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1):- HSV-1 is
associated with oral lesions.
– Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2):- HSV-2 is
more common in the genitals or anus.
25. Pathophysiology
Viral reactivation occurs when the virus descends to that initial site of
infection, either the mucous membranes or skin.
Then the virus enters the peripheral or autonomic nerve endings and
ascends to the sensory or autonomic nerve ganglion near the infection site
Reproduces inside the cell and spreads to the surrounding cells.
The virus enters through the mucous membranes or breaks in the
skin during contact with an infected person.
26. Clinical Manifestations
A primary episode
• A primary (initial) episode of genital herpes has an incubation of 2 to
12 days. Most people do not have any recognizable symptoms of
primary HSV genital infection.
• Symptoms do occur, they follow a series of stages.
– Prodromal stage:- the period before lesions appear, the patient
may have burning, itching, or tingling at the site of inoculation.
– Vesicular stage:- few to multiple small, often painful vesicles
(blisters) may appear on the buttock, inner thigh, penis, scrotum,
vulva, perineum, perianal region, vagina, or cervix. The vesicles
have large quantities of infectious viral particles.
– Ulcerative stage:- the lesions rupture and form shallow, moist
ulcerations. In the final stage, spontaneous crusting and
epithelialization of the erosions occur
• Regional (inguinal node) lymphadenopathy and systemic flu-like
symptoms, including fever, headache, malaise, and myalgia.
27. Recurrent Episodes
• It occurs in many people during the year after the
primary episode.
• The symptoms of recurrent episodes are less severe, and
the lesions usually heal more quickly. HSV-1 genital
infections recur less often than HSV-2 genital infections.
Over time, both decrease in frequency.
• Common triggers of recurrence include stress, fatigue,
sunburn, general illness, immunosuppression, and
menses. Many patients can predict a recurrence by
noticing the prodromal symptoms of tingling, burning,
and itching at the site where the lesions will recur.
31. • Genital warts (condylomata acuminata) are caused
by the HPV.
• There are around 100 types of papillomavirus, of
which at least 40 strains are sexually transmitted.
• “Low-risk” strains of the virus can cause warts on
the skin.
• “High-risk” strains can lead to cancers of the genital
tract, anus, or oropharynx in some patients.
• HPV types 6 and 11 cause about 90% of genital and
anal wart cases.
32. Etiology and Pathophysiology
• HPV is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact,
most often during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
• It can be transmitted during nonpenetrating
sexual activity.
• The basal epithelial cells infected with HPV
undergo transformation and proliferation to
form a warty growth
– The incubation period can range from weeks to
months to years.
33. Clinical Manifestations
• Asymptomatic.
• Genital or anal warts are discrete single or multiple papillary
growths that are white to gray, are pink-flesh colored, or can be
hyperpigmented depending on the skin type.
• They may grow and coalesce to form large, cauliflower-like masses.
• In men, warts occur on the penis and scrotum, inside or around the
anus, or in the urethra.
• In women, warts occur on the inner thighs, vulva, vagina, or cervix,
in the perianal area, including in the internal anal canal
• Itching may occur with anogenital warts.
• Bleeding on defecation may occur with anal warts.
35. Treatment
• Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
• Bichloroacetic acid (BCA)
• Podofilox liquid and gel
• Petroleum jelly applied with a cotton swab to
the surrounding normal skin can minimize
irritation.
• If the warts do not resolve with topical
therapies, treatments such as cryotherapy with
liquid nitrogen, electrocautery, laser therapy,
local α-interferon injections, or surgical
excision may be needed
37. • Syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum, a bacterial
spirochete.
• It is transmitted by direct contact with a syphilitic ulcer called a
chancre.
• A chancre can occur externally on the genitals, anus, or lips or
internally in the vagina, rectum, or mouth or tongue or through
the mucosal membranes of an infected person.
• Transmission can occur during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The
incubation period can range from 10 to 90 days (average 21
days).
• An infected pregnant woman can transmit syphilis to her fetus
during her pregnancy. There is a high risk for stillbirth or having
babies who develop complications after birth, including seizures
and death.
38. Stages of syphilis
Primary
• Infectivity: Highly infectious
• Duration of stage: 3–6 wk
• Single or multiple chancres (painless indurated
lesions) of penis, vulva, lips, mouth, vagina, and
rectum) Occurs 10–90 days after inoculation
• Regional lymphadenopathy (microorganisms
drain into the lymph nodes)
• Exudate and blood from chancre are highly
infectious
39. Secondary
• Infectivity: Highly infectious
• Duration of stage: Occurs a few weeks after primary
chancre heals, lasts 1–2 yr
• Flu-like symptoms: malaise, fever, sore throat,
headaches, fatigue, arthralgia, generalized adenopathy
• Mucous patches in mouth, tongue, or cervix
• Symmetric, nonpruritic rash bilaterally that appears on
trunk, palms, and/or soles
• Condylomata lata (moist, weeping papules) in the
anogenital area
• Weight loss, alopecia
40. Latent
• Infectivity: Early (<1 yr)—infectious; late (≥1
yr)—noninfectious
• Duration of stage: Throughout life or
progression to late stage
• Absence of signs or symptoms
• Diagnosis based on positive specific
treponemal antibody test together with normal
CSF and absence of clinical manifestations
41. Late
• Infectivity: Noninfectious
• Duration of stage: Chronic (without treatment), occurs 1–20
years after initial infection
• Gummas (chronic, destructive lesions affecting any organ of
body, especially skin, bone, liver, mucous membranes)
• Cardiovascular: Aneurysms, heart valve insufficiency, heart
failure, aortitis
• Neurosyphilis: Can occur at any stage of syphilis
• General paresis: Personality changes from minor to psychotic,
tremors, physical and mental deterioration
• Tabes dorsalis (ataxia, areflexia, paresthesias, lightning pains,
damaged joints)
42. Diagnostic Assessment
• History and physical examination
• Dark-field microscopy
• Nontreponemal and/or treponemal
serologic testing
• Testing for other STIs (HIV, gonorrhea,
chlamydial infection)
43. Management
• Antibiotic therapy:
• Penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin LA)
• Doxycycline or tetracycline (if penicillin
contraindicated)
• Confidential counseling and testing for HIV infection
• Surveillance
• Repeat of nontreponemal tests at 6 and 12 mo
• Examination of cerebrospinal fluid at 1 yr if
treatment involves alternative antibiotics or
treatment failure has occurred.
45. Health education
• Explain precautions to take, such as
– Using condoms and other barrier methods with every sexual encounter
– Being monogamous, defining what monogamy means with your partner
– Asking potential partners about their sexual history
– Asking potential partners if they have been tested for STIs
– Avoiding sex with partners who have visible oral, inguinal, genital, perineal, or
anal lesions or those who use IV drugs
– Voiding and washing genitalia and surrounding area after sex to flush
out/wash away organisms to reduce potential for transmitting infection
• Explain the importance of taking all antibiotics or antiviral agents as
prescribed. Symptoms will improve after 1–2 days of treatment, but
organisms may still be present.
• Teach patients diagnosed with gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, or
trichomoniasis that all sexual partners need to be treated to prevent
transmission and reinfection.
46. • Teach patients to abstain from sexual contact during and for
7 days after treatment and to use condoms or other barrier
methods when sexual activity is resumed to prevent spread of
infection and reinfection.
• Explain the importance of follow-up examination and retesting
at least once after treatment (if appropriate) to confirm
complete cure and prevent relapse.
• Allow patients and partners to voice their concerns and clarify
areas that need explanation.
• Teach patients about the signs and symptoms of complications
and need to report problems to their HCP to ensure proper
follow-up and early treatment of reinfection.
• Tell patients of the infectious nature of these infections to avoid
a false sense of security, which may result in careless sexual
practices or poor personal hygiene.
• Tell patients about health department requirements for
anonymously reporting certain STIs.
47. Preventing Sexually Transmitted
Infections
• Follow “safer” sex practices every time you have
sexual contact and be responsible for your own
protection.
• Have sexual activity only in an established,
monogamous relationship.
• Obtain vaccinations to help prevent some types of
HPV.
• Know your sex partners. Be comfortable saying “no”
to sexual activity.
• Limit alcohol use to moderate levels.
• If you are at risk, obtain testing regularly and
encourage partners to do the same.