“State of The Science Update: Sexually Transmitted Infections"

Background and issues: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health concern and a significant source of morbidity. It is estimated that there are over 19 million new cases of STIs diagnosed each year in the United States, many of these occurring in young persons under the age of 25. Many infections are asymptomatic and disease transmission occurs when men and women are unaware they can transmit the bacteria or virus to their sexual partner.  

Description: This session will focus on current CDC STI screening and treatment guidelines, identification of groups most at risk, and strategies for performing comprehensive sexual health histories on patients of all ages.   

Lessons-learned: Health care providers often lack education and training in sexual health. Many patients are not being screened for sexually transmitted infections according to national guidelines. Absent or inadequate screening contributes to morbidity and hinders disease detection and prevention.  

Implications/Recommendations: Health care providers must be aware of current national guidelines for sexually transmitted infection screening and treatment, including awareness of high risk groups. Individualized, non-judgmental discussions of sexual risk behavior are imperative to improve screening rates, defection of asymptomatic infections and prevention of disease sequelae. Access to care, accurate history taking, prompt diagnosis and treatment, and risk reduction education are necessary to reduce disease incidence and improve the sexual health of all persons across the lifespan.