STD Screening

Fri, 10/07/2011 – 00:28 — Colleen Brown PA-C

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a major public health problem. If left untreated, they can cause upper genital tract infections, infertility, and cervical cancer. Also, if not detected, infections such as HIV and Syphilis can infected more and more people in our society.

The Approach To STD Diagnosis Is Based On:

History (new partner, condom use, history of STD, history of ulcers), risk factors (Young age less than 24, single, multiple partners, drug use), and symptoms (vaginal discharge, urethral discharge, pain with urination, ulcerative genital disease, and pelvic pain).

Many patients have asymptomatic disease. This increases the risk of complications and sustained transmission.

Typically Screened For STD’s Include (But are not limited to):

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Gonorrhea /Chlamydia- left untreated can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Sexually active patients who are younger than 25, have multiple partners, pregnant should all be tested.
Trichomoniasis- Can be asymptomatic, however the typical symptoms include urethritis in males and malodorous vaginal discharge with vulvar irritation in females.
Syphilis- checked in high risk patients only
Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2- cause cold soars and genital ulcers that are painful. Can increase risk of HIV transmission. Not curable. Medication can shorten duration of a break out.
Hepatitis B- transmitted by blood or body fluids that contain blood. Hepatitis B screening should be offered to patients with multiple sex partners and injection drug users. If not immune and at risk, three series vaccination should be offered.
Hepatitis C- transmitted mainly through blood. IV drug users are at high risk. Screen can also be done in patient with partners who have known infection.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)- high risk type of HPV can causes cervical cancer if not detected in time. Annual pap smear check up recommended in women who are sexually active. Vaccine now available for prevention and offered to women younger than age 26.