Managing sexually transmitted infections

Abstract

TESTING for STIs should be guided by individual sexual risk assessment, local epidemiology, and whether the patient falls within a particular atrisk group. With the widespread availability of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), more sampling options are available for patients, resulting in increased acceptability and allowing for limited screening in non-clinical situations. Clinicians need to be aware of sampling options, test limitations and associated window periods, and counsel patients appropriately. Similarly, clinicians need to be aware of first-line treatment modalities and local resistance patterns. STI testing and management is an ideal opportunity to effect behaviour change by way of education, safe-sex messages, and harm-minimisation counselling