Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Author(s):
Sindy M. Paul, MD, MPH, FACPM Medical Director

Division of HIV, STD, and TB Services
New Jersey Department of Health
Trenton, NJ

Original Publication:
October 2, 2014

Abstract

The first part of this chapter covers sexually transmitted diseases. The second part of the chapter is devoted to gynecology. Many changes to the recommendations for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases have recently been published. Education and counseling previously were recommended for patients with human papillomavirus and herpes simplex virus. The recommendations for human papillomavirus have been updated. Chlamydia screening recommendations have been updated. New tests are now available specifically for diagnosing human papillomavirus. Two vaccines for preventing the reduction of the sequelae of human papillomavirus infection are now available. Guidelines for the treatment of herpes simplex virus, scabies, pubic lice, and bacterial vaginosis have been revised. Cephalosporin and quinolone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeaehave become more prevalent in the United States, prompting new treatment recommendations. The diagnosis of gonococcal and chlamydial infections has improved with new analytical procedures. The gynecology section of this chapter emphasizes the impact of vaginal flora on postoperative infections and procedure-specific risks.