Sexually Transmitted Infections

General Notes

Accurate laboratory proven diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STI) is desirable but not always possible. Management guidelines recommended in this section are based on the diagnosis of STI-associated syndromes. This involves the provision of the complete management package including provision of antibiotics for the STI syndrome, provision of health education, promoting risk reduction behaviour and treatment compliance, provision of condoms, providing information on partner referral and treatment and arranging for follow-up examination. To prevent further spread it is essential that tall sex partners of persons with STI be contacted and treated. In addition to syndromic management, recommendations for treatment of specific indications when laboratory diagnosis has been made. 

FIRST LINE therapy is recommended when the patient makes his/her first contact with the health care facility. 

SECOND LINE therapy is administered when first line therapy has failed, re-infection and poor treatment compliance has been excluded and other diagnoses have been considered. 

THIRD LINE therapy should only be used when export attention and adequate laboratory facilities are available, and where results of treatment can be monitored.