Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) continue to be underrecognized leading to devastating health and economic consequences. Emergency clinicians play an important role in diagnosing and managing STDs and in improving health care outcomes for both the patient and their partners. In addition, antibiotic resistance and emerging infections continue to challenge providers in clinical practice. This review focuses on the cause, history, physical examination, diagnostic studies, and treatment strategies for bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, human papillomavirus, granuloma inguinale, Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Mycoplasma genitalium, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.