Sexually Transmitted Infections

Abstract

The diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections is a crucial component of providing evidence-based care in the emergency department. Understanding how to make the diagnosis and implement effective treatment is essential to maintaining and improving public health. Providers should also be adept at giving care to sexual assault survivors and seeking out the expertise of specially trained professionals within networks known as SANE, SAFE, or SART. These networks are critical to providing standardized care to sexual assault patients. Prophylaxis remains a key element for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections in all patients who are considered high risk.

Keywords: HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PREP); Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP); Sexual assault; Sexually transmitted diseases; Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).