Sexually transmitted diseases in women. Gonorrhea and syphilis

Gonorrhea has been declining since its 1975 peak. Risk factors include age 15 to 19 years, multiple or casual sexual contacts, sexual activity related to drug use, and low socioeconomic status. Infection is usually mild but may be asymptomatic. While no physical signs are specific to the gonococcus, pelvic inflammatory disease is a common complication and cause of infertility and should be treated if it is suspected. Diagnosis of gonorrhea is typically by culture. Newer, more accurate tests are available but are more expensive. For treatment, the CDC recommends only highly effective regimens. Patients need to refer recent sexual partners for treatment and abstain from sexual intercourse until completion of therapy and resolution of symptoms. The incidence of syphilis appears to be declining in the United States, but it should be considered if an ulcer is found in the genital region. If untreated, the disease progresses through primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary phases, and systemic symptoms can mimic other conditions. Positive standard screening tests should be confirmed by fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption testing. Darkfield microscopy is appropriate for diagnosis of an ulcer. The treatment of choice for all phases of syphilis is a single dose of intramuscular benzathine penicillin. Other components of therapy include partner notification and patient follow-up. The spread of HIV is closely linked to STD transmission. Therefore, testing for HIV is strongly encouraged when another STD has been diagnosed.