[Advancements in diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases in urology]

Sexually transmitted diseases diagnosed and treated exclusively in urology clinics are male urethritis and epididymitis caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. Although recent developments in diagnostic tools have made it possible to detect these microorganisms with extremely high sensitivities, the screening of Neisseria gonorrhoeae using the microscopic observation of intraleucocyte diplococci stained by methylene blue or gram staining in the first voided urine sediment or urethral smears still the key point in the diagnosis and treatment of gonococcal urethritis. In recent years, mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas have been supposed to be possible pathogens of prostatitis as well as urethritis. The objective diagnosis of genital skin lesions caused by herpes simplex virus and human papillomavirus are remained to be developed.