Epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases

The epidemiology of STDs is a vast topic. It includes examining not only the frequency of disease but also those factors that influence the frequency. It requires taking into account not only the characteristics of the infected persons and their risk factors but also the characteristics of the causative organisms. There is a commonality between various STDs that results in people frequently harboring one or more agent. In view of this, efforts should be made to evaluate patients for inapparent disease. Another important aspect is recognizing that patients do not acquire their infection except through sexual contact, indicating that another person is involved. Therefore, for control purposes, treatment of all sexual contacts also must be addressed.