Updated Sexually Transmitted Infections Guidelines

One of our most persistent public health concerns continues to be sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their sequelae. A large portion of STIs occur in adolescents and young adults, and with serious consequences such as infertility and systemic disease, it is paramount that public health and clinical-level initiatives focus on this demographic. Recently, there has been growing evidence for antimicrobial resistance in strains of gonorrhea and chlamydia, which has provided the need to update treatment guidelines to prevent continued resistance and decrease the rate of treatment failure. In addition to these updates, providers need to remain vigilant in having conversations with their patients about sexual behaviors with risk for acquiring STIs, in counseling on preventive methods, and in practicing routine screening for patients of various backgrounds, including those of marginalized communities who experience STIs at a higher rate. [.