Problems in the management of sexually transmitted diseases in South Africa

On the subcontinent sexually transmitted diseases present considerable diagnostic and therapeutic problems. With the recognition of vast numbers of non-gonococcal and chancroid infections, penicillin therapy is no longer adequate. This article outlines an approach to the management of urethritis and genital ulcer disease, giving suitable guidelines for the treatment of these 'disease syndromes'. The management of sexually transmitted vaginal discharges is also discussed, and the relevance of the rapidly performed 'wet mount' in the diagnosis of those discharges arising from the vaginal wall is stressed.