Sexually transmitted diseases: testing and treating.

  • 1 June 1999
    • journal article
    • review article
    • Vol. 10  (2) , 231-41, vi
Abstract
Adolescents remain a group at particular risk for STD acquisition due to a combination of biological and psychosocial factors. Access to care can be an obstacle to seeking appropriate screening and treatment for many adolescents; undetected infection may lead to unwanted sequelae, including pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic abdominal pain, tubal scarring, and increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. With respect to gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and chancroid, the hope is that improved detection will decrease sequelae by prompting earlier recognition and treatment. In all cases of suspected sexual abuse cultures remain of utmost importance because of the negative consequences associated with a possible false-positive test result. Urine screening in certain settings, such as school-based health centers and juvenile detention centers, remains positive; however, adolescents with a positive test may still require further evaluation to identify HPV and abnormal Pap smear findings, syphilis, and other STDs currently not recognizable with a simple urine screen.

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