Sexual Health Intro to STIs

Question 1

which STIs can be transmitted by skin contact only?

Answer 1

• pubic lice (Pthirus pubis)
• scabies (Sarcoptes scabeii)
• Warts (HPV types 6&11)
• Herpes (HSV types 1&2)

Question 2

list some systemic symptoms associated with STIs

Answer 2

• fever
• rash
• lymphadenopathy
• malaise
• arthralgia and arthritis

Question 3

what are some late complications of STDs?

Answer 3

• infertility: chlamydia
• cancer: 250,000+ deaths globally from cervical cancer - HPV
• 300,000 adverse pregancy outcomes from syphilis per year
• deaths due to HIV etc

Question 4

what should a consultation of someone presenting with a possible STI involve

Answer 4

• standard history components: PC, HPC, PM/SHx, DHx

Question 5

what questions are asked in a sexual history?

Answer 5

• When did you last have sexual contact?
• Casual contact vs ‘regular’ partner?
• How long were you going out with them for?
• Were they male or female?
• Asking about nature of sex act sometimes useful: anxiety about a specific incident, If it’s going to alter where you swab from eg MSM
• Did you use condoms?
• Other contraception used
• Nationality of contact

Question 6

what questions should be asked when assessing longer term sexual risks (men)?

Answer 6

• Have you ever had sexual contact with another man?
• Have you ever injected drugs?
• Sexual contact with anyone who’s injected drugs?someone from outside the UK? (clarify)
• Medical treatment outside UK? (clarify)
• Paid for sex or been paid?

Question 7

what are the two ways of partner notification (‘contact tracing’)?

Answer 7

• patient tells contacts ‘client referral’
• NHS tells contact ‘provider referral’