Discussion Overview
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are primarily spread through sexual contact, while urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually contracted from bacteria passed on through the urinary tract. Both types of infections can have similar symptoms, but treatments and complications for a UTI vs. STI are very different.
There were more than 2.4 million STIs reported in the United States in 2023; however, there are promising signs the epidemic may be slowing:
· Gonorrhea dropped for a second year—declining 7% from 2022 and falling below pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
· Overall, syphilis increased by only 1% after years of double-digit increases.
· Primary and secondary syphilis declined for the first time in more than two decades, down 10% since 2022. These cases also dropped 13% among gay and bisexual men for the first time since CDC began reporting national trends among this group in the mid-2000s.
Discussion: Sexually Transmitted disease or UTI?
John is a 20 year old college student who presents with pain and a burning sensation during urination, a sudden urge to empty his bladder, and pain in his lower abdomen . He is concerned that he might have a sexually transmitted disease as he has had unprotected intercourse with three different partners in the past month.
1. What other questions do you want to ask John when getting a sexual history?
2. What tests would you do and why?
3. What patient education would you provide?
4. What are the (CDC), Center for Disease Control recommendations for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and UTIs?
