Educational Pearls:
- Most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in North America: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
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- From the emergency department patients should be connected to follow-up care and educated on vaccine series
- Most common non-viral STD in North America: Trichomonas Vaginalis
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- While men may be asymptomatic, they can transmit the disease to women who may experience irritation leading to increased likelihood of PID and contraction of other STDs and HIV
- Trichomonas is diagnosed via wet preparation with visualization of motile parasites
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- Similarly, men's urine can be tested for visualized motile parasites
- Expedite lab as parasites are motile for about one hour
- PCR test is becoming more available
- Most common bacterial STD in North America: Chlamydia trachomatis
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- Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a less common bacterial STD but does have high rates of drug resistance
- Empiric STD treatment includes IM Ceftriaxone and PO Doxycycline
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- Providers should consider adding Flagyl for Trichomonas Vaginalis coverage
ReferencesSexually transmitted disease surveillance, 2020. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2020/default.htm. Published August 22, 2022. Accessed November 21, 2022.
Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, et al. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021;70(4):1-187. Published 2021 Jul 23. doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1
Summarized by Kirsten Hughes, MS4 | Edited by John Spartz, MD, & Erik Verzemnieks, MD
In an effort to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in Emergency Medicine, The Emergency Medical Minute is proud to present our 2nd annual Diversity and Inclusion Award. We support increasing the representation of underrepresented groups in medicine and extend this award to individuals applying to emergency medicine residencies during the 2022-2023 cycle. For information on award eligibility and the application process, visit https://emergencymedicalminute.com/edi-award/