Sexually Transmitted Diseases(STDs) Screening

SCREENING

STD screening for nonpregnant women depends on the age of the patient and assessment of risk factors (Box 27.1).

The diagnosis of certain STDs should also prompt screen-ing for other sexually transmitted infections. When a patient is diagnosed with cervicitis, she should also be screened for PID, chlamydial infection, gonorrhea, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis and treated, if necessary. A woman diag-nosed with PID should be tested for chlamydial infection, gonorrhea, and HIV.

Box 27.1

ACOG STD Screening Recommendations

Routine Screening:

Sexually active women 25 years and younger should be routinely screened for chlamydial infection.

All sexually active adolescents should be routinely screened for gonorrhea.

Women with developmental disabilities should be screened for STDs.

HIV screening is recommended for all women who are or ever have been sexually active. (Physicians should be aware of and follow their states’ HIV screening requirements.)

Screening Based On Risk Factors:

Women with a history of multiple sexual part-ners or a sexual partner with multiple contacts, sexual contact with culture-proved STDs,a history of repeated episodes of STDs, or attendance at clinics for STDs should be regularly screened for STDs.

Asymptomatic women aged 26 and older who are at high risk for infection should be routinely screened for chlamydial infection and gonorrhea.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Guidelines for Women’s Health Care: A Resource Manual. 3rded. Washington, DC: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; 2007:201.