Sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) comprise a diverse group that includes blood-borne diseases, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and ulcerative lesions. This area of medicine has been the cornerstone for many abstinence and safe-sex programs, research into new vaccinations, screening of partners, and infection prevention. Even with these great strides, we still see more and more individuals infected. Recently the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed their guidelines for screening in pregnant females regarding hepatitis B and recommendations for prophylaxis of neonates born from hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected mothers. There is updated information on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for young boys and research on the new HIV vaccination that is projected to curb those who are being infected with HPV and HIV. In addition to growing trends, current treatment, and prevention on sexually transmitted infections, there are now reports of cephalosporin resistance to gonorrhea. Unfamiliarity with ulcerative lesions is common and their presentation is revisited here and expanded for better understanding. Family medicine needs to focus attention both on how to better educate the patient population when screening those who are unknowingly infected, and how to prevent further spread.