STDs or sexually transmitted diseases are those set of infectious diseases which are transferred from one sexual partner to another. They are spread by sexual activity in any form and are sometimes very depressing for the couple.
There are hundreds of bacteria and viruses which are responsible for sexually transmitted infections and manifest local and systemic symptoms. The quality of life is definitely disturbed depending upon the severity of infection and must be notified and treated in time. Moreover, they are easily transferred to others especially if the infected person has multiple sexual partners.
Examples of Sexually transmitted diseases
There are many examples of sexually transmitted diseases. We are sharing some of the most important and most common diseases here.
- HIV/AIDS (caused by Human immunodeficiency virus and leads to very serious and debilitating diseases)
- Genital herpes (caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 and very painful for the affected person)
- Trichomoniasis (a parasitic disease transmitted sexually)
- Chlamydia (a bacterial disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis)
- Syphilis (bacterial disease -causing ulceration of the uro-genital tract)
- Gonorrhea (Also a bacterial disease and affects the females mostly)
STI Reporting
Reporting of Sexually transmitted disease or infections is very important because they are infections and are likely to spread to others. Besides, they are nationally reported diseases according to CDC guidelines.
So, if any patient comes to the clinic and diagnosed with any form of sexually transmitted infection, he has to be reported properly.
STI Report form
An STI report form is provided with all the information required for reporting. A doctor or any health professional can fill this form by following the instructions and submit it to the respective authorities.
- Patient information like name, age, sex, date of birth, marital status or if he/she is sexually active are all asked and reported in the form. Height, weight, email address and contact number is for the hospital for later follow up purposes.
- In the second section of the form, a doctor fills in the medical history of the patient. If the patient is female, she is asked if she pregnant at the time of infection. It is important because infectious disease undoubtedly affect the outcome of pregnancy.
- A female patient is also asked about her menstrual history and other gynecological history.
- Presenting symptoms of the patients that may or may not support the diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases are all asked, and the boxes are checked or remain unchecked based on their answers.
- A provisional diagnosis is made and written in the form if the patient is found positive for the STIs.
- Name of the doctor has to be mentioned who conducted the history and examination.
- Some or all of the sexually transmitted disease may require lab confirmation for the diagnosis. So, we do mention if we have got any laboratory test. Lab reports are also mentioned in the form to support the diagnosis and make reporting a confirmed case of STI.
- Treatment is also mentioned in the form along with necessary instructions and notes.
