More than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. That means most gynecologists will diagnose and treat their share of STIs over the course of their careers. Get tips on how to talk to your patients about preventing these infections — and how to best diagnose and care for them — from our collection of frequently asked questions about pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chlamydia and other sexual health concerns.
- What should my patients know about PID? This condition typically arises as a complication of chlamydia and gonorrhea, but sometimes it can be caused by other types of infections. Left untreated, PID can lead to chronic pelvic pain and increase a patient's risk of contracting HIV. It can also lead to infertility or, for those who do become pregnant, to ectopic pregnancy or stillbirth. PID is best prevented by condom use to avoid the STIs that lead to this condition; routine screening and early treatment are also key.
- What's the best way to determine a PID diagnosis? Because PID can be a silent condition with long-term complications, including infertility, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial. Ultrasound — and 3D ultrasound, in particular — gives a detailed view of the pelvis, uterus and fallopian tubes, providing OB-GYNs with the tools necessary for a more accurate PID diagnosis.
- Which STIs can cause infertility? "Can chlamydia make you infertile?" Questions like this present OB-GYNs with the opportunity to talk about one of the major infection complications: infertility. Chlamydia can lead to PID, which can, in turn, increase the chance of infertility when left untreated. This makes prevention and routine screening of chlamydia especially important for people who want to become pregnant.
- How can I prevent HPV transmission in my practice? Aside from sexual transmission, human papillomavirus (HPV) can be transmitted in hospital and private practice settings by improper disinfection. Research suggests that HPV retains half of its infectivity for three days at room temperature. This can make HPV transmission a threat in OB-GYN practices where ultrasound probes are used. High-level disinfection of equipment, including transvaginal probes with and without a cover, is necessary to help kill the virus and prevent accidental transmission between patients.
Talking about sexually transmitted infections might feel awkward for patients, but by offering education around prevention — and providing routine screening and accurate diagnosis — you can help protect them from PID, infertility and other complications.
