Talk, Test, Treat! STI Awareness Starts Here: Navigating Comprehensive Approach to Sexually Transmitted Infections

Talk, Test, Treat! STI Awareness Starts Here: Navigating Comprehensive Approach to Sexually Transmitted Infections
  • Dr. M. Balasubramanian — Graduated and Post Graduated from Madras Medical College, Recipient of Dr. Chako Medal in MD Venereology from University of Madras, Retired, Deputy Director, Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society, Former State Secretary, President & National Vice President of IMA, Organised 100 Programmes on Syndromic Management of STDs, District Wise Programmes on AIDS, Safe Blood Transfusion for Private Practitioners in Tamil Nadu
  • Dr. Madhulatha Alexander — Professor, Dept. of Obs & Gynae at Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad

Obstetrics & Gynaecology · Internal Medicine · Community Medicine · General Medicine

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), previously known as sexually transmitted diseases, involve the transmission of an organism between sexual partners through different routes of sexual contact, either oral, anal, or vaginal. The course emphasises the importance of open communication, accurate testing, and timely treatment in managing STIs. It explores the various aetiologies of common STIs, including bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, along with their clinical manifestations. Healthcare providers should be equipped with the latest guidelines for screening, diagnosis, and treatment options, including antimicrobial therapies and vaccines. The course also covers preventive measures, such as condom use, vaccination, and counselling, to reduce the transmission of STIs. Special attention is given to managing STIs in vulnerable populations, including adolescents, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. By integrating a holistic approach-focusing on prevention, early detection, and appropriate treatment-this course aims to empower healthcare professionals in improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of STIs. Learning Objectives: • Understand the risk factors and symptoms associated with chlamydial infections, including specific considerations for pregnant women and transgender populations. • Recognise the updated 2025 management guidelines for Chlamydia trachomatis infections, including laboratory diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies. • Learn the screening and treatment recommendations for syphilis and gonococcal infections, with an emphasis on updates from the CDC, WHO, and other international guidelines. • Review current treatment strategies for herpes simplex virus infections, focusing on first-episode and recurrent genital herpes, including guidelines for pregnant women and individuals with HIV. • Explore the latest approaches for managing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections, including updates on cervical cancer screening, HPV vaccination, and treatment recommendations for anogenital warts. • Examine the evolving landscape of HIV care, including new therapies, the importance of timely testing, and best practises for managing coinfections, with a focus on maternal and paediatric care.